Front Clamshell Bolts S1

[everitj]

My Friend and I have just removed the clamshell from his S1 Elise, all was well until we tried to remove the last of the bolts, It is the one inside the door at the bottom which fixes thru the clamshell and into the sill. The Bolt would seem to go into some sort of insert in the sill but the insert is just spinning, is this fairly common and if so what is the normal procedure for rectifying this problem. We managed to get it loose enough to slide the clam out so it's now off the car, however we need to get this sorted before we re-fit. Any help with this would be appreciated. P.S Not posted here before just nipped over from the dark side (TVR forum).. Cheers

[mac4089]

hi i think you will find the nuts are bonded to the body that is why they are turning it is a poor idea from lotus, i had the same problem on the rear clam.

[everitj]

Yeah i'm sure this is what is happening, the only thing is what to do about it?? May be able to get the bolt out now the clam is off but need to secure the nut back into the sill..

[everitj]

BUMP: Has anyony got any ideas on this as i'm sure this must have happened to others when removing clam shells..

[cej]

I'd like to know as well. I was about to try and remove it on my car,but now I'm not sure I dare anymore

[p4ilip]

I realise this is an old thread but noticed that no one had answered. I had the same happen to me. I used plenty of wd40 and was able to pull the clam free as the holes are slotted. It went back on using plenty of wd40 and a firm push, I protected the painted side of the clam with a cloth/ towel and once lined up used a big rubber hammer to help with the last couple of millimetres, It seemed to have a good hold on the clamshell.

[rogersavery]

I have the same problem on mine

The plan is to drill the heads off, remove the coin trays and retrieve the non captive nut and bolt remains

Then rivnut some new Ali nuts in