Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi,
Has anyone built one ? I know how to make the alloy bit and do the leather (at least in theory) but I haven't really got a clue about the foam. I think that it has to be molded, but since people have inconsiderately not bothered to make a wheel and then post the vid on you tube, I don't know how it's done.

Any advice etc. would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Regards,
Jonny FHC (formerly Jonny Plus2)

Way back in the distant past I recovered a wheel rim with soaker hose (this type: http://thegreenthumb20.files.wordpress. ... erhose.jpg )

It was about the right diameter inside and out and about the right amount of "give". That in turn was covered in leather. Can't recall whether I may have used some thin foam under that to build it up a bit and make it a bit softer.

Anyway, might be worth exploring as an option.
Robert

Jonny, foam won't cut it, you need something a bit firmer.
The original wheels also had a square section inner rim which would stop the rim filling from turning.
I got mine from Nick Fulcher. Not cheap, but good.
Have a look here,
lotus-suspension-f42/redoing-steering-wheel-t23420.html#p149681

Ralph.

Glue cork to the wheel blank ...shape it with sand paper.....I took mine to a shoe maker/ cobbler and had him leather sleeve it ...Ed

Morning Gents,

Thanks so much for your prompt replies. I scoured the Internet for this stuff and I never bumped into Nick Fulcher's site or that old thread (thanks Ralph) for that matter. I have decided to get a molded foam piece off Nick Fulcher if I can as I want that 60s feel.

On the other hand, both the other suggestions seemed like pretty good ideas to me. I'm thinking that if you made a cork rim and then wrapped it with the foam hose it would be pretty sweet.

Anyway, thanks much, I'd be lost without your help !

Regards,
Jonny FHC