Lotus Elan Central

I have recently acquired another project to fill in all that empty spare time that I don't have.

Its an unfinished crash rebuild of a '96 LHD Belgian S2. Normally I wouldn't consider a crashed vehicle, but this one has a new chassis, new tub, new front-end panels, even new rear wishbones. I was originally considering building it up as a track-day car but it turns out to be far too good for that so it looks like I'll have to complete the build as a road car. The previous custodian has clearly put in a huge amount of effort and money - it was almost a shame to take it off him!

Although there is not much of it assembled yet, it does seem to have almost all the parts there. The obvious items missing are the rear lights and exhaust, so I would be pleased to hear from anyone who has any to offer.

If the weather is good this weekend, I may drag it out of the garage and get some pics of it. I will keep you posted of the progress.

Simon

I believe the Esprit / Elise rear lights can be made to fit

F1 LOTUS wrote:I believe the Esprit / Elise rear lights can be made to fit

Hmmm... Now I'm torn between keeping it standard or being a bit more creative.

The lights would match the carbon diffuser nicely

F1 LOTUS wrote:The lights would match the carbon diffuser nicely

Why, Mr.B, I do believe you are trying to wind me up!
If you're not careful, I'll start ranting about space-frame chassis again

Nah...stick with the full carbon monocoque...you know it makes sense

Kuching wrote:

F1 LOTUS wrote:I believe the Esprit / Elise rear lights can be made to fit

Hmmm... Now I'm torn between keeping it standard or being a bit more creative.

Simon, you know it makes sense to make some moulds for the rear lens conversion and get some profit from it, sell enough to fund the project car -- it just makes sense . . .

Simon

I have rear lights and an exhaust.
Give me a bell.
I bet they're worth a rollbar!

Sy

I sense project CREEP

Sy V wrote:Simon

I have rear lights and an exhaust.
Give me a bell.
I bet they're worth a rollbar!

Sy

I think we may have a deal
Its an ideal time to take measurements off the chassis while its still accessible.
You may expect a phone call Sy.

Boing!

Yippee f**king Skippy!

Nice to have you back amongst the fold Simon.
Do you want me to mail you the yearbook for homologation purposes, or (as I suspect) do you have access to it?

Great to see you back Simon and with an interesting project as well.

Lad from Edinburgh rolled his Elan last Dec. Windscreen collapsed, car was resting on his head for 45 min until Fire Brigade got him out, so a roll bar is worth us all considering.

Just a word of caution though Scott.
The rollbar/cage that I have in mind is for the Flying Cat and will be MSA/FIA homologised and therefore won't necessarily be particularly pretty.

Sy V wrote:
Nice to have you back amongst the fold Simon.
Do you want me to mail you the yearbook for homologation purposes, or (as I suspect) do you have access to it?

Assuming you want to work to Appendix J - Article 253.8, I am already reasonably familiar with it. For a road version, it should be fairly simple to use the rear hoop and stays from the full cage design (and make it look pretty!!)

Also... A big thank you to everyone who wished me well during my recovery. I'm fairly well over it now - although I won't be running any marathons for a while!

Simon,

It's good to have you back & good luck with your new project.

Kuching wrote:

F1 LOTUS wrote:I believe the Esprit / Elise rear lights can be made to fit

Hmmm... Now I'm torn between keeping it standard or being a bit more creative.

I have to say that I have mixed emotions when the question of standard over customised is ever mentioned.

That said, I kinda think what would the Elan look like + what would the running gear be like if it had been made for another 10+ years.

As I can say for certain that things like the brakes would have been improved, as would some of the external styling ..... namely the rear panel & rear light 'system'. This would have almost certainly 'fell in line' with the Esprit & Elise. So to me, the rear light upgrade is a no brainer, it's also the part of the car that's starting to look it's age.

So yes please, how about a new rear end project ?

Darren.

Darren wrote: it's also the part of the car that's starting to look it's age.

Rubbish!

Bugger. Trust you. I can't compete with Costas and the Sh4rk!

Enright,

Ok, I conceed that it's not really that bad & with the clever use of refelectors, it can be 'bought in-line' with more modern styling.

That said, I still think the rear of the Elan looks exactly what it is i.e a pair of rear lights from a Renault, mated together with a number plate 'holder' and a couple of plastic 'eye brows' to 'hide' the gaps between the lights and the boot lid.

Now if you compare the Shark against the stock offering in the picture Brian dug out, the Shark looks like someones designed a panel to 'take' their choice of lights, whereas the stock offering looks like it's been made up of parts from the parts bin.

F1 LOTUS wrote:

I know Costas had a few issues getting the rear panel to fit, so it may be an idea to make it with somekind of adjustment. Which could easily be filled in after a trial fit, as lets face it, you're going to want to get it painted to match the car.

Anyways, just my views.
Darren.