Nut and bolt sizes !!!

[Simmie C]

Hi All,

First thing I must say is I live in France the home of the metric sizing (I believe!!).
I have a complete nut and bolt rebuild on my hands. I have bought a chassis and had it shotblasted and powder-coated recently.
So I am at a point where I would like to start to rebuild, mainly the front and rear suspension.
As the chassis was supplied without any nuts or bolts, I'm having trouble working out what size and thread depth (UNF/UNC) the following nuts are. I've tried searching the parts suppliers websites but to no avail, it maybe I'm not looking properly!!!
I'm looking for the nut size of the front suspension top and bottom wishbones where they attach to the chassis fulcrum pins (also the washer size).
It's seemingly impossible to get Imperial nut/bolts over here and I'm back in the UK soon. I've ordered a set of Imperial tap and dies which will help in the future but I would like to order at least these nuts ASAP.
I thought it might be quicker to ask here and get some friendly advice.
Sorry for the ramble!!
Simon

[pharriso]

Simon, i believe Sue Miller & Classic Team Lotus can both supply sets of fasteners for a chassis change or suspension rebuild, try contacting them.

[Pastapesto]

Hello Simon....save yourself a lot of time and hassle and call Susan at Mick Miller Classic Lotus. She has bolt kits for a chassis change with pretty much everything you need and she can also supply smaller collections of nuts and bolts .....what she doesn't know about Elans, isn't really worth knowing.....Susan is very friendly and nice to talk to....she doesn't always answer the phone because she is a one woman band and therefore is often popping out to the postoffice or collecting parts etc.....Susan and her late husband Mick were artisans in Elan restorations and spent many years creating beautiful cherished cars. You will find that Susan can supply all of the parts you will need and she is also a mine of valuable information.....well worth a trip to see her if you can spare the time....her number is (+44) 01728 603307.....tell her Adam recommended her ....all the best and good luck....A

[TonyA]

If you search on this site you will find a link to the official lotus parts diagrams for your car . Alternatively supplier SJ Sportscars site has the same, with the original Lotus part numbers including fasteners for each component group.Further, if you search on this site you will find documents that break down the coding behind the Lotus fastener numbering system, so you can decipher from the Lotus part number , wether it's a washer (inside, outside diameter and thickness) or nut (nyloc, castellated or hex) or bolt, ( full or part threaded, length ,diameter, and thread) ..etc..etc. etc..which makes it easier to go shopping..Happy hunting..Tony

[types26/36]

Hi All,
I'm looking for the nut size of the front suspension top and bottom wishbones where they attach to the chassis fulcrum pins (also the washer size).Simon

The nuts are 1/2UNF NyLOC but I don’t think Lotus fitted washers on the wishbone to chassis fulcrum pins, washers are not shown in any manual I have seen.
I believe people fit washers when Poly bushes are fitted but they work differently.
As per previous posts you are probably better getting a nut/bolt kit rather than sourcing nut by nut.

[Simmie C]

Wow,
Thank you all so much for the help.
Sue Miller looks like a good shout I do have her pdf price list so I'll give her a call tomorrow some time and see what she suggests.

Simon

[lotusfan]

Welcome Simmie

You said 'It's seemingly impossible to get Imperial nut/bolts over here'

There are various places in Europe that may help with that:

https://www.moss-europe.eu/fr-fr/

https://www.sngbarratt.com/English/#/fr/branches - they have branches in France and Netherlands

https://www.limora.com/en/

These are not specifically Lotus suppliers but deal in British car parts and are likely to stock imperial nuts and bolts.

Good luck.

[Simmie C]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the links and once I establish what size I need, I'm sure these will be incredibly useful.
Again, thank you all for your help.
I'm sure I will be back requesting help again soon!!

Simon

[alan.barker]

Simmon,
Do you have a Parts List which gives all information on screws, bolts , threads.
You need this before you even start this rebuild.
Il faut y acheter c'est un minimum de choses mon ami.
Alan

[Simmie C]

Hello Alan,

I have a number of books including the original 1960s workshop manual (my dad's one) and other such publications.
However, there isn't (as far as I can see) any such list.
I didn't know of a Parts List!
This would indeed be very helpful.
Do you know where I may be able to buy one or is there any resources online?
Any help is much appreciated.

Simon

[alan.barker]

Simmie,
You should be able to buy a Parts List from
Classic Team Lotus.
You will find it very useful.
If you buy a Unified Tap and Die Set it can also include a Screw Pitch Gauge.
You then need a "Zeus Tables Booklet" which gives info on Dias and Screw Thread Pitch.
Plus a Unified Thread File.
After you are all set to have fun.
Alan

[Bud English]

Or you could simply reference the correct parts list found here on the forum.
https://lotuselan.net/wiki/Category:Shop_Floor

[smo17003]

Another place that has the Parts Book (S1, S2. Coupe) is https://www.elanregistry.org/

Lots of interesting information on there, and if you hit your refresh button you can scroll through photos of owners cars.

Mike

[alan.barker]

There are lots of different Unified Screw suppliers here in France cheaper than Limora or Moss. They also sell boxes of a selection of sizes at good prices.
Just do usual surfing tap "Unified Screws.
" or "Americain Screws".
Alan

[l10tus]

Simon,
ALL screw threads on Elans are UNC, UNF or BA, so none of your metric ones are used at all.

Invest in Brian Bucklands book - he gives a comprehensive list of fasteners towards the back of book.

You will be amazed at the cost of buying the requisite nuts, bolts and washers incurred!

I can supply the required items at very reasonable cost.