Lotus Elan Central

by **PaulN** » Tue 24.01.2006, 09:30

Morning,

Well decided to take out the rear lights and see how easy it is to remove the Orange Indicator Lense last night.

All fairly simple taking the light assy out, need to be a be careful taking the clips off holding the outter cover off but no majors!

It seem all the Lenses are held in position with 4 spots of glue! The original orange indicator seems very flexible so shouldn't be too much hassle getting one off easily to use as a mould.

Also worth thinking about is all the Lenses could be removed and made clear or the whole set of lenses could be moulded into one clear. (but that seems a big job and would require a big mould).

The final thing i noticed is the outter cover is a very simple shape to mould If a little large. I know people have had problems getting hold of these.

Cheers

PaulN

by **Sy V** » Tue 24.01.2006, 09:37

I concur with your findings and would prefer the whole thing clear as opposed to just the indicators.

by **PaulN** » Tue 24.01.2006, 10:10

Sy V wrote:I concur with your findings and would prefer the whole thing clear as opposed to just the indicators.

If the option was Clear indicators at a decent price, or the whole lot probably more than the replacement assy what would you prefer?

Ie what would someone be will to spend to get a whole new clear light assy?

I think the Fronts and rear indicators are a big job as it is.

Cheers

PaulN

by **DeeAitch** » Tue 24.01.2006, 10:58

Just to throw a spanner in the works but if 'we' :wink:

are to put this much effort into the rears would it be better to get a mould of Costa's excellent rear panel? He may not be keeping the car after Donny, although I amongst a few others hope he does

by **PaulN** » Tue 24.01.2006, 11:40

Dave wrote:Just to throw a spanner in the works but if 'we' are to put this much effort into the rears would it be better to get a mould of Costa's excellent rear panel? He may not be keeping the car after Donny, although I amongst a few others hope he does

I quite like the look of the original rear, i think firstly if i could simply remove the Orange and have an exact moulded replacement that would be great, if the whole rear light could be clear but with all the right patterns moulded and with coloured bulbs even better.

This Thread is more about Plastic lense moulding rather than fibre glass.

Cheers

PaulN

by **Monty** » Tue 24.01.2006, 12:16

PaulN

Not sure what u`r trying to achieve here as the lens is already clear but would require coloured bulbs if the coloured reflectors are removed. There was one on ebay, which went for nearly £50. But doing a replacement would be good as most of the time it`s the lens what gets cracked.

When u say clear do u mean so u can see through the lens are clear as in no colour to the lens, ie as the stock ones are smoked coloured.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/lotus-elan-se-turbo-m100-left-rear-light-clear-cover_W0QQitemZ4605920864QQcategoryZ27375QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[/img]

by **PaulN** » Tue 24.01.2006, 12:49

Hi,

Im talking about taking off the outter cover as you have attached. Removing the Orange Lenses as i have shown below, and having a clear one making with all the patterns and light deflection.

Then use an orange bulb.

Yes you could take the lense out and put a new bulb in but just seeing the mirror rear and a bulb will look pretty DIY.

The company supply silver finished bulbs so in the day light you can hardly see a bulb.

Hope this highlights the aim?

The Outter Cover as you said could also be made, be it would be a fair size mould.

Cheers

PaulN

by **PaulN** » Thu 26.01.2006, 13:16

Just a quick update.

Ive sent my current front indicators off to the company, and im expecting a set of clears back middle of next week.

I will get them on then post up some photos asap.

From looking into it the current Orange ones are £30 ish per corner so the price of £65-£70 with Bulbs and P+P i think will be great.

After that we are going to look at moulding a clear rear indicator lens which can be purchased and fitted by the customer.

To replace the whole set of rear lenses is going to be too expensive at this point but if someone is willing to put their hand in the pocket and help with the tooling charges it could be done!

Anyway both the front indicators and rear replacement lenses will be for sale at the Donington show. And im sure cash discounts might be on the cards :wink:

Cheers

PaulN

by **PaulN** » Mon 30.01.2006, 10:14

Morning Everyone,

Just keeping you updated, the mould has been made and the first set will have been done at the weekend. They may even be with me tomorrow, so i will get them on the car and post some pics asap.

Once the company is happy with the Fronts they will start on the rears.

Will post a pic of the Front Indicator Prototype mould when i get the ok.

Cheers

PaulN

by **PaulN** » Tue 31.01.2006, 13:27

Afternoon all,

Right ive got a photo of the new Clear front Indicators...... made in the Great UK! They look great and the turn around was rocket fast.

