No longer a convertible

[mitreklov]

Can anyone help me with this one.

This past weekend the sun finally showed it's face and I took the opportunity to wash the Elan. After washing the car I thought I'd drop the roof and go for a spin and that's when i found that the handle and cable release for the roof stowage lid had seized solid and the lid wasn't going open anytime soon. I suspect the dampness from the near constant rain dripping down the inside of the driver's door jam has seeped in and rusted the plunger or cable or both.

So I just need some advise on how to get to the back of the release handle so I can disassemble it to free it. I recently had the B pillar internal trim off and I know there is no access behind there so perhaps via the battery compartment? Is there a wheel arch liner fitted to the rear arches like the front, maybe access there?

Any input or suggestions would be appreciated before I start dismantling bits of my car.

Thank you.

Tim

[Brit-Car-Nut]

The cable runs thru the rear 1/4 panel (behind all of the trim) and across the upper lip of the diaphram panel. You only need yo "feel" around the area just behind the drivers seat (you are a RHD car) and if you can "snag" the cable, pulling it (the whole cable) you will trigger the release on both latches.

Basically, reach behind the diaphram and "find" the cable and pull away from the center and the latches should release.

diaphram.jpg

diaphram2.jpg

[mitreklov]

Great stuff John thanks for the prompt reply and pictures.

It looks like the first job will be to release the stowage lid by locating the cable and giving it a tug then strip out the carpet and black plastic trim around the battery a to gain access to the back of the door jam to get at the back of the handle.

Thanks again.

Tim

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Sounds like a plan.

The cable part number is C100B0605F. It is still available from Lotus for £15.26+VAT

[cliff]

Not sure how far you have got with this, I just had a similar problem.

To open the lid, mark the position of the lid catches, then remove the bolts that hold them on , you can then open the lid.

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Strip out the plastic and carpet in the hood stowage, this lets you see the cable run.

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Each lock bracket is held in by 4 10mm bolts. The bottom 2 have to be accessed through a small hole behind the bulkhead carpet, this is fiddly with the carpet in place but a 1/4 drive ratchet handle and 10mm socket will reach, 10mm for the nut on the other side.

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Carefully pull the bracket away from the bolts, keeping the 2 difficult ones in place. This gives you access to the cable.

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I found the cable was seized in the centre cable run but after a bit of persuasion, it came out. 8mm & 10mm spanners for the cable clamps.

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After cleaning & lubrication, back together, bit of adjustment, all working fine now. A convertible once again.

[mitreklov]

Cliff that's really helpful thanks. If it stops raining this weekend I know what I'll be busy with.

Thanks again.

[mitreklov]

All sorted now, thanks all for your help and advise.