Lotus Elan Central

Hello
Have just been informed by our supplier that due to a stark increase in raw material prices (+ 30%), the cost for the rear light covers has gone up to 504,00€ per pair (5% increase). A single unit (LH/RH) would now cost 260,00€. This applies to the original "smoky" tint.
Like everything else prices are ballooning with the Covid Pandemic

Will await your reaction prior to launching any order. The following expressed interest. I'll await their decision. Mike Beresford, Roger Love, Timothy Cooper, Steve Brannan.

Regards M100Turbofr.

Update of 15/10/2021

Request by Timothy Cooper to be added to new Group Buy.

1. Timothy Cooper 1 pair Original tint plus 1 RH unit
2.

Rear light lenses available. Await confirmation.

I need a left hand tail light. Bloke ran into the back of me.

Is this group buy still alive?

A new cover would fix most of the damage, so I’ll take whatever I can get.

Thanks

Michael
Hi
Requirements duly noted. Pls PM me or email me so that I can give you all the details.
Thanks David

hi all!

I'm Massimo from Italy, owner of an Esprit S2 and a Elan SE Turbo, unfortunately the left side taillight cover of my Elan is broken so I need a raplacement, con someone help me?

many thanks
Massimo Rivara

Massimo Hi
Thanks for your interest. As with Michael above, I'll have to check prices and delivery with our manufacturer/supplier as last activity dates back to September 2021. I'll get back to you ASAP. Usually a deposit of 120€ (Euros) is required. Prices apply to the original "smoky" tint.
Will get back to you.
David (m100turbofr)

Order status update of 23/05/2022

Request received from Michael (Australia) and Massimo (Italy).

1. Michael 1 LH unit original tint
2. Massimo 1 LH unit original tint

Articles available. Price of September 2021 maintained till August 2022 i.e. 504,00 € per pair and 260,00€ for a single unit (LH/RH) in original tint. LH rear light lenses currently available, so please confirm your order. Will revert back re shipment costs. A deposit of 120,00€ required, preferably via Paypal (Friends & Family option).
Massimo please get in touch with me either via LEC or my email.
David

If this group buy is still open I need a clear cover for a Right hand tail lamp

John Stice

Johnstice wrote:If this group buy is still open I need a clear cover for a Right hand tail lamp

John Stice

as far as im aware. the company who produced them gone banckrupt about 6 months ago

Tuga2112 wrote: as far as im aware. the company who produced them gone banckrupt about 6 months ago

Do you know if there are any "blueprints" for lack of a better term for the covers that this business was using? In my line of work both thermoforming and injection molding are used extensively and I'm trying to have a go at getting new covers made

Relevance wrote:

Tuga2112 wrote: as far as im aware. the company who produced them gone banckrupt about 6 months ago

Do you know if there are any "blueprints" for lack of a better term for the covers that this business was using? In my line of work both thermoforming and injection molding are used extensively and I'm trying to have a go at getting new covers made

i think they are owned by the company who closed.

i suspect the shape is not hard to produce. the issue was the legal part of it. there are stamps on the covers which are indicative of passing tests for some legal regulatory requirements which are legally required for lights.

the MOT tests in the UK never check them. but technically speaking you would be driving a car that is illegally on the road because the lights dont conform with regulations... which is likely to become an issue the moment your insurance wants to cop out of their duties.

Lotus bits posted on FB, that they were working on a new option for the rear lights, looked to be using round Elise/Evora lights. But do not look quite right, IMHO.
Here? https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=29 ... 9729255791

Hi. Just to confirm Phenix Retro Concept - supplier of the rear light covers and front indicator lenses - is no longer trading here in France and therefore cannot honour any more orders. Apologies for any inconvenience but thanks to all LEC members who took advantage of this offer at the time. A new supply source will consequently have to be found.
David

M100TURBOFR wrote:Hi. Just to confirm Phenix Retro Concept - supplier of the rear light covers and front indicator lenses - is no longer trading here in France and therefore cannot honour any more orders. Apologies for any inconvenience but thanks to all LEC members who took advantage of this offer at the time. A new supply source will consequently have to be found.
David

David, do you have any information about how Phenix was making the rear light covers? I am in the US and the stamp issue Joao mentioned is not an issue here. I have spoken with a few plastics manufactures that may be able to continue to create them.

Jake Hi
In reply to your query,I reconfirm information given to potential buyers:

Production process
Anti-UV treated polyurethane-based resin providing superior resistance to external exposure (ultraviolet, moisture, temperature) compared to metallic mould injected polycarbonates. The latter manufacturing process (metallic mould) is extremely expensive and amortization is impossible on small/medium quantity series. A vacuum casting method, more suited for the small quantities envisaged, has therefore been adopted.

Markings: SE11 RE11 FE11 E11 etc, etc… Although mandatory – here in France in any case (and doubtless in the UK) – this aspect is never controlled/inspected during the MOT. Reference is made to it on the control sheets but it does not fall under any of the stipulated controls.
Nevertheless, the proposed parts will naturally bear all of the mandatory markings except that of the initial manufacturer (compliance with legislation, copyright or other).

David

Thank you for the info!

to your point, I had reached out to a injection molding (metallic mould) company a few months ago who quoted $50,000 for the mould.

given your information I have submitted quotes to a few vacuum casting services in the meantime. Do you (or does anyone) have or know if there is a CAD file that exists for the covers? All of the potential manufacturers that I've seen require one

your better off just making the molds yourself out of wood and getting vacum formed clear plexiglass around them.

Ive thought about the process and i suspect it would require a mold made or multiple piece because the last part of te glass folds back on itself. you would probably end up with something not exactly the same as original but having minor ridges where the different bulb sections transition would probabyle look perfectly fine aestetically.

theres videos on youtube abvoubt vacum forming and from all that i have looked in the past it looks perfectly possible to do in the backyard shed.

a mixture of the legal side of things as well as the fact i havent had the need for them is the main reason i never tackled the task really.

Tuga2112 wrote:your better off just making the molds yourself out of wood and getting vacum formed clear plexiglass around them.

Tuga2112 wrote:theres videos on youtube abvoubt vacum forming and from all that i have looked in the past it looks perfectly possible to do in the backyard shed.

You are vastly overestimating my ability my friend! Lacking both a shed and woodworking tools my best bet at the moment is to look around and see if I can have one made

Relevance wrote:

Tuga2112 wrote:your better off just making the molds yourself out of wood and getting vacum formed clear plexiglass around them.

Tuga2112 wrote:theres videos on youtube abvoubt vacum forming and from all that i have looked in the past it looks perfectly possible to do in the backyard shed.

You are vastly overestimating my ability my friend! Lacking both a shed and woodworking tools my best bet at the moment is to look around and see if I can have one made

10 years ago i didnt know the difference between a spanner and a hammer. fair few in this forum know and will remember. with the right mindset anyone can do it.

shame i lost a large portion of my early days pictures.

I suspect one day I will be posting here saying the same, but for now I am very limited by space (not for long!) in the mean time, I found a supplier who no doubt can make new covers but can’t advise on cost without a 3D file. Off to go see if I can find one or have one made now!