CHASSIS Nr. another try:

[el-saturn]

i posted this without the picture, so here it is again AND i'd just like to know if this is the common way they "inscribed" the chassis numbers?? cheers sandy - engine out: not the first time, needs also a new r. bearing

[trw99]

Looks genuine. These photos have been shown on here before.

Tim

[el-saturn]

the ally tags are also hand inscribed and show lots of patina!! thanks sandy

[elanfan1]

Why does the chassis top rail appear so bent out of shape? If for exhaust clearance is that as 'weakening' as removing a piece?

[el-saturn]

it in theory would make the chassis stiffer, as we turned a sheet into a L-profli: it's there to remove the dry sump pump!! sandy - + PS: is the engraved/stamped area common/normal??

[Grizzly]

If it's an original chassis yes they all had that stamp. Thing is so many chassis have been replaced it's getting rare to see.

Plus i don't think the numbers were recorded at the factory, so unlike most cars that replacing a chassis is Bad!! a Lotus doesn't seem to make any difference (in fact in allot of cases could be a benefit).

[el-saturn]

here's some more information - 36 / 4982 could've also been a 26 as far as i know. this car came exactly this way to the first owner in 1965 - i bought it off of the garage who serviced this at the time red racing elan. the chassis had no corrosion and it will never need a replacement - maybe one of the last authentic and verifiable chassis: enjoy the patina sandy

[Mr.Gale]

On my 64' S1 it's stamped top of the frame just across from the exhaust.

Mr.Gale

[el-saturn]

numbers on the frame sure look like mine - can u add the aluminum plaque please sandy

[denicholls2]

Plus i don't think the numbers were recorded at the factory, so unlike most cars that replacing a chassis is Bad!! a Lotus doesn't seem to make any difference (in fact in allot of cases could be a benefit).

A double-edged sword, methinks. If there are other questions of provenance (engine doesn't match VIN plate, ViN plate looks like a replacement) this information is very useful in establishing the car is not stolen/manufactured on an older VIN.

I'd certainly recommend for a chassis replacement that you cut out this section of the original and keep it for provenance. Might save a headache later, might establish higher value than otherwise. Just a thought.

[el-saturn]

if you're talking about my car dennis, then all i can say is: as long as i can get in and out i won't need a new chassis, as this is besides the zinc coating and the safety devices cage as delivered to switzerland in 65 and i wouldn't dare to change anything.even my cars documentation shares all of these original numbers: who still has his original engine, i mean block!!!????? the only part i dont keep on the car is the original nose badge (500? or so) sandy

[pharriso]

I'd certainly recommend for a chassis replacement that you cut out this section of the original and keep it for provenance. Might save a headache later, might establish higher value than otherwise. Just a thought.

Funny, I was thinking over the weekend to cut out the chassis stamp of my rusted chassis & rivet it in the same spot on the new one when I replace my chassis.

[el-saturn]

tim's picture shows a 26 with a number very very close to my 36 which confirms: 4982 got missing or was lost for a while and it turned into a 36! sandy 36 4982

[trw99]

Sandy, I think you are getting confused, if I may say so.

The 26 was built alongside the 36 and Unit numbers were sequential regardless of the roof configuration. So the cars with units either side of yours may be 26 or 36 types, there was no logical or sequential numbering.

Tim

[Grizzly]

Plus i don't think the numbers were recorded at the factory, so unlike most cars that replacing a chassis is Bad!! a Lotus doesn't seem to make any difference (in fact in allot of cases could be a benefit).

A double-edged sword, methinks. If there are other questions of provenance (engine doesn't match VIN plate, ViN plate looks like a replacement) this information is very useful in establishing the car is not stolen/manufactured on an older VIN.

I'd certainly recommend for a chassis replacement that you cut out this section of the original and keep it for provenance. Might save a headache later, might establish higher value than otherwise. Just a thought.

There is an amount of Sarcasm in my reply (if you notice the Chassis number is the same as the body number). I will always keep a standard chassis if possible, i agree that it is easy to replicate in a new chassis (only a stamped number after all) but i'm a advocate for keeping a car original and a Chassis is a big portion of the car to be replacing.

Thats just my opinion before i get jumped on again for my view.