OMG WHAT HAVE I DONE?? (Version 2.0)

Post by: **TonyWalker** » Sun Mar 26, 2023 3:38 pm

Well done Jon!
Really we are custodians of these cars so it is great for you to be able to bring this Elan back to life!
Let us all know how it progresses.
Cheers
Tony

Post by: **The Veg** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 2:34 pm

Welcome back Jon! Looks like a fantastic project, a nice little beauty just waiting to be brought back to glory! Can't wait to see your progress.

Post by: **Baggy2** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 7:10 pm

I wonder if there are any issues with the DVLA when changing the chassis?

Dont tell 'em Pike !

Post by: **gentry74** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 7:36 pm

Baggy2 wrote:
I wonder if there are any issues with the DVLA when changing the chassis?

Dont tell 'em Pike !

Agreed.... and per Lotus... it is a subframe...not a chassis (for this very reason)

Post by: **Elanintheforest** » Mon Mar 27, 2023 8:45 pm

It's not an issue with an LR chassis...an original Lotus replacement part. I still wouldn't mention it though just to avoid any daft questioning!

Mark

Post by: **JonB** » Tue Mar 28, 2023 7:55 am

Is the actual chassis number on the V5? Or "subframe" number? I can't recall and I've not got the documents yet. I'm assuming yes, but asking anyway. Isn't the VIN a combination of that and the unit number? Or have I got that wrong?

Post by: **Peter +2** » Tue Mar 28, 2023 8:12 am

The number embossed (using good old whatsit tape) or hand written on various panels of the body is often out of sync. The key number is on the V5 and id plate attached to the body shell.

Post by: **Spyder fan** » Tue Mar 28, 2023 4:51 pm

JonB wrote:Is the actual chassis number on the V5? Or "subframe" number? I can't recall and I've not got the documents yet. I'm assuming yes, but asking anyway. Isn't the VIN a combination of that and the unit number? Or have I got that wrong?

Jon,
Welcome back….
Your car has a VIN number as far as the DVLA is concerned. In normal parlance VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. As your car is of 1970 vintage it probably has a 70xxxxx type number rather than a 45/xxxx or 36/xxxx identification on its ID plate and V5 document. This number generally is assigned to the body rather than the “chassis” for our cars due to the fact that it is normally accepted that the chassis/subframe is a component that can be replaced due to wear/damage/corrosion. The fact that Lotus used to stamp the chassis/frame with the same number as the unit/vin number marked on the ID plate has been the source of much angst over the years. Replacement chassis/ frames are a normal/necessary part of restoration/preservation. Club Lotus and the Lotus archivist will give support if required.

Post by: **gentry74** » Tue Mar 28, 2023 5:08 pm

my VIN is a 4 digit number that starts with 6. Here in the US, the DMV decided to add more numbers to the VIN. So it became 6745-63xx. 1967 type 45 then my unit number.

plate on car as provided by Lotus: 45/63xx
full vin on title of car here in the US: 6745-63xx

None of these numbers appear on the chassis (subframe) anywhere. They are only on the plate attached in the engine bay. I did not find my unit number written on any body parts either. Some newer (70s on) owners have said they found the unit number written on back of headlight pods and various other pieces. Probably has zero to do with provenance nor registration requirements and was just a worker tracking the parts they were assembling into one car. Just my thought.

Post by: **JonB** » Tue Mar 28, 2023 5:53 pm

Regarding VIN - Thanks, that is clear, and "phew" a bit of a relief. The car is still with the PO as he is still sorting out transportation. But when it arrives there will be lots of pictures uploaded so you can all tell me what a big mistake I have made. :lol:

Post by: **Gordon Sauer** » Tue Mar 28, 2023 8:19 pm

Regarding Provenance they wanted to see, Arnie wanted to see, my engine number and my chassis plate picture and then I was able to get the certificate. Mine 67S3DHC and yes just a 45/65 number for it, and that number was on the inside of the headlight pods and the inside of the doors, lots of variance, even among states I guess as nobody attempted to change my number, but then I registered it in 72. Gordon.

Post by: **The Veg** » Thu Mar 30, 2023 1:48 pm

Gordon Sauer wrote:...lots of variance, even among states...

Right- not to get too far off-course of this thread, but over here every state does things their own way, and combine that with the variances from year to year in how Lotus did things and it gets interesting in a hurry. My '70 is 50/2036, and I have found 2036 on the subframe and a different four-digit number engraved or crayoned onto various body-parts. My state removes the / and makes the VIN 502036. No issue registering for me as I bought the car locally and the previous owner had no issue either because she worked at the time for a car-dealer, in the job of handling registrations and plates so she knew all the forms and kinks.

OK, back to Jon's car now! :mrgreen: