Lotus Elan Central

by **paulrwebster** » Thu 20.12.2007, 20:44

I scraped the ice off the car this morning and set off to work, stopping for some petrol on the way. The cable that opens the fuel filler flap was frozen solid and would not budge. I had to take the car home and make other arrangements. Does anyone know a sneaky way of getting this flap open - I got away with it this time as I was close to home, however it would be nice to have a backup plan should it happen again.

by **RayD** » Thu 20.12.2007, 22:07

I’ve just had a look at mine Paul, When it’s closed you can see the latch from the outside and while I didn’t try it, it looks a good contender for being operated by a credit card, a coin or a small screwdriver.

Edit: I've since been out to try it - a credit card works a treat - it's easier than pulling the cable :wink:

Ray

by **GeoffSmith** » Thu 20.12.2007, 23:21

One credit card is too flexible. Two credit cards works a treat.

by **dapinky** » Thu 20.12.2007, 23:30

2 points on this one......

1) If you lift the hood stowage cover and remove the left side plastic cover (about 6 screws) you can get at the mechanism and just put a bit of a pull on the cable to open the flap.

2) even better, whilst you have it all open, put in an electric servo and wire it in!
I have mine working from a push button (same as the one i have for the boot release) in the centre console.

The way this project started was when my passenger moaned about having to open the door in the cold just because i wanted to put fuel in!!!

by **RayD** » Thu 20.12.2007, 23:36

geoffsmith wrote:One credit card is too flexible. Two credit cards works a treat.

You’ve been out to try it then Geoff? Elan owners all over the world will be outside as we speak, buggering about with their fuel flaps. ;-)

Ray

by **GeoffSmith** » Fri 21.12.2007, 00:42

Ha! Didn't see your edit Ray. Yes I was out in the garage so gave it a try; got to agree with you, it's easier then than opening the door and it's lighter than a servo. :lol:

by **Paul.P** » Fri 21.12.2007, 08:31

dapinky wrote:The way this project started was when my passenger moaned about having to open the door in the cold just because i wanted to put fuel in!!!

That passenger wouldn't be Angie by any chance Dave :wink:

by **GeoffSmith** » Fri 21.12.2007, 08:53

dapinky wrote:The way this project started was when my passenger moaned about having to open the door in the cold just because i wanted to put fuel in!!!

But what difference does opening the door have when the hood's down? :smt017

Or are you admitting to being a bit of a wimp? :wink:

by **rip** » Fri 21.12.2007, 09:21

geoffsmith wrote:
dapinky wrote:The way this project started was when my passenger moaned about having to open the door in the cold just because i wanted to put fuel in!!!

But what difference does opening the door have when the hood's down? Or are you admitting to being a bit of a wimp?

by **DaveT** » Fri 21.12.2007, 09:25

Solution:
When you know the car need filling up make her drive to the petrol station and then she'll have to get out into the cold as well.

If shes as good as Raina at driving that wont be a problem- sorry Joss couldnt resist that :-D

by **rip** » Fri 21.12.2007, 10:59

DaveT wrote:8)

Solution:
When you know the car need filling up make her drive to the petrol station and then she'll have to get out into the cold as well.

If shes as good as Raina at driving that wont be a problem- sorry Joss couldnt resist that

At the speed Raina drives, you would be bloody cold

by **dapinky** » Fri 21.12.2007, 11:50

Paul - Yes the passenger was Angie.

Geoff - Yes the hood was up.

No, I ain't a wimp, but at your age you've probably got memory loss and have forgotten what sort of Summer we just had.

Not all of us just keep 'em in the garage and polish it on a sunny Sunday - The car is meant to be a tool, not just an ornament - It's for driving.

Dave T - :smt044

If she was driving, there is no chance that she will get cold & wet. - I'd have to fill up and then go and pay!!!

Anyway, the problem comes with the use of a credit card - not everyone has one!!!!!

by **GeoffSmith** » Fri 21.12.2007, 11:55

dapinky wrote:Not all of us just keep 'em in the garage and polish it on a sunny Sunday - The car is meant to be a tool, not just an ornament - It's for driving.

You should see the clarts on mine at the minute - and the weather's not been bad enough this year for me to put the hood up. :lol:

by **dapinky** » Fri 21.12.2007, 12:01

Cold i can cope with, it's just the wet precipitation that's hard to avoid.

by **GeoffSmith** » Fri 21.12.2007, 15:19

dapinky wrote:Cold i can cope with, it's just the wet precipitation that's hard to avoid.

Just drive faster!

by **GeoffSmith** » Fri 21.12.2007, 23:17

dapinky wrote:Geoff - Not all of us just keep 'em in the garage and polish it on a sunny Sunday - The car is meant to be a tool, not just an ornament - It's for driving.

by **dapinky** » Sat 22.12.2007, 02:40

I appologise to you, sir!

It looks just like mine (except for the wheels!)

But now my hose pipe has thawed out a bit, I hope to give it the clean it has needed for the past week or so, before Sunday.

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Opening fuel filler flap

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