Rear number plate cover

[AndyV]

Yes folks, I wanna go back in time.  Richard, you'll like this one.  It keeps the true spirit of the Elan intact <br><br>I've always thought the lines along the rear of our beloved cars looked much cleaner when Lotus fitted the perspex sheet over the rear number plate.  I know they fogged up, and yes, the official line from Lotus HQ was that they changed the design to bring the Elan in line with the rest of the product range (like what? the Esprit???).  But anyway, personal preference I guess, so I'm converting the 1992 Elan into a pre-change model.<br><br>I've purchased the perspex cover (in the Lotus sale) but now need the plastic trim with the correct fixing points.  Anyone know where I can source one of these cheap? I don't know quite how the old design all fits together.  So... any ideas?  Who's got a G-reg (1990/early 1991) out there?  c'mon don't be shy.<br><br>AndyV

[rod]

I'm with you on this one Andy.<br><br>I finally tracked down a plinth ( thanks to a generous Elan owner ).<br><br>Going to clean it up and source a new perspex cover and fit it.<br><br>The previous owner of the plinth mentioned that when I remove mine, will have to paint the area black,  and drill a couple of holes into boot area for ventilation.<br><br>I also expect to be changing for a metal rear number plate - so if anyone knows a source for one of these I would be interested.<br><br>

[AndyV]

Nice one Rod.<br><br>When I removed the existing 'new' plinth, I did notice that it had rubbed on the paintwork so there is a bit of a repair job to do.  Behind it however, it's already black so I'm not sure if I need to do any painting.  When I put the perspex cover across, it looks like the old-style plinth has more plastic, i.e. the 'hole' is smaller, because the cover doesn't even reach the top/bottom properly on the new-style plinth.<br><br>Still, anyone know even the part number of this old style plinth, and whether Lotus may still have any?<br><br>AndyV

[Elanbloke]

Andy, I doubt you will get one from Lotus as the new plinth is listed as the replacement. I would try Douglas Valley scrap yard.

[Monty]

Andy,<br><br>I would of swaped my my Black plastic Trim but u`r to far from me!  <br>I took of the clear perspex as it was cracked and steamed up.  ;D<br><br>Was wondering would i have to change/alter the Number plate lights? or does the new plinth fit over the lights!<br><br>Oh by the way there easy to take off, theres screws at the top of the plinth and screws on the inside of the  boot behinde the carpet holding the bottom of the plinth, the perspex is fixed in place with double sided tape/foam!

[Nick R]

My perspex cover is looking tatty ..where is the best place to get a new one...I need a rear light (LHS) perspex cover too..any ideas?<br><br>Thanks

[clemo]

£15 south west lotus center,<br>tinhay ind est,<br>lifton,<br>devon<br>pl16 oah...<br>01566 784152  <br>www.lotuscentre.com<br><br>good luck<br>clemo

[John_W]

[quote author=clemof1 link=board=body;num=1081197656;start=0#6 date=04/30/04 at 02:18:02]<br>www.lotuscentre.com<br>[/quote]<br>minor typo:<br>www.thelotuscentre.com<br><br>They had stacks at Donington.<br>John

[Nick R]

Thats really great info..15 quid is nothing...im on the phone when they open.<br><br>Cheers again,<br>Nick

[muley]

AndyV,<br><br>I have bought a new perspex cover for my G plater, I was told at Donington that the best way to fix it on was by using Silkaflex (sp?) I haven't found any yet, but when I do I'll stick it on.<br><br>Jim B a.k.a. muley<br><br>BTW I paid 20 quid for mine at Stoneleigh - b*gg*r

[Elanbloke]

Sikaflex probably would do the job effectively but it is v. expensive (like £13.95 + VAT & carriage from www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk) and v. messy to use. Reckon I would try a role or two of that double sided black trim fixing tape from Halfrauds first.

[Francois Gordon]

I'm also keen on putting the perspex plate on my Elan back numberplate when I get back to Blighty from Africa, and I guess I'll be trying the breakers for the plinth (I have the plate). But the way I heard it was that Lotus was asked by the Dept of Transport to take the plate off cos it tended to reflect the flash when you went past a speed camera, preventing the police from reading the number-plate (this has nothing to do with me wanting to fit one, of course !). Can anyone confirm/deny and has anyone had any problems passing an MoT with a perspex plate fitted ?<br><br>Francois

[FrancoisG]

Andy<br><br>I'd be interested to know if you've fitted the plate yet: I want to do exactly the same thing myself and also have the plate but not the black plastic panel it bonds onto: I've been looking for one of those as best I can from Africa (where I am working until July) but no joy yet. See also my comments as a guest on the thread about why Lotus dropped the panel and the possible practical benefits of putting it back !<br><br>Francois G

[Sy V]

Francois<br><br>The anti-Gatso properies of the cover are, as far as I know, urban myth.  But worth keeping as a conversation piece when talking to less fortunate non-Elan owners. I have a complete old style (covered) number plate assembly.  Tell me what parts you need and I'll get a price for you, strip them and keep them for your July repatriation.<br><br>Sy

[FrancoisG]

Sy<br><br>Ah well, as you say, it's a good story to make non-Elan owners even more jealous ! <br><br>The only bits I have are the actual perspex plate, which I bought not knowing that it wouldn't fit unless you had the right number plate mounting, and the gasket which goes between the number plate mounting and the body. So I'm very grateful for the offer and basically I'd be keen to buy everything else. Indeed, if the perspex plate is in fair-to-good condition I'd buy that too, on the basis that it's always nice to have a few spares on the garage shelves...<br><br>Now we come to the coincidence bit. Here I am in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire until end July BUT I am flying home for the wedding of my wife's nephew on 19 June in Streetley. Timing is a bit tight: I get into H/row v early on 18 June and leave mid-day on 21 June. Is there any chance of meeting up in Bromsgrove on the morning of 19 June, or perhaps a pub lunch on the 20th ? If not, no big deal: as you will have gathered, my wife comes from Birmingham: we are fairly regular visitors to that part of the world and I'll be out of here end July.<br><br>best regards and hope to see you in June<br><br>Francois Gordon<br>

[Sy V]

Francois<br><br>I see that we're talking about a Saturday or Sunday...there's every chance (unless my wife has plans for me) that I'll be able to meet you on one of those days.  Weekends are the only days of the week that I actually spend in Bromsgrove.  If you know where Paul matty's is, I'm about a mile North on the A38.

[FrancoisG]

16 May<br><br>Sy<br><br>Well, I think I really should spend most of Saturday at the wedding and the subsequent family knees-up, but Sunday looks good. I know where Paul Mattys establishment is (had him do some work on the Elan for me some years ago, and I must say that although it wasn't cheap he knows his stuff) andSunday looks good. What about sending a UK phone no to my private e-mail address - M100Francois@aol.com - and I'll call you to fix something up ?<br><br>regards<br><br>Francois G