Another +2 Bodywork Question

[kevin]

Can anyone tell me what purpose this strip of metal servs on my +2? I have an identical piece on the other door shut and can't understand what it is there for.

Thanks in advance one again.

Kevin

[thor]

Very strange, I certainly haven't got one.. Bodge job to keep water out of bad panel gaps in the past?

[kevin]

It may have been intended to strengthen the pillar. There is a crack at the bottom of the pillar (Yet another repair to carry out), however the metal strip does not follow the profile of the bodywork.

Maybe I can just remove it?

Kevin

[Dave-M]

The purpose of the metal strip is to hold in place a rubber strip. The reason it is there is to divert rainwater from the door finisher which can then leak into the car. It is a factory fitted item which usually is removed when the car is repainted. It should be held in place with 3 pop rivets and is worth reinstating to prevent water leaks into the car. I am fairly certain the rubber is a 90 dgree section 12mm x 12mm approx.
The strips were fitted to late baby elans as well at least they were on the '71 sprint I used to own but they are missing fom my '70 plus 2 although the holes for the rivets are still there. The strips in the picture are definatly not correct perhaps someone with the original strips still intact could post a picture
Regards
dave

[Lotus fan]

They are not on my Plus 2 (1972 S130) and they are NOT shown on the parts list diagrams and I've not seen them on any other Plus 2 either !!!
I would say a bodge job !!!

Lotus fan.

[simon.mitchell]

Mine had the rubber strips fitted exactly in the position described (68 Plus 2) - although they were glued rather than rivetted to the body.

[John Larkin]

My 1973 Sprint has similar strips. The metal is about 8mm wide and the rubber about 12mm x 6mm (right angle profile). It is held on by at least three rivets. The shorter 6mm wing of the rubber section is towards the outside and points downwards.

[types26/36]

I believe the part numbers are:
036B 6000 Seal
036B 2002 Strip
Dont know if they are fitted to +2's as its not a +2 part number but I suppose Lotus could have used them as well.

[types26/36]

end section

[seaandmoor]

Looks like someone stuck the windscreen wipers in the wrong place!

[carrierdave]

Hi Kevin,
I have a 1970 +2s that has exactly the same thing as you show in the picture. When I first got the car there was the remains of what appeared to be a neoprene rubber seal ? it had perished some years ago.

I too believe it was there to stop rain ingress through the front door seal ? What would be interesting is to see how it can be replaced/replicated.

I will try and post a picture of my car tomorrow.

Dave

[Lotus fan]

Could it be that they moved the seals onto the door like the one highlighted on my door.
Cheers Lotus fan.

[kevin]

Thanks for all of the replies and pictures. I'll remove the strips for the time being and replace later - hopefully with stainless steel and some improved water channelling

[SADLOTUS]

Just bought two for my 68 S4 from Paul Matty's.
?17 inc postage for both sides.
They're called the secondary door seals...apparently