S1 - Front clam removed, now what?
Discussion
Hi All
After six years of Elise ownership , I have finally summoned up the courage to remove the front clam. This is due to the car overheating at MOT time because the cooling fan didn't cut in.
Having made sure it was the fan at fault, I have now removed the front clam (had to cut/drill just about every fixing).
Fan is ordered as are some braided brake hoses but what else should I be doing to make the most of this 'clam off' opportunity (other than replace all fixings with stainless ones)?
Cheers all
Ian
After six years of Elise ownership , I have finally summoned up the courage to remove the front clam. This is due to the car overheating at MOT time because the cooling fan didn't cut in.
Having made sure it was the fan at fault, I have now removed the front clam (had to cut/drill just about every fixing).
Fan is ordered as are some braided brake hoses but what else should I be doing to make the most of this 'clam off' opportunity (other than replace all fixings with stainless ones)?
Cheers all
Ian
Ha ha, cutting all the fixings off sounds familiar, its an arse of a job when they're a few years old!
If your Lotus badge or spot lamps need replacing nows the time, give the towing eye bar a lick of paint if its rusty, also just about everything on the front of the car will be easier to maintain while the clams off. Worth checking the radiator condition as well.
Jez
If your Lotus badge or spot lamps need replacing nows the time, give the towing eye bar a lick of paint if its rusty, also just about everything on the front of the car will be easier to maintain while the clams off. Worth checking the radiator condition as well.
Jez
Might be an idea to remove the badge and replace with the stock on S2 one. ( I think the S2 is stick on )
I recently had a front clam respray but the sprayer had real difficulties around the badge area, where I had a deep scratch. ( He removed all lamps and grilles and did an excellent job at a fraction of the price of most bodyshops ).
Of course, if you do get a respray at a shop which takes the clam off anyway, then it matters not....but we are talking quotes of £800-£1200 to do mine ( clam off and also hit-and-run parking damage ) as opposed to £300 as above.
The only bummer is this bloke is so busy he does not want more business yet!
I recently had a front clam respray but the sprayer had real difficulties around the badge area, where I had a deep scratch. ( He removed all lamps and grilles and did an excellent job at a fraction of the price of most bodyshops ).
Of course, if you do get a respray at a shop which takes the clam off anyway, then it matters not....but we are talking quotes of £800-£1200 to do mine ( clam off and also hit-and-run parking damage ) as opposed to £300 as above.
The only bummer is this bloke is so busy he does not want more business yet!
jondude said:
I recently had a front clam respray but the sprayer had real difficulties around the badge area, where I had a deep scratch. ( He removed all lamps and grilles and did an excellent job at a fraction of the price of most bodyshops )
Most drill out the S1 badge and replace with an S2 badge rather than take the clam off. Certainly worth replacing the badge, horn, radiator & fans deopending how much cash you've got spare!
Paul,
Good point. I did say this to the sprayer, but having not worked on the Lotus before, he was reluctant to do so, and I had no idea how to, either.
Do you, or anyone? I told him I thought you drilled through the middle and let the retaining bolt drop. He said he had an idea the badge was held on by two bolts, so was too risky if we didn't know 100%.
Good point. I did say this to the sprayer, but having not worked on the Lotus before, he was reluctant to do so, and I had no idea how to, either.
Do you, or anyone? I told him I thought you drilled through the middle and let the retaining bolt drop. He said he had an idea the badge was held on by two bolts, so was too risky if we didn't know 100%.
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