Chassis Help!

[nhaynes]

I had my Elan up on the ramps yesterday in preparation for a forthcoming MOT. I notice that the rear section of the chassis appears to be welded (see picture)

The rear most chassis section which attaches to the trailing end of the rear wishbone, underneath the boot is welded to the rest of the chassis. The weld looks old as both chassis sections have aged the same. Other than this, the rest of the chassis is in excellent condition for a 20 year old car.

This welding suggests to me that at some point in the car's history, it has been in a rear end shunt requiring the rear end of the chassis to be removed, replaced and welded to the front. Anyone ever seen this before? Am I correct or is this a standard bit of Lotus design??

Would appreciate anyone's thoughts or better still see if any other Elan chassis' look the same!

[Andy_J]

Looks normal to me, sure both my elans have similar welds.

Think your brake pipes may need a bit of work for the MOT though