corrosion issues
Discussion
Just as a matter of interest have any of you Lotus Elise / Exige owners, who use their cars as all year transport, had any issues with corrosion. I am particularly refering to the aluminium chassis or the steel frame that the engine is attached to.
Edited by doggydave on Friday 13th November 19:17
Main issue has been some floorpan corrosion under oe rubber mats on some series 1 cars. This was recognised my Lotus and most cars repaired under warranty.
My car didn't have any issues on that score and other than a bit of pitting on the ali uprights I've not noticed anything else (99 S1 with 75k miles) although I'll be having a good look around when the rear clam comes off this winter.
Esprit on here found some on the rear bulkhead of his car when he stripped it and he's sorted that as per his on-going re-fresh post.
My experiences and Esprits may not, of course, be representative but I'm not aware of any real concerns in this area as yet.
My car didn't have any issues on that score and other than a bit of pitting on the ali uprights I've not noticed anything else (99 S1 with 75k miles) although I'll be having a good look around when the rear clam comes off this winter.
Esprit on here found some on the rear bulkhead of his car when he stripped it and he's sorted that as per his on-going re-fresh post.
My experiences and Esprits may not, of course, be representative but I'm not aware of any real concerns in this area as yet.
Yeah as Tipper said, these are the main issues.
If you look at my S1 Exige over-winter refresh thread in this forum, you'll see all the bits of corrosion I've had to address. Although bear in mind that mine was a 21,000 mile, fairly pampered car. Many out there are MUCH worse.
Thankfully, the corrosion areas aren't generally considered areas of major structural importance, so the odd hole here and there doesn't matter too much.
If you look at my S1 Exige over-winter refresh thread in this forum, you'll see all the bits of corrosion I've had to address. Although bear in mind that mine was a 21,000 mile, fairly pampered car. Many out there are MUCH worse.
Thankfully, the corrosion areas aren't generally considered areas of major structural importance, so the odd hole here and there doesn't matter too much.
I had the floor issue, I spotted it some years ago. I just cleaned it up and threw out the plastic mats, it hasn't looked any different or got any worse since.
Of course the original exhaust (the manifold, downpipe and backbox) rotted. The backbox after 4 years, the downpipe after 5 years and the manifold after 6 years. All replaced with stainless stuff now. The CAT lasted but I changed it anyway.
The headlamps have rusted, I'm on my second set in 7 years.
I had to replace the headlamp mounts too as they had rusted, a headlamp fell off as a result.
A lot of the fixings such as those that hold the wheel arch liners have rusted but really are only pence to change. I'll get around to it one day.
The window seal/strips on both sides look a bit rusty under the coating and again, I'll change them one day. I have heard it's a PIA so i might wait until some stainless replacments are available.
I leave my car outside all the time, use it all year round and it is 11 years old with 111000 miles on the clock so it's not a piece of garage jewellery. I'm happy.
Of course the original exhaust (the manifold, downpipe and backbox) rotted. The backbox after 4 years, the downpipe after 5 years and the manifold after 6 years. All replaced with stainless stuff now. The CAT lasted but I changed it anyway.
The headlamps have rusted, I'm on my second set in 7 years.
I had to replace the headlamp mounts too as they had rusted, a headlamp fell off as a result.
A lot of the fixings such as those that hold the wheel arch liners have rusted but really are only pence to change. I'll get around to it one day.
The window seal/strips on both sides look a bit rusty under the coating and again, I'll change them one day. I have heard it's a PIA so i might wait until some stainless replacments are available.
I leave my car outside all the time, use it all year round and it is 11 years old with 111000 miles on the clock so it's not a piece of garage jewellery. I'm happy.
Edited by oodam on Sunday 15th November 19:03
The black exterior grills on S1s go a nice brown after a few winters.
Alloy spring platforms on the S2 Bilsteins go brittle and disintegrate.
The nice yellow shine on wishbones, suspension links etc fades to dull grey, not aware of any corrosion issues here yet.
Only problem with chassis is minor electrolytic corrosion from use of stainless steel undertray fasteners.
AdrianR
Alloy spring platforms on the S2 Bilsteins go brittle and disintegrate.
The nice yellow shine on wishbones, suspension links etc fades to dull grey, not aware of any corrosion issues here yet.
Only problem with chassis is minor electrolytic corrosion from use of stainless steel undertray fasteners.
AdrianR
Wishbones can, and do, rust particularly in the webs at the outboard end. I used a wire brush on a drill to clean mine up before primimng and painting with Hammerite (POR 15 would have been a better choice).
If you use Duralec between the steel fastenings and ali it will prevent corrosion.
If you use Duralec between the steel fastenings and ali it will prevent corrosion.
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