Lotus Elan Central

I'm at the moment in talks with a few companies to see if we can get a run on the seals which are on the windows/roof.
I have a brand new set of all seals, ie falling pillar, intermediate, a pillar seals and front top windscreen seal, They are not for sale, I'm hoping I can use them as templates if any companies will make them. If this is possible I'll update as I know. Hopefully they will be able to make them using epdm rubber. Fingers crossed. Hopefully this is in the right section. I also mentioned to them that I'd require a run of about 20-30 sets. Just a number I pulled out of the hat.

This is something that I'd be interested in. Why not start a list (whilst being aware of the inherent issues that flow from offering to provide such a service)?

Regards

John

This is something that I'd be interested in. Put me down for Windows top seals
cheers

I'd certainly be interested but I remember a conversation I had with Steve at SJ's when he was looking at getting some rubber seals made. The companies wanted orders in km not metres. I'm ever hopeful though that new technologies will make it possible to produce odd shapes in small numbers at a reasonable price and with technology moving forward all the time its worth investigating this every couple of years.
I hope you are successful. Would it be worth getting the seals 3D scanned whilst they are new and unused.
Andy

Artaban wrote:Would it be worth getting the seals 3D scanned whilst they are new and unused.
Andy

And if so is this something we could fund from the Kitty? Be nice to do the door seals as well.

Not wanting to piss on anyone's parade but are you sure you will not infringe any copyrights etc? Might be worth checking before you go too far...

I'm not sure that such parts would be protected by copyright, not really "original" but with a shape imposed by the function.

Now, what would be the prejudice for Lotus, as they no longer make and sell it?

Lotus have passed on the rights and authority to FGS as part of their ongoing continuation program. Also, with Jamie still providing his replacement seals, it will be an uphill battle finding enough buyers to cover the cost of the molds, much less the minimum quantity the manufacturer will require.

Wayne started making the "out of production" seals and had already paid for the falling pillar molds and had some test samples in hand when Jamie started offering his modified design project. Wayne wrote off over $10K and cancelled the Intermediate mold development before it cost too much more. He was going to offer the outer 1/3 sections (left & right) of the header seal, the "knob" section plus about 1/2 meter of the door seals, the Intermediate and falling pillar seals for the hood / window area and was looking at making the "knob" section plus some extra length of the stowage cover seal. It is hard to compete with salvage yard reclaims (no offense or insult intended Jamie).

We were not able to find a 3D printing method to produce the seals and the original shapes are difficult to get someone to recreate to make decent tooling.

I'd be interested in finding a supplier for the roof sections and B pillar seals for my M100. Any suggestions welcome.

Count on me too... I need all seals!!!

Desperately looking for front rail hood seal

Me too. The header seal on my M100 is knackered.

My header seal is knackered aswell. for a quick fix, I put a s**t load of silkaflex along the top of the windscreen, covered with cling film, then closed the roof tightly and left it dry for a good few days. This helps the roof tighten up to the windscreen. Has helped me out for the last 12 months. Give it a go, nice cheap temp fix.

I need loads. Got to keep the damm French rain out

hello , i'm interested too for all the seals

Hi all, I need seals too.

And me!, header seal boosted by a temp fix, but roof-window seals all knackered...

Door seals of more interest to me...

As these cars get old and parts start to fade away. We enter into restoration mode. As I see it the Seals are the one part, that goes first in availability. They are really important, not really fixable. Even if the car is famous for roof leaks, if we want to have a quality car we need them. Let me know if you want me on the list.