Lotus Elan Central

The previous owner of my car removed the wire mesh rock protection from the car. It looks as if it was just glued on with silicone at the factory. I decided it would be cool to get metal that was just like the metal on the rear bumper - expanded metal - and make a grill. Well here I am, I have the metal and wasn't the one that removed the old system. So, any pointers??

Any recomendations on how to attach this.

I"ve thought about making it flush with the front, or inset like original - any opinions??

Phil Bates

Phil, from what i remember when i had mine done, 1st you need to remove the front bumper. Then you get your new mesh & mould it around the 3 apertures. Then stick it in place. Don't know exactly what they used, but it wasn't silicone, some black stuff in a tube, will make some enquiries after easter.

You DO have to remove the front bumper. There are countless aftermarket products to install, paintable with ease.

Get yourself one of those cheap Black Spur hot glue guns - you know the type? They refill with 12mm dia x 100mm sticks that you can get in packs of 12. They do the job a treat (or at least they did for me).

The black gunk would have been the same stuff as the body was bonded together with.
See the manuals for body crash repair.
You can this stuff in 2 pack gun canisters.
I can't remember whether it is exactly the same stuff as the windshield was bonded in with but it was of similar family and same supplier.
DOW chemicals.
The windscreen Stuff (BETASEAL) would work too and you may be able to get the end of a tube or 2 from a windshield replacement centre.
Surfaces need priming with the associated primer (Don't get it on the paint, Sticks tighter than a tax man to an automotive jobber.)
Anyway, hopes this helps (I also believe SIKA do a screen adhesive as well SIKAFLEX.