Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Can anyone confirm whether or not an S4 boot lid is a perfect match for its' Sprint counterpart? Apart from size/shape issues, what about hinge and lock mounting points etc?

I'm looking at getting a spare boot lid for use when touring. So, possibly reinforcing the inner boot skin with aluminium (aluminum) plates, and injecting the lid with expanded foam, before mounting a boot rack.

Any ideas for the right sort of rack?

Regards,

Stuart.

I believe all S3 and S4 boot lids are the same, including the Sprint option. If you make the lid strong enough to hold a bunch of weight, next think about where the hinges bolt onto the body.

The S4 and Sprint boot lid are the same. The S4/Sprint uses Imp hinges. The S3 while the same dimensions as the S4 is not an exact replacement. The S3 (at least the 66 and early 67 S3s) uses a different style (Leyland?) hinge. The S3 hinge is larger and the boot lid has the shape of the hinge moulded into the fiberglass.

Many thanks to you both.

Good point about where the hinges bolt to the body!!

Regards.

If you look at a Plus 2 boot hinge installation you will see a reinforcing bar fitted between both hinges and both rear turrets. Should be fairly easy to copy for your S4.
Photo's if needed as I have one out of the car and one fitted to a car at present.
Regards
Dave

Dave,

Didn't know the +2 had that. Photo's would be much appreciated.

Regards and thanks.

Pics sent in e-mail
Regards
Dave-M

How long are you touring for? Two weeks round Europe with a woman in tow, a couple of suitcases and a selection of spare parts fit easily.

I'd be wary of anything sat on the boot lid transferring too much load to the hinge area on the body and getting stress cracks. You could always travel lighter, its amazing how much you can fit in the boot with careful packing and squidgy bags.