Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

pauljones wrote:Steve,

Looks great as always l, but cant help thinking you've missed a bit..

You can practice on mine if you want too?

Regards

Paul

Yeah, the next task is the section under the nose

Thanks for the offer, but I don't like body prep, I would much rather be playing with the lathe and CNC mill

stevebroad wrote:Hi

Sorry to all you purists, but I am in the process of fitting an RS Cosworth turbo engine into my 1967 baby Elan.

I was wondering if anyone out there has done the same. If so, maybe we can swap stories

Steve

Mon Sep 27, 2004 5:30 pm
.......

Any idea on completion date?

elansprint71 wrote:

stevebroad wrote:Hi

Sorry to all you purists, but I am in the process of fitting an RS Cosworth turbo engine into my 1967 baby Elan.

I was wondering if anyone out there has done the same. If so, maybe we can swap stories

Steve

Mon Sep 27, 2004 5:30 pm
.......

Any idea on completion date?

2004, that is scary! Should be out sometime this year.........hopefully

I finally started a task today that I have been putting off for months - Fitting the dash top. I have been prevaricating and ruminating for some time as I couldn't decide on the best way to do it.

Initially I was going to simply stick it on and access the electrics through the central switch panel and the glove box cover. However, as the stuff behind the dash became more complicated and numerous it became obvious that I would need to retrain as a gynaecologist in order to be able to work on everything.

So, I decided that part of the dash top had to be removable to allow decent access, but how to do this without it looking rubbish?

I have yet to finalise how the removable cover is going to be secured but at least I have made a start and this is usually the most difficult part of any project.

Bought a tripod for the phone so decided to try it out. Hadn't planned to post this but I then thought, why the hell not?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcoAQXZ1y2s

Maybe use Velcro, should allow easy access and be hidden if the dash top hase a lip. Light too...

mbell wrote:Maybe use Velcro, should allow easy access and be hidden if the dash top hase a lip. Light too...

That is an option. I have also considered magnets (rare earth type) or maybe even traditional screws, although they would be a pain as quite a few would be required to keep the cover flat and rattle free.

Screws might be hard to get to with the screen in depending on where they are.

If you used magnets you'd probably need something to make sure it can't slide off.

stevebroad wrote:

mbell wrote:Maybe use Velcro, should allow easy access and be hidden if the dash top hase a lip. Light too...

That is an option. I have also considered magnets (rare earth type) or maybe even traditional screws, although they would be a pain as quite a few would be required to keep the cover flat and rattle free.

3M makes an industrial grade hook and loop fastener with self adhesive backing. I have used it to hold data loggers to the bodywork in my Crossle FF. Holds really well and does take some effort to remove..

I can get you the part number if you're interested.

Regards,
Dan

Yes, please

mbell wrote:Screws might be hard to get to with the screen in depending on where they are.

If you used magnets you'd probably need something to make sure it can't slide off.

That is the reason I have had to make a removable panel. I had initially planned to have the whole cover removable, but then realised that I couldn't get it out past the A pillars!

The magnets that I would use would have no problem in holding the cover in place. In fact, i would have to be careful not to use too many

stevebroad wrote:Yes, please

I love how well your car is coming along. My old car is still pretty grotty. She needs attention.

The particular product I'm using is 3M Dual Lock MP3541?42. There are all kinds of colors and sizes available beyond these part numbers. This particular one comes in a pack with about 4.5m of product.

I bought it about 10 years ago. I still have some left and I keep finding more uses for it....

Regards,
Dan

StressCraxx wrote:

stevebroad wrote:Yes, please

I love how well your car is coming along. My old car is still pretty grotty. She needs attention.

The particular product I'm using is 3M Dual Lock MP3541?42. There are all kinds of colors and sizes available beyond these part numbers. This particular one comes in a pack with about 4.5m of product.

I bought it about 10 years ago. I still have some left and I keep finding more uses for it....

Regards,
Dan

Thanks for that, but I am gobsmacked at the cost! I will have to look at alternative options. I have the magnets so I think that I will investigate using them.

New dash top cover came out OK. On looking at how to fit it I realised that it is less than half the thickness of the original (saving 1/4Kg). I planned to sit the cover flush with the rest of the top using the trim piece I made at the same time, but then the lightbulb moment occurred. Why not sand the existing section and sit the new piece into it, dispensing with 100gms of trim and glue?

The recess is a little tatty at the moment but it works. A few hours of sanding and filling and it should look OK. I still need to settle on a securing method.

Testing the heavy duty double sided tape used to secure the rare earth magnets to the glove box cover. Tape sent to me by a fellow forum member, thanks Alan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdQc-9z ... e=youtu.be