Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I posted this on the +2 page but its probably more relevant here.

Has anyone used water slide decals for the dash words . They are for sale on Ebay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOTUS-ELAN-2S ... Sw44BYSFL7
but for +2 cars.

I have spoken to the seller who has offered to have some Elan ones made up.

just out of interest........as they're the slip/slide type.......
would you put them on then lacquer/varnish over them?.......
just think that if you don't they'd be coming off pretty quick.......

and if you did need to then how would you apply the finish without the need to take the dash out........

I would appreciate a set for my S4 Sprint FHC if he were to make them up.

I would apply them to the dash prior to final finish coat(s)

Bill

Not really thought about how to apply them, but would try without varnishing over.
The dash has been in since I re veneered it about 20 years ago and I wouldn't want to remove it or varnish over.
I suppose there's nothing to loose by fixing them and if they come off I am back to where I am now.
He charges ?10 for the +2 decals so not a lot to loose.
I would hate to go to the bother to find they looked awful and had to remove them. (or even try with one)
Bill, see what the opinions are on here first then I can contact the seller with at least 2 orders.

The listing is now gone. Too bad he doesn't post to the US. He could have sold another set or two, I'll bet.

I would be interested in a set for small Elan, if they ever come available.

wobblyweb wrote:Not really thought about how to apply them, but would try without varnishing over.

I suspect you'll find they are too fragile for this. Hobby/craft stores will be able to fix you up with the coating used to protect them on models, which I believe is a water-based poly. The only challenge with this approach is there might be a pool of slightly different appearance around the decal depending upon whether the dash poly is satin/gloss.

The best long term approach is to apply them after flattening prior to the last coat of poly. And don't put that coat on too soon after...

Oh, and Minwax here across the pond sells a wipe-on poly, which is the same stuff as their excellent brush-on product but with extra thinning. If you're careful around the switches and whatnot, you can use it as a once-over on the installed dash (use a deglosser prior to this on the existing finish.) Because this is oil-based, you'd need to confirm it doesn't dissolve the decals.