Damage to prongeron

[danbrown100]

I was poking around under the car for the first time and noticed that the prongeron was pretty dented (presumably people ignoring the do not jack here stickers!)

Here's a photo:

Lotus underside - small.jpg

Should I be concerned? Is there anything I need to consider doing to repair (or replace? ) it? Or just live with it...

Thanks

Dan

[Artaban]

Mine was very similar and the car drove OK so it didn't seem to upset the suspension geometry. However I did replace it for an unmarked one which I got from Apollo when I rebuilt the suspension and then had the geometry set up properly. I don't know if a bent prongeron can upset the suspension geometry but someone on here may be able to tell you. That would be my only concern.

However if its driving fine I wouldn't worry too much and just keep an eye open on ebay for another as Apollo sells ones in good condition every now and again. If you do replace it then take Mr Pinks advice and stick on labels, arrows and fluorescent paint pointing to where the jacking points are which is a bit more helpful to a mechanic than a general don't jack here sign.
Andy

[danbrown100]

Thanks Andy,

Can you tell me who Apollo are? Do they sell direct or through ebay?

Just out of interest, how big a job is replacing the Prongeron in terms of time and money?

My car drives very nicely, so it will probably stay as it is unless something changes!

Thanks

Dan

[Artaban]

He has one for sale at the moment. Anything I've bought from him has been exactly as described so if he says it isn't damaged then it won't be.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOTUS-ELAN-M1 ... SwKfVXI5Oj
I had mine blasted and powder coated before putting it on; about £35 from memory.
It simply unbolts so very straightforward. A garage could do it in 5-10mins easily.

I may be wrong but I think he gives a bit of a discount to LEC members. Worth asking.

Andy

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Apollo996 is a private UK Car breaker.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOTUS-ELAN-M1 ... 1593630184?

Shipping to the US will be dear. I have a pretty clean one (better than tho one above) for $250.00 + postage from NC, USA

I will be home from the hospital on Saturday.

[Simon_P]

Jacking only causes small local dents which are reasonably easy to knock out - That is large denting front to back. I'm guessing it drove over something - Replace.

[danbrown100]

Thanks Simon... will do!

I thought it was worth asking the opinion of LEC...

Cheers,

Dan

[Rambo]

He has one for sale at the moment. Anything I've bought from him has been exactly as described so if he says it isn't damaged then it won't be.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOTUS-ELAN-M1 ... SwKfVXI5Oj
I had mine blasted and powder coated before putting it on; about £35 from memory.
It simply unbolts so very straightforward. A garage could do it in 5-10mins easily.

I may be wrong but I think he gives a bit of a discount to LEC members. Worth asking.

Andy

I think it's 20 or 30% LEC discount ??

[Giniw]

Oo
Good to know, I didn't know that, althought I am not dure I think I ordered something from him in the past