Elan Power Buldge Bonnet

[the rolfie]

I have a 1970 +2s which has a power buldge on the bonnet, the problem is that the paint has cracked around the front edge!! This I think is due to the flex when the engine is running? I need to repair and repaint have other owners had this problem? Can the bonnet be strengthed? Any ideas would be great thanks

[nebogipfel]

I think it has cracked mainly because it is a Lotus!

It is a common problem. Do your glass repairs to the surface to rectify the appearance (adding mat and tissue as needed) then simply add a bit more reinforcement on the underside - a couple of layers of one and a half ounce mat around the perimeter and into the bulge would do the trick

John

[davehods]

I too have the same problem so you are not alone. On the subject of repairs, what would you suggest for "star bursts" on the rear flanks. I had considered digging them out and filling with say isopon??

[types26/36]

Patch up jobs do not work on fibreglass, a year or so down the the line you will wish you had done the job correctly.
Get a copy of Miles Wilkins "Fibreglass repairs" read it and do repairs his way.
Brian.

[steve71]

Hi

I just found a manuscript of the Miles Wilkins book at this address.

<a href='http://homepage.ntlworld.com/fillpoke/glass1.htm' target='_blank'>http://homepage.ntlworld.com/fillpoke/glass1.htm</a>

I don't know if it is the whole book or just part of it.

Also I am impressed with the strength and resilience of the GRP body. Had my Sprint 3 weeks and was on my second country drive when I had a kangaroo jump onto the road and hit the side of the car. (BTW I live in Australia )

The noise was horrible and I was expecting a mess when I pulled over but the only damage was to the Elan Srint sticker on the door. I think I may have been the luckiest Lotus owner in the world that day.

Steve.

[1964 S1]

...about 32 years ago a neighbor whacked the left rear side of my S2 with his Chevy Impala so hard it hunched the Lotus up on the rear suspension, damage? a hole in the quarter panel about the size of a silver dollar...

[davehods]

Thanks for the repair tips I will have a look at this as the only thing that lets my elan down is the body, the engine and diff have been completely rebuilt, the original chassis is sound, the chrome is mostly good, new wheels a peach from 10 paces....