just got my first elan (1968 dhc) whoopie - please help!!

[johnhjnr]

hi guys , i'm gonna be a real pain in the butt over the next few months so thanks in advance for your patience -

1. where can i buy new diaphrams for my headlamp pods, and how much each approx?

or , do any of you have any for sale - regards John 07510518159

live in essex , UK

[gjz30075]

John, welcome to the forum and Lotus ownership!

I don't believe the diaphram in the headlight pods is sold separately and one has to replace the entire pod. However, there is a writeup somewhere, where the upper and lower halves of the pod are separated with grinding and a homemade diaphram, usually made out of an inner tube, is put in, and the havles are then put back together but I can't remember how they're held together.

Greg Z
'72 Sprint.

[types26/36]

Hi John, As Greg says welcome,
In my experience its not usually the diaphragm that gives the problems, its usually the pod that has rusted away. In some cases they can be repaired by covering the vacuum part of the pod shell with fibreglass much the way the body is repaired.
This is usually if the budget will not extend to new units which I believe are about ?85 each and can be obtained from Sue Miller, Paul Matty and Chris Neil among others,
Before buying/repairing units check all pipes/connections and fittings as leaks are common.

[johnhjnr]

unless they have been "modified" my pods are in two halves, bolted together and the current diaphrams do appear to be made of inner tubes. Will call some parts companies tommorow (or cut up some inner tubes!!!!!!) once again thanks for replies - regards john

[Vanden Perre]

Hello John,
Last year I repaired on of my pod as follows.
Not knowing exactely what was wrong and seing no leak from the pod itself I decided to grind it all along the circumference in order to separate both halves. Long job which costed me several grinding disks from my small Proxxon. Once open I realised the diaphragm was torn (a cut of several centimeters). Using a patch from my bicycle tyre repair kit I repaired the diaphragm. Then I put back the two halve pods together and put some Loctite silicone all around. And the final touch for which I should apply a patent . I hold the two halves together with four small paper clips as the one on the photograph attached. Once the clips are in place you can removed the small handles put a coat of paint and the job is done. So far it works OK. If I have a problem again it takes me a few minutes to remove the paper clips and open the pod.
Olivier.

[gjz30075]

Whoops, forgot to mention, as Brian indicated, there are many areas that can leak in a headlight vacuum system. Be certain your pod needs repair before embarking on said journey. But hey, if yours has already been opened, it might be the easiest thing to check first.

Greg Z.
'72 Sprint

[1964 S1]

Hello John,
You're going to be a real pain in the butt over the next few months because?
Sincerely, Eric