Elan boot brace

[miked]

DIN rail used as boot brace. With boot lights added. Works for me.

[TBG]

What is a "boot brace" and where does it fit? Seems to be lying around in the photos. D

[Mazzini]

S3's don't have them.

[TBG]

Thanks Mazzers! D

[miked]

Not hanging about. for photo!
Fits under the rear scuttle across the hinge bolts to help prevent flexing and cracking. I will likely fit the other Lotus after thought one too from the the boot stay bracket to the inner wing.

[Mazzini]

Thanks Mazzers! D

I should say because on the S3, Lotus bonded some rope into body between the boot hinges to hold the shape of the panel so it matched the curve of the boot, but if I said that, then I would be giving you more ammunition for the argument that the S3 is a better car than the later versions

[TBG]

Well it self evidentially is old bean! Pip Pip - D

[Mazzini]

I love my S3 as well, but I'm thoroughly enjoying my S2 at the moment, it's standard right down to the rotoflex couplings (okay the engine is tweaked), but it's such a well balanced thoroughbred - Mr. Hickman really nailed it.

[miked]

One last bit of info' about those bloody annoying short boot hinge studs.
They are locked in with some kind of thread seal. Application of the hot air heat gun softens it nicely allowing them to be easliy unscrewed.
I made up some new ones from some chopped down bolts and fitted them with Loctite.
This made the whole job of fitting the brace a lot less hassle.
The lights, by the way, light the boot nicely and look like they have alwys been there. Can't be seen at all unless you stick your head right in the boot.

[Mazzini]

One last bit of info' about those bloody annoying short boot hinge studs.
They are locked in with some kind of thread seal. Application of the hot air heat gun softens it nicely allowing them to be easliy unscrewed.
I made up some new ones from some chopped down bolts and fitted them with Loctite.
This made the whole job of fitting the brace a lot less hassle.
The lights, by the way, light the boot nicely and look like they have alwys been there. Can't be seen at all unless you stick your head right in the boot.

Nice touch. Where did you locate the micro switch?

[miked]

I had several switches but could not bring myself to drill any of my nice new paint. So i fitted a toggle switch on the left inner wing where the cables pass and the ariel sits.
Tapped into the lighting circuit so they can not be left on.