Rear wheel arch panel

[KK]

Hi one and all.
I need to remove the small panel at the front of the rear wheel arch to gain access to the sub frame within..
It looks like it is just glued on, the two holes with grommets do not seem to give access to any screws.
Any ideas?
I am intending to fit a rear exhaust that comes out in front of the wheel arch and need to know how much modification the frame would need
to get a 2.5 inch pipe through.
Thanks for your help
KK

[basher]

Unfortunately, if you want to get that 'panel' out then you better start cutting, it's all part of the arch.
Those plugs or holes were either for drainage or injecting something in as when I went in there was nothing behind it apart from another fibreglass inner panel.
We went in there to repair the outrigger and there is some good pictures of it in the 'what to do with Heavy Rust Around The Outriggers' section in the bodywork problems section.

When we sealed it up afterward we dispensed with the holes and grommets altogether.
I hope this helps.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

If you cut into the outer perimeter to allow anything to pass through, you stand the huge risk of undermining the tub design Lotus spent so much developing. With a backbone chassis the outer perimeter is what holds the car body together and you will be impacting that far more than you expect.

body.jpg

[KK]

Hi BCN
If the tube I pass through beam 'A' is behind the vertical struts at the very rear of the frame and welded,
it should not affect the structural strength. Do you agree?
Cheers
KK

[Brit-Car-Nut]

NOPE.

You are going to have to move the rear wheel rearward to accomplish your goal. I have two of the complete floor pan assemblies and you woukld have to go completely past the vertical posts to prevent damaging the monocoque outrigger design. Remember there is no support for the A Pillar or B Pillar from the chassis. It is the torsionial strength of the undertray assembly that keeps the doors closed and the seats parallel to the ground. Piercing any part of the bonded structure is a bad decision.

If you wanted a car with side exhaust, you probably should have bought one that was designed with it. There is no ground clearance for that mod and the exhaust that already gets damaged at speed humps will be a constant nightmare.

I would be equally concerned that the heat from the exhaust would be a major issue since creating a proper baffle to protect the fiberglass, tire and the paint will be significantly larger in diameter than just a 2.5 inch pipe.

The "in-line" silencer offered fopr the Piper Exhaust is just there to provide a reduction in the annoying drone of the exhaust at constant speed. I question if there is enough room to fit an adequate silencer that would even pass UK MOT. Again, a large silencer UNDER the floorpan assembly would be way too close to the ground and the floor area would hve the be protected from the heat of the exhaust.

You previously worried about upsetting the M100 "purists" by suggesting a string of LEDs? I am far from a purist, but I can't see any positive gain from making the M100 a "side breathing" monster. Are you related to Chip Foose? Some of his projects are also not so well engineered. (J Lenno's Europa disaster build)

[KK]

Hi John
Thanks for your comments. I understand your concerns.
Just for the record I am not trying to change the performance characteristics of the car, I am not a 55 year old boy racer, I just enjoy a good looking car and this is a little something to ease me into retirement.
My exhaust has never bottomed out and has no scuff marks to prove it. The muffler I am thinking of using is the same size as my existing one a standard stainless replacement. The muffler i am considering is a BMW one that returns the exhaust in the same direction as it entered i.e. like a U bend, pic attached. The exhaust would then( if I take the plunge) enter the last part of a lake pipe.
I have photoshoped to the best of my ability my vision pic attached. I have the hood cover panel and a spare spoiler into which I shall fit a row of red led's yep led's again, and cover both in carbon.
Looks pretty Kool says Kool Kol.
Cheers and thanks again for your comments.
KK
ps the wheels are 50mm offset, just about acceptable for a cruiser.