Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Screw the purists. I think your way past that point Steve Keep up the great work!

Certified Lotus wrote:Screw the purists. I think your way past that point Steve Keep up the great work!

Cheers

I had a little 'issue' with the centre console. I cut a hole for the habdbrake lever to fit through and then realised (although it had crossed my mind during the console build) that, as the console can only be removed vertically, the lever is in the way! A longer slot would work but that would look like a bodge, which it would be. After a little thought the solution was to make the lever removable, or at least enough of it to allow the removal of the console.

A few design iterations resulted in a solution. Just need to get it welded (my TIG skills are still minimal) and tidied up.

A key mantra of mine is that any mods should make the new/replacement part lighter than the original, whenever possible. In this case a 115g, or 44%, reduction is pretty good. Once the carbon in sanded and painted you will not realise what it is







A small grub screw will secure handle to base.

stevebroad wrote:

Certified Lotus wrote:Screw the purists. I think your way past that point Steve Keep up the great work!

Cheers

I really don't get their ire. For each of these cars that we modify, for whatever reason we chose to do it, their unmodified car becomes just more rare and potentially more valuable.

"The purest doth protest too much, methinks."

Bud English wrote:

stevebroad wrote:

Certified Lotus wrote:Screw the purists. I think your way past that point Steve Keep up the great work!

Cheers

I really don't get their ire. For each of these cars that we modify, for whatever reason we chose to do it, their unmodified car becomes just more rare and potentially more valuable.

"The purest doth protest too much, methinks."

Good point, they should be encouraging me and others

I have not had much negative reaction, at least not to my face, but my response is "what do you think Colin's reaction to my car would be?"

I have not had much negative reaction, at least not to my face, but my response is "what do you think Colin's reaction to my car would be?

Something like this...

"Too bloody expensive, make it cheaper!"

Maybe not. It is a performance car not a production car. I believe he only cheapened the production cars.

Steve,

that removable handbrake lever is a great solution, lightweight and beautiful to look at!

Kudos, Nice work!!!

Bud English wrote:Maybe not. It is a performance car not a production car. I believe he only cheapened the production cars.

Yes , probably right there, he liked his toys!

lotustastic wrote:Steve,

that removable handbrake lever is a great solution, lightweight and beautiful to look at!

Kudos, Nice work!!!

Thanks. I could have made it prettier and more shapely, but as the interior is a collection of flat panels and straight lines it would have looked out of place, IMO. Also simple is easier and quicker

....remembers me of my original work: we once made a part (carbon/kevlar) for audi which mbb (yes the messerschmidt WWII chaps) made with honeycomb sandwiched with carbon: their part 330gr ours 180gr! AND the chief mechanic said it would fail: he came back after 2hrs with rohrl as driver and congratulated me: that was in Ingolstadt 1982 or 3?? our part had ribs and unidirectional! sandy ---- always looking for less weight: these days its my OWN body however!!

el-saturn wrote:....remembers me of my original work: we once made a part (carbon/kevlar) for audi which mbb (yes the messerschmidt WWII chaps) made with honeycomb sandwiched with carbon: their part 330gr ours 180gr! AND the chief mechanic said it would fail: he came back after 2hrs with rohrl as driver and congratulated me: that was in Ingolstadt 1982 or 3?? our part had ribs and unidirectional! sandy ---- always looking for less weight: these days its my OWN body however!!

Good job!

I will have to do a little weight reduction on my frame as well I reckon I could lose 3-4kg without too much trouble - which is a hell of a lot of holes

Why have you fitted a handbrake Steve?
Do you live on a hill and park outside?
Cheers
Dave

bigvalvehead wrote:Why have you fitted a handbrake Steve?
Do you live on a hill and park outside?
Cheers
Dave

Road car so presumably will need an MOT?

elanfan1 wrote:

bigvalvehead wrote:Why have you fitted a handbrake Steve?
Do you live on a hill and park outside?
Cheers
Dave

Road car so presumably will need an MOT?

Car needs to be road legal. Also, handbrake is handy when sprinting