Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I've replaced the aluminium trim (or should that be aluminum) at the rear of the cockpit of my Elan S2. I cut a wooden template to help form it to the shape.

The new aluminium section is from Woolies (in the UK). It's listed in their 'fittings/metal strips/aluminium sections/cope moulding' https://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/product/ ... e-moulding
There's an image below that compares the new and old sections; not perfect but very close.




Paul

looks very slick, well done!

Paul,

Nicolas is right. Very nice work.

Although I'm building a GTS car from essentially scratch and these tiny details are very interesting as they help to understand what is potentially missing...as well as how to solve the problems!

I noted the little black bracket parts (no idea what they are called) at the top of the door from one of the last videos and again, I would not have guessed that these existed!

Anorak question: are the damper cover grommets meant to be black...or grey (I have just bought some grey ones...).

Andrew

Frogelan wrote:
Anorak question: are the damper cover grommets meant to be black...or grey (I have just bought some grey ones...).

Andrew

Andrew,
The grommets on my car were on it when I got it (30 years ago). I hadn't realised that grey might be the correct colour or an alternative. I've checked the original parts manual but can't find a colour mentioned. There seems to be dark coloured grommets on some early black and white images (not conclusive).

Does anyone know what's correct?

Paul

This picture (from the Type 26 register) purports to be a wholly original S1: http://www.type26register.com/images/De ... %20071.jpg

I also have the same colour grey, but I can't confirm that they are original.

Paddy

Very nice work!

Out of curiosity do you happen to know what fittings hold these on on the backside of the bolts? Ie what do the bolts that hold this on screw into?

Kpas wrote:Very nice work!

Out of curiosity do you happen to know what fittings hold these on on the backside of the bolts? Ie what do the bolts that hold this on screw into?

Yes, they screw into a rubber expanding fixing. The original parts list calls them 'Rawlnut 4BA'. The original ones I had were either broken or not very rubbery. I searched online for Rawlnut and found lots of metric equivalents. I ended up using M4 size because the outer diameter was the same as the original ones so they fitted in the holes i the bodywork. The M4 screws (countersunk pozi head) have a slightly larger head then the original 4BA. Pictures of the old and new below (new are much longer and need longer screws but still fit OK).



Paul

Paul,

According to SJ Sportscars (no affiliation) the S1 / S2 grommets were grey and S3/S4 were black. Needless to say they sell both!

https://www.sjsportscars.com/parts-and- ... 6B0006.htm

Does the aluminium trim have a secondary function to hold the elephant hide in place for example?

The exposed bolts that are shown on the inner boot panel bulkhead, what are those for ?

Thank you Paul, that's one mystery solved.

PaulH wrote:

Kpas wrote:Very nice work!

Out of curiosity do you happen to know what fittings hold these on on the backside of the bolts? Ie what do the bolts that hold this on screw into?

Yes, they screw into a rubber expanding fixing. The original parts list calls them 'Rawlnut 4BA'. The original ones I had were either broken or not very rubbery. I searched online for Rawlnut and found lots of metric equivalents. I ended up using M4 size because the outer diameter was the same as the original ones so they fitted in the holes i the bodywork. The M4 screws (countersunk pozi head) have a slightly larger head then the original 4BA. Pictures of the old and new below (new are much longer and need longer screws but still fit OK).

aluminium section fixings original.JPG

aluminium section fixings new.JPG

Paul

Hi Paul - excellent work! Can you share where you sourced the "Rawlnut 4BA" like replacements? Also, what was your source for the foam pad which supports the doors from swinging too far open. Thank you.

Frogelan wrote:Paul,

According to SJ Sportscars (no affiliation) the S1 / S2 grommets were grey and S3/S4 were black. Needless to say they sell both!

https://www.sjsportscars.com/parts-and- ... 6B0006.htm

Does the aluminium trim have a secondary function to hold the elephant hide in place for example?

The exposed bolts that are shown on the inner boot panel bulkhead, what are those for ?

Thanks for the information about the grommets.

The aluminium trim appears to be there just to tidy up the top edge of the elephant hide. The elephant hide is glued in place and doesn't need the trim to hold it.

Regarding the bolts: Those are the bolts that fix the body to the chassis. I'm planning to use them to mount seat belts which is why they are not hidden.

Thanks Paul, useful replies.

Andrew

1963 S1 wrote:

PaulH wrote:

Kpas wrote:Very nice work!

Out of curiosity do you happen to know what fittings hold these on on the backside of the bolts? Ie what do the bolts that hold this on screw into?

Yes, they screw into a rubber expanding fixing. The original parts list calls them 'Rawlnut 4BA'. The original ones I had were either broken or not very rubbery. I searched online for Rawlnut and found lots of metric equivalents. I ended up using M4 size because the outer diameter was the same as the original ones so they fitted in the holes i the bodywork. The M4 screws (countersunk pozi head) have a slightly larger head then the original 4BA. Pictures of the old and new below (new are much longer and need longer screws but still fit OK).

aluminium section fixings original.JPG

aluminium section fixings new.JPG

Paul

Hi Paul - excellent work! Can you share where you sourced the "Rawlnut 4BA" like replacements? Also, what was your source for the foam pad which supports the doors from swinging too far open. Thank you.

I got the expanding rubber Rawlnuts from ebay. Search for "Rubber Well Nuts Expanding Nut Cavity Wall Fixings Fairing Wellnut" and you'll find them. I've looked back and can't find the exact seller but there are plenty to choose from.

I made the foam pads. I have some 1" thick foam I purchased from Woolies and glued two layers of this to make it 2". The dimensions of the original foam pads I had on the car were 14" x 2" x 1 1/2".

Paul

Any decent hardware store should have a selection of "Rawlnuts". My "Ace" has them.

Kurt

When you purchase a set or S1 / S2 Door Arm Rest Covers from Famous Frank's (Ph 678-596-1207) new Well Nuts (Rawl Nuts) are included.

If you need some Well Nuts, contact me.

Thanks,
Frank