They will be on my car tomorrow and i will post another photo then.

In a ideal world the orders will flood in asap, so the company see its been well worth the work!

If you want a set fast PM me and i will get the ball rolling.

We are looking at replacing the Rear Orange indicator Lense too in the next week or so. Ive been told if we can cover the tooling costs for the first prototype mould then we get a few sets of Nice shinny Clear lenses FREE!

Its £150 for the Mould material and the company will throw the labour in free too..... Anyone interested in going in halfs or threes?

Cheers

PaulN

by **TStevens** » Tue 31.01.2006, 14:29

I may just bring me some cash to donington if you have any with you for sale.... I'm very tempted.

I've had a set of clear side repeaters for 2 years now, but havnt ventured to change them yet as the originals are covered in glue at the back, but I guess Id be good and change them over at the same time.... would look nice on my car to...

Website · by **theelanman** » Tue 31.01.2006, 14:40

paul
what was the final £££££ for the clear front?????
as I too have thought about changing them to clear...and the side repeates
cheers
g

:lol:

by **Monty** » Tue 31.01.2006, 15:16

PaulN wrote:Afternoon all,

We are looking at replacing the Rear Orange indicator Lense too in the next week or so. Ive been told if we can cover the tooling costs for the first prototype mould then we get a few sets of Nice shinny Clear lenses FREE!

Its £150 for the Mould material and the company will throw the labour in free too..... Anyone interested in going in halfs or threes?

Cheers

PaulN

Paul,

If u`r replacing the rear orange indicator, think u should 1st find out if u can get a orange coloured bulb that fits the Elan socket

by **PaulN** » Tue 31.01.2006, 15:59

theelanman wrote:paul
what was the final £££££ for the clear front?????
as I too have thought about changing them to clear...and the side repeates
cheers
g

Hi,

The final price will be posted in the next few hours but its somewhere around £65-70.

There will be sets for sale at Donington, and there might be a price reduction for cash there, and or without Bulbs.

Whats the code for the rear clear indicator bulbs then, im sure theres orange ones, if not im painting mine!

Cheers

PaulN

by **Avonvilla** » Tue 31.01.2006, 20:36

PaulN wrote:We are looking at replacing the Rear Orange indicator Lense too in the next week or so. Ive been told if we can cover the tooling costs for the first prototype mould then we get a few sets of Nice shinny Clear lenses FREE!

Its £150 for the Mould material and the company will throw the labour in free too..... Anyone interested in going in halfs or threes?

Cheers

PaulN

How many sets is a few sets free ? ie how many people can split the cost ?

by **PaulN** » Tue 31.01.2006, 21:11

Evening!

Ive been talking to the company and have got the final prices.

The Indicators with Chrome coated Bulbs and Postage and Packing will be £69.95. This will need to be paid by cheque direct to the company.

Theres a chance they will pop down to Donington but cant say for sure and will likely bring a few sets and samples.

The replacement clear rear lenses will be a goer if 2 other people including myself agree to cover the £150 first batch tooling costs ie £50 each. Each of the 3 people will get a FREE set of Lenses.

This price is fixed for the first 3 sets, afterwards the company will need to see how much hassle it is to make as they are pretty large and shaped 90 degress.

Right Who wants a one off set of clear rear lenses then? PM me and the first 2 names get them.

I you want the fronts again PM me and i will get the ball rolling.

Cheers

PaulN

by **Gazza** » Tue 31.01.2006, 21:25

Paul

I'm in for a set of fronts, and me and Avonvilla will do the rears.

Cheers Gazza

by **Avonvilla** » Tue 31.01.2006, 21:27

You have PM

by **Doug** » Tue 31.01.2006, 22:41

Tony, bring a phillips screwdriver to Donny and you can nick Paul's indicator lenses off the front of his car :twisted:

by **PaulN** » Wed 01.02.2006, 09:38

Right thats that then.

Thanks Gazza and Steve, i will get the ball rolling with the rears now, it will take about a week front when they receive the Original Lenses to the new clear ones are made.

If either of you are keen and you fancy removing your lights and Lenses to send let me know as i will get on with taking mine out at the weekend.

Regarding the new fronts, if you want a set please PM me with an email address the company can contact you on.

Cheers

PaulN

Ps my fronts should be here any second now.... come on Mr Post Man.

Lotus Elan Central

Clear Front Indicators/Sidelights

Who is online