Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Does anyone offer the type 26 boot lid hinge in the original plated brass?? They were available in aluminum but I would think that brass being almost as easy to cast and work should be available.

Kurt
26/3754

Good morning Kurt,

Like this?
https://paulmattysportscars.co.uk/produ ... nge-s1-s2/
https://kelvedonlotus.co.uk/product/boot-hinges-pair/

Regards,

Thanks much.....but the Kelvedon ones say they can be polished or plated. Sounds like they may be aluminum. P Matty shows nice plated ones so I guess contacting them will be the proof. Only ali ones were available at one time I believe.

Kurt

Despite what some authorities have stated (not here) both the Type 26 boot hinges and door handles were Lotus special parts only. Anyone know why? There were plenty standard designs around at the time, though usually Mazak and not brass.

Isn't the front end of the hinge angled the way it is to retain the rear edge of the hardtop. You'd think someone else might have done the same, but perhaps making a new, unique hinge / bracket to do two functions may have outweighed using an existing part. Those hinges continued to be used in the early pre-airflow Coupes and I think, maybe into very first S3 DHC production. I am restoring a pre-airflow FHC w/ those hinges.

Roger

Can you not just have them re-plated? On my S1, I just removed the pivot pin, drilled it out a bit to fit a standard size roll pin, then had them re-plated.

bitsobrits wrote:Can you not just have them re-plated? On my S1, I just removed the pivot pin, drilled it out a bit to fit a standard size roll pin, then had them re-plated.

Yes, I did that without realising the pins were a push fit. Fortunately I knew someone who added brass and I redrilled the lot for a solid SS pin.

I think the hinge probably was designed to solve the hardtop mounting problem. S3 cars used them though I think the change to the new hinge came before the S4.

Later type hinge almost certainly original fitment on May 1967 s3

bitsobrits wrote:Can you not just have them re-plated? On my S1, I just removed the pivot pin, drilled it out a bit to fit a standard size roll pin, then had them re-plated.

That was my plan, Steve, but some how I have misplaced the good hinge....looked high and low. The other had a stud broken off in it and the PO didn't do it any good trying to extract the broken bits. If I can get it out I will have to drill and tap for a larger stud. Soooo, I'm looking at alternatives!

Kurt.
26/3754

I surely wouldn't turn down a good set from a member! Even just one.

Kurt

Well, there are times when you just have to break down and clean the shop. Found the missing one so now I just have to get the broken stud out.

Kurt