thoughts ideas on rear plinth/elise light conversion

[MattDon]

Ok so ive bought the mould from surfboardfiller and am seriously considering producing elise rear plinths, im also considering making one using different lights. At the moment im looking to produce just the plinth in gelcoat and allowing buyers to source/fit all the parts and have them painted to match their car. Also im interested in how much people think would be a fair price, I found out production cost which was a little higher than i had expected, so i might look to making them myself but ive never done anything like it before. Also if you have any thoughts or ideas for design or lights youd like to see let me know. One last question are people prepared to cut into the rear of the car to allow lights to fit?

thanks in advance.

[MattDon]

so 59 views and no comments, does this mean theres no interest or do people want a finished product, i can do that but with the painting i thought it would be better matched to each car, as for the lights and loom id have though they would be easy to source and fit.

Im just looking for thought and suggetions at the moment, im also trying to find a solution as close to origional as possible but with lights that are easy to source.

Not got the cash to take this further unless i sell a few, elise conversions.

[Jackonicko]

Personally speaking, and I suspect that I'm out of step with the majority, I'd fancy the conversion if it went straight across and didn't 'dip in' for a number plate recess, and if one could buy a bumper incorporating that recess. You could then have the L O T U S legend across the back like the Elise/Exige/Evora, which would modernise the back end a bit. To me the round lights on their own just look a bit half-hearted.

So for the existing Elise type rear light fairing, I'm sorry not to help you, but I'm out, though I've been responsible for a couple of your 'views'.

[theelanman]

Personally speaking, and I suspect that I'm out of step with the majority, I'd fancy the conversion if it went straight across and didn't 'dip in' for a number plate recess, and if one could buy a bumper incorporating that recess. You could then have the L O T U S legend across the back like the Elise/Exige/Evora, which would modernise the back end a bit. To me the round lights on their own just look a bit half-hearted.

So for the existing Elise type rear light fairing, I'm sorry not to help you, but I'm out, though I've been responsible for a couple of your 'views'.

mmm I fear this is where personal taste may take effect........
nowt personal Jon but I dont like the sound of yours one bit...but like the one surferphil did in the begining...ie..this one that matt has.......
I like matt have thought keep the shape and then see about a different light config.......but havent seen anything I like....other than the new VW passat lights..2010 model.......but again...my choice......
I wounder how easy would it be to provided a 'blank' plinth and then you can put your own lights in.....leds or otherwise

[RayD]

...I'd fancy the conversion if it went straight across and didn't 'dip in' for a number plate recess, and if one could buy a bumper incorporating that recess. You could then have the L O T U S legend across the back ...

[theelanman]

yeah thats what I thought......
nah..not for me.....youd need a new bumper and a new lot of wiring for it too......
not forgetting the argument about which style of text font to use for the lotus lettering.....

[kenich]

Iv never been too keen on the after market rear plinth tbh... Can't work out if I love it or hate it?? I love the carbon one Iv seen on a car on here, but thats only because its carbon.

[MattDon]

thanks for the input guys its much apriciated.

I wounder how easy would it be to provided a 'blank' plinth and then you can put your own lights in.....leds or otherwise

Actualy this is the next step in my deign, but i hadnt thought about selling as blanks, but modifying as requeted. (interesting)

Id love to show you guys what lights im going to fit to mine but i havnt got a picture photoshopped yet.

Jackonicko - i have thought about this and as theelanman said it mostly down to taste and the fact that i think id limit my market some what if you had to change the rear bumper if you bought a plinth, but i would eventualy like to make up more body parts and the rear bumper is my next port of call, and thats always an option.

[kenich]

I like the smooth look Could you not get away with a stick on plate on the bumper for a short while?

[MattDon]

ive been looking at the back of cars for a couple of years now, the problem is the size of the lights and now after looking its also the cut outs in the rear clam, but ignoring the last issue cars i think these are pretty close in size and a nice shape are the Leon, Ibiza (a bit small) mazda 3 (saloon) mazda 6, (not the latest gen mazda because i think the newest lights look abit too modern) 406 coupe 2001, silvia s15 (not available in this country and there might be an aquard curve) the other option is to go with the later tvr idea, which was to hide round lights behind a tinted cover.

I realy like the look of round lights at night, but im not 100% convinced round lights look right during the day an the back of the elan, obviously my taste isnt important untill i come to make my own, but i do think the leon lights are a nice solution but ive not been able to afford to get my hands on a set to check them out.

Ive also been looking at standard looking rear lights as ours are either bloody expensive or impossible to get hold of, dont know if theres the demand but civic coupe and mr-2 mk2 lights look close.

[Jackonicko]

Ray D,

Exactly. As to the Font, I'd look to use Elise letters.

I think that looks modern and gives a family resemblance with the Elise, Exige, Europa and Evora.

J

[guilio2008]

Just curious, is there any DIY articles on how to make fiberglass molds, etc...?

[theelanman]

Ray D,

Exactly. As to the Font, I'd look to use Elise letters.

I think that looks modern and gives a family resemblance with the Elise, Exige, Europa and Evora.

J

still means design a rear plinth and then redesign the bumper.....new loom, additional lights in the bumper......
just all a bit too much.........

[Jackonicko]

It wouldn't be cheap, it wouldn't be easy, and many people wouldn't like it, Gareth.

But personally speaking, I think that it would look the dog's danglies.

[theelanman]

It wouldn't be cheap, it wouldn't be easy, and many people wouldn't like it, Gareth.

But personally speaking, I think that it would look the dog's danglies.

that be why people like to make their own.....something about pleasing non of the people all of the time or all of the non of the time....or something.......
you know what I mean....

looking forward to seeing it in the flesh when youve finished it Jon
cheers
G

[Jackonicko]

If only I had the skills.....

[DavidEJM]

Just curious, is there any DIY articles on how to make fiberglass molds, etc...?

there are a couple of good books available

I also did a two day course at a boat builders in canvey island and that really got me going. since then I've built dashboards for kitcars, modified panels and designed doors for a jeep kit. all good fun and doable at home with a bit of patience.

when I find the books I'll let you have the details, till then google diy grp molding to get you going. Basically its all in the prep.

For my 2p worth, i think the elise conversions look OK but not good enough to tempt me into buying one. I think I's be tempted to redesign the bumper and then go for the full panel at the rear with some different lights.

as has been said, its all down to taste. good or otherwise

[theelanman]

If only I had the skills.....

books and practise.........

[Jackonicko]

In 49 years, I've found that it's worthwhile knowing your limitations.

Perhaps if I'd got used to being more 'hands on' when I was in my teens and twenties, I'd now be more handy.

(Though whether I'd have the time, with the necessity of earning a living, winning a major legal case, and most importantly winning back my beautiful wife, is another question).

[Nickydee]

Thought I never say this but I'm with Jacko in this one. I have always have reservations about the light conversion particularly the numberplate angle but this in my opinion is the way forward.

I don't think the wiring would be a problem - probably easier than installing the new rear lights.

In terms of the bumper that's more difficult , how about literally making a cut out with a template in the centre of the bumper which would accept a new moulding with a bumper cut out - hopefully that makes sense. Since the new moulding would be relatively small this will keep the cost down. A bit more paint but the rear panel needs painting unless you go carbon fibre anyway
The easiest thing would be to base the cut-out on another bumper - will look out for suitable suspects in the next few days.