Elan S4 update...plus boot letter spacing!!

[djb222]

A quick update on the progress on my Elan S4, plus a queery about the
L . O . T . U . S letter spacing on the boot lid. Were they factory fitted or not fitted correctly after the respray?

https://youtu.be/eJzzGonoET4

[1owner69Elan]

I would say your boot lettering is definitely wrong and not how delivered from the factory.

Here is my 1969 S4 (G registered, like yours, prior to export to California) as delivered to me at the factory:

Basically, the "T" is centered. Then the "O" and the "U" are spaced 5" to the left and right of the "T", centered on the license lights. Then, the "L" and "S" a further 5" to the left and the right.

Here are some measurements I made on spacing just before sending my car in for paint (still there). I insisted that the shop not fill the existing letter holes. Those holes have been maintained, which will make life much easier for refitting the letters later.

On a side note, the chrome on my original letters was rather pitted so I purchased replacement letters. While these look OK, I found them to be slightly smaller than the originals and also made of chromed plastic. Thus, I am having the original letters replated.

[ericbushby]

Mine are also spaced at 5 inches,
Eric in Burnley
S3SE DHC

[djb222]

Many thanks both, I'll be putting it back to factory.

Not sure whether the boot lid was replaced at some point, which would explain why the lettering may have been fitted with the incorrect spacing, but it looks to be original to me. Maybe I'll find out as I remove the rest of the paint etc.

[tedtaylor]

those aren't "backup" lights. they are license plate illumination lights. Backup lights are integral with the tail lights.

[1owner69Elan]

those aren't "backup" lights. they are license plate illumination lights. Backup lights are integral with the tail lights.

You are right. I mis-spoke. I DO know the difference. Corrected.

[nmauduit]

Many thanks both, I'll be putting it back to factory.

Not sure whether the boot lid was replaced at some point, which would explain why the lettering may have been fitted with the incorrect spacing, but it looks to be original to me. Maybe I'll find out as I remove the rest of the paint etc.

if the parts are original, it is often possible to locate the factory drilling by shining a strong light at the outside and looking from the inside (esp. when the paint has been removed); sometimes tiny back surface differences or filler spurts are enough to help locate the factory holes (it helps to know where to look though).