Boot (Trunk) Shut Lines

Post by: **trw99** » Tue Oct 15, 2024 9:54 pm

Over the years I have noticed that, certainly in the case of S4s and Sprints, the boot (trunk) shut lines are uneven. It seems that the left hand shut line as you look at the boot lid is wider than the right hand one. See mine in the photo.

The workshop manual indicates that the boot lid is non-adjustable. I am happy living with it and have no wish to start mucking about trying to make it perfect.

Anyone else noticed this?

Tim

Post by: **mark030358** » Tue Oct 15, 2024 10:12 pm

Hi Tim,
They are all like that sir, unless fettled during paint/restoration. At least all the ones I have seen.

Cheers
Mark

Post by: **ericbushby** » Tue Oct 15, 2024 10:44 pm

Hi Tim,
My S3 is like that also, but worse. It has been possible to improve it quite a lot by slackening and adjusting the hinges, but soon after it goes back again to where it wants to be.
Eric in Burnley
!967 S3SE DHC

Post by: **trw99** » Wed Oct 16, 2024 7:55 am

[quote="mark030358"]Hi Tim,
They are all like that sir, unless fettled during paint/restoration. At least all the ones I have seen.

Cheers
Mark[/quote]

Yep, that's my point, Mark, they all seem to be the same!

Tim

Post by: **Lotusian** » Wed Oct 16, 2024 12:20 pm

Yes, my Sprint was like that too.
My Plus 2 was just the opposite though, actually touching on the left and wide gap on the right.
Both now “fettled”.

Post by: **pharriso** » Wed Oct 16, 2024 12:50 pm

Issues like this (& particularly the door fit) really upset me. I have worked in the Auto Industry for 44 years & there is no way cars should have been sold with this quality level. Remember that the Elan sold at a similar price point to the E-Type & 911.

It would have required minimal expense to adjust tools (or in the case of doors a new mold) so that parts fit well. A perfect example of Lotus not caring about quality.

Post by: **englishmaninwales** » Wed Oct 16, 2024 1:33 pm

pharriso wrote:Issues like this (& particularly the door fit) really upset me. I have worked in the Auto Industry for 44 years & there is no way cars should have been sold with this quality level. Remember that the Elan sold at a similar price point to the E-Type & 911.

It would have required minimal expense to adjust tools (or in the case of doors a new mold) so that parts fit well. A perfect example of Lotus not caring about quality.

New door moulds? A cost I suspect Chapman simply would not entertain! The car sold and I believe it was a profitable car, despite everything being done on a shoestring.
Malcolm

Post by: **Sadbrewer** » Wed Oct 16, 2024 6:35 pm

In the 1960's motor industry where bodies dropped off nearly all cars with rust in a very short few years this is just a minor irritation...wouldn't give it a second thought.