Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Before we start, I am talking about Item 6 on this diagram: http://www.lotuselan.net/wiki/BBS_-_Bod ... _Late_%2B2

..and probably other parts of the underdash trim.

My valence (I think it is "valance" but that is how it's spelled on the Wiki page) is badly damaged. There are cracks all over and it is only being held together by the vinyl covering. Is it viable to repair, if so, what is the best method?

Also, the edge trim (same diagram, part 2 "Finisher - RH" is suffering from the same fate and is quite loose. Same question!

Cheers
JonB

They seem to be made from plastic that degrades over the years and falls apart..
They are available new in glass fibre from Lotus specialists as are the other bits of under dash trim.
They come bare and you will need to trim them with foam and vinyl/leather etc.

I think you can get grp replacements or cover the backs with resin + matt
Alan

Hi. I repaired my original one using fiberglass tape over the cracks on the non trimmed side. Seems to work fine and certainly helps their rigidity

Do you mean this stuff?

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Fibregla ... m/p/163566

..or something else? I suppose good old duct tape would do it, but it would not restore the rigidity of the pieces.

That looks a good idea the wickes grp tape + some resin and finish off with some grp tissue.
Alan

alan.barker wrote:That looks a good idea the wickes grp tape + some resin and finish off with some grp tissue.
Alan

Guess I'd better buy some resin / matting / etc.

How do I know it is all formed correctly prior to fibreglassing it? Or doesn't it matter too much, it being flexible?

Maybe you can put it in place and then use tape and carton to bloc the shape/splints (on the finished side).
Carefully lower to keep the basic shape. Once you have a few bits stuck on the back face and the resin has set you can do all over the back face and put grp tissue which will leave a uniform finish.
Before you mix the resin pre cut all the grp tape and tissue.
When set remove all the tape/splints and carton from finished side.
have fun
Alan

I bought a kit from Halfords for a reasonable price it contains everything you need

Try the resin on a small area first. If the plastic is the same as mine was, the resin melts polystyrene. Epoxy and glass might be a better choice.