Photo of speedo mounting area

[MiLotus]

Does anyone have a photo of the area where the bottom of the speedo mounts to the car? I am in there right now but there is no mounts anywhere..... need to know what part I need to replace.
Thank you
Matthew

[Doc Fizzix]

The speedo cable? or the speedo cluster?

[MiLotus]

The cluster. It is floating around in there not mounted to anything. That doesn't seem right...
The service manual is less than helpful on how it is supposed to be in there.
Thanks

[Doc Fizzix]

Are you trying to remove the cluster? You have to remove the two screws on the trim surrounding the speedo cluster and the knee cushion then you will see two screws under the cluster that hold it in and one nut on the top of the cluster behind the speedo its self, it is attached to a bracket. I might have a photo, I will check tonight but I also have to figure out how to post images since the new forum is different.

[Doug]

I might have a photo, I will check tonight but I also have to figure out how to post images since the new forum is different.

http://www.lotuselancentral.com/gallery/attach.htm

just so you don't have an excuse

[Doc Fizzix]

just so you don't have an excuse

Thanks, now I atualy have to do something

Ok, photo coming. I am taking the day off tomorrow so this is it! pressure is on, I need to put in the chips and take pictures

[MiLotus]

I have gotten really good at getting the knee bolster off. I even had to construct some new clips to hold the top to the dash since they were broken. I think I could do it with my eyes closed (since I can't see anything under there anyway)


Thanks again for the help!

[TheBard]

MiLotus, IF you can get to the DC area, and really can fit the steering column pad with your eyes shut, I have a fridge with fine English ales stacked inside you can help yourself to

Looks like I'll be back in the "Lotus" position again this weekend, but at least my trip to England meant I came back with spares... Pictures soon

Ian

[Doc Fizzix]

That is the way it is with the Elan, one you do one thing to the car and figure it out, you always remember it and smile in your sleep

[Doc Fizzix]

Tried to take a pic of the back of the speedo but the window really blocks the view, if you pull the top cover of you can easily see the one bracket that hols the speedo cluster on the top. Since you have the knee cushion out you should also see the two screws that hold the bottom of the speedo. If you need the pic I will up load what I have but it is very straight forward.

[MiLotus]

MiLotus, IF you can get to the DC area, and really can fit the steering column pad with your eyes shut, I have a fridge with fine English ales stacked inside you can help yourself to

Looks like I'll be back in the "Lotus" position again this weekend, but at least my trip to England meant I came back with spares... Pictures soon

Ian

I got in such a strange position that I had to get help to get out from under the dash twice.... very embrassing. Now I sit on the floor and reach into the dash with twist myself up. Works pretty well.
Sorry, Not going to be in DC anytime soon but I have a big garage and a couple of Loti to keep you company if you make it to MI.
Matthew

[Doc Fizzix]

I hate to say it but I do not bend like I use to. I learned to just remove the seat any time I have to go up under the drivers side of the dash. I know this sounds like a lot of work but I am very good at removing my seat

You will not belive how much easier life will be if you do that, no more "embrassing" moments as you call you wife to pull you out

Plus, it gives you a chance to clean under the seat

[Doug]

funny thing is I know that exact position you guys mention -- I was able to get up, but I was younger then! My back still has a sour memory of it even when I just think of it!

that's why it is so great to do the ESM chip swap by just opening the door, sitting on the ground next to the front of the door, and reaching my right arm up and onto the nuts that hold the ECU = piece of cake!

[Doc Fizzix]

Here is a better picture than what I took, shows the whole set-up:

[Dave M]

Sorry, Not going to be in DC anytime soon but I have a big garage and a couple of Loti to keep you company if you make it to MI.
Matthew

Where in Michigan are you? I'm in the Grand Rapids area, but get to the SE corner (just north of Toledo) to visit family frequently. I can help with the "under dash" Lotus position as I've been there quite a bit (had the speedo out twice now).

[Jeff]

MiLotus,

Ihave gotten really good at getting the knee bolster off. I even had to construct some new clips to hold the top to the dash since they were broken.

What kind of clips did you use and how did you fasten them to the dash? I believe 1, and possible both are broken on mine.

[MiLotus]

Sorry, Not going to be in DC anytime soon but I have a big garage and a couple of Loti to keep you company if you make it to MI.
Matthew

Where in Michigan are you? I'm in the Grand Rapids area, but get to the SE corner (just north of Toledo) to visit family frequently. I can help with the "under dash" Lotus position as I've been there quite a bit (had the speedo out twice now).

Dave, I am in Lansing. Were you at Gingerman last fall with your Elan by any chance? I remember there being a white one there...

I had the speedo out with issue, well I guess that IS the issue. The botton mounts appear to be missing. What i need to know is where the screws in the bottom mount screw into and where. Since they appear to be gone I assume I will be making my own (again)
I am getting really good at fabricating parts though
Matt

[Dave M]

Sorry, Not going to be in DC anytime soon but I have a big garage and a couple of Loti to keep you company if you make it to MI.
Matthew

Where in Michigan are you? I'm in the Grand Rapids area, but get to the SE corner (just north of Toledo) to visit family frequently. I can help with the "under dash" Lotus position as I've been there quite a bit (had the speedo out twice now).

Dave, I am in Lansing. Were you at Gingerman last fall with your Elan by any chance? I remember there being a white one there...

I was there at one point in the fall with the PCA for a two-day event. Or did you go to the "Show & Go"? With the PCA I was able to get out on track a little bit before the cooling issues got real bad. The head gasket had gone in a big way by then... The second day I drove my Scooby (in the morning rain - it was awesome!). You'll have to come to Grattan in Oct. (likely the 8th-9th) with the Detroit club (Great Lakes Lotus Limited). It is a fun event at a great track.

We're so close, let's get together sometime and chat if you'd like. I'll PM you with my info.

[MiLotus]

I was there the week before show and go with a group from Chicago. I had my Esprit out with my Dad. It was my first track day and the first lap by myself I came down the straight by the parking area and did not realize the turn was so close over the ridge. I think I got the "best save of the day" award for my sideways pass through the corner. Sure learned a lot of respect for the car that day.
Do you have a roll bar in your Elan?
Matt

[Dave M]

Yes, depending on how much speed a car carries down the straight, it is sometimes best to brake before the "rise" into turn 1!

Yes, I do have a rollbar in the Elan. I'd be pretty limited as to track days in the car if not. Most tracks either don't allow you to run at all, or have you run with the beginner groups. Though at Gingerman once with a friend in his 1957 Corvette convertible, we were honkin' pretty good without a bar in the beginner session. He was always in control, but after getting out of my car with rollbar and harnesses and into his with no bar and lap belts (!) I felt naked...