Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi,
I just purchases a tonneau cover and need some info on the installation. My Elan S2 has 16 studs attached to the body and interior. The package with the Tenax fasteners that are placed on the cover have 14 fasteners and 4 brass O ring fasteners that would be crushed together to make 2 (I would think). Where do these 2 brass fasteners go on the the cover?

Also does anyone have any ideas how to do the job of installing it easier?

Regards,
Lou

Lou

Is it not wonderful how the Elan's progressive changes can vex one. my S1 tonneau has 14 tennex fasteners - my S2 parts car has 16.

It works this way

-there are 4 (5 on myS2) behind the door on each side curving around to the catch to hold the rear of of the tonneau mounted on the rear scuttle ahead of the boot hinge
- one at he top of the front of each door
-2 on each side close under the windscreen

the O ring fasteners are punched through the fabric of the section that covers the passenger compartments on each side that it slips over the front tenax on the rear stud immediately behind the door (the tenex will then keep the portion over the door secure when the front seats are opened up

Things vary I'm afraid - my recent replacement cover is a little different from the origional

You will need suitable punches to fo cut the holes in -- doe it in warm weather so that you get the material taut when you are fitting it. Like all good things - if it's saggy - it's flappey!

Hope this helps - Bill

Hi Bill,

Thank you for the information. I can't figure it out though .. The first issue is that the compartment studs below the window above the dashboard are smaller that the exterior ones and the tenax fasteners do not clip on. I do not know where the two brass fasteners when clamped together go. Did you mean in the interiour left and right sides under the window.. What about the 2 studs that are in the middle under the window. What do I use there?..

Regards,
Loui

Can't help with the sizing issue on the studs but surely this is one for either a photo search or some kind soul posting up a few photos of theirs. I think this is also one of those jobs that unless you are very talented or done it before you would benefit from some professional/experienced help. You might only get one chance to get it right and if it's not and you have holes in slightly wrong places you nay we'll have ruined the tonneau.

Best of luck!

Hi,
Thank you for the info .. I will keep searching photos.. My buddy is helping me and has done this before . Its just the hardware that is a small issue . I tried the tenax fasteners under the window some hold there but not like the ones on the body..

Regards,
Lou

Lou

The small stud under the window is the same as mine - I just used the supplied tenax and it was looser but it stays in place.The O ring is placed on the flap extension (on mine) and slips over the stud before the tenex is pushed on over top of it at the first stud BEHIND the door.I t keeps the front outside portion from flapping in the wind

Yep - a photo would help and I cant figure how to do that on this confounded machine.
Bill

Hi Lou,
When fitting a new hood I was concerned about punching the holes in the right place.
Starting in the middle I first punched 3mm holes which allowed the hood to be fully fitted with the fabric only hooked oved the pin of the tenax fastener.
Then I could see if any holes were pulling and forming creases.
By carefully marking them one at a time, the position of the full size hole could be adjusted before punching.
I suspect that the tenax fastener should have a 3/8" hole, 9.6mm. in the fabric but I used a 9mm punch to get a tight fit.
Mine was a hood but a tonneau cover should be much the same.
Hope this helps
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

Do yourself a favor and with a child's crayon mark the center line of the car front and back and the tonneau as well. Be careful and be sure it is exactly centered before making holes. Chalk or some kind of grease pencil can be used on top of the studs to transfer location to the tonneau. Two people should be a great help.

Done this a few times though not on an Elan.

Kurt

Thank you all for your help on installing the tonneau with all your methods I will use them to do the jod with my friend..

To Bill and others if you wish to tell me the best way...
Since you can not send the pic's then I will send them to you..Please tell me which pic is the way you see it..
If its the #3 and #4 pic then I am missing 2 Tenax so I have a feeling the the O ring are on their own with no Tenax fastener .. What does anyone think looking at the photos.. How should it be placed...

Best Regards,
Lou

OK Lou

All the photos are of the front area of the cover and the tennex fastener locations appear to be in the correct locations for the attachment to the dash pad / under window area pegs.

THE RINGS ARE NOT USED AT THE FRONT FASTENING AREA.

They are used on each side on the fabric tab (that may or may not be there) that extends rearward from the rear of the door opening on each side. The ring is located so as to slip over the first tennex post rearward of the door (striker plate end) of the door opening. The tennex then holds the ringed tab (thus the side of the foreward cover) in place.

My origional cover had the tab - my replacement did not so I used a bit of black poly strapping material (old seat belt) glued to the under side of the fabric and installed the ring opening there.

Follow the other tips on layout and away you go.

Bill

Hi Bill,

I got it now thanks! I messaged RD enterprise and spoke to Ray about the issues so he is sending me the two Tenax fasteners free..

I want to thank you for all your help on the issue of the cover and fit the cover using your instructions

Best Regards,
Lou

Bon chance Lou!!