Chassis padding

[Andiken]

During the stripping the chassis of my plus 2 I removed the padding over the spine, it looks like horsehair backing with a black vinyl covering. The question is do I re-use it or is there something better to replace it with. I'm concerned that the horsehair will get wet and cause the chassis to rust eventually.

Is it there to provide a snug fit of the body onto the chassis or as sound deadening?

Any advice gratefully received.

Andy

[theelanman]

Im not sure......but I do remember someone using neoprene.........

[Andiken]

I was wondering about using some self adhesive sound deadening pads or something like Dynamat?

[Hawksfield]

Hi

I reused mine as it was soaked with oil but unbroken, no chance of water ingress
Been in 31 years now !

[pharriso]

I bought new from Sue Miller... cheap as chips...

[MarkDa]

I reused mine as it was bone dry and my new chassis is galvanised. The old chassis was fine anyway.
Some people suggest a heavy weight closed cell foam saddle.
They say if water does get up there it won't be retained.

[alan.barker]

I reused mine as it was bone dry and my new chassis is galvanised. The old chassis was fine anyway.
Some people suggest a heavy weight closed cell foam saddle.
They say if water does get up there it won't be retained.

You took the words out of my mouth
When i changed the chassis on a 1970 +2S i fitted a new galvanised chassis and refitted old felt.
Alan

[Andiken]

Mine is a galvanized chassis and the padding was bone dry when I took it off, there was no degradation of the galv coating under the padding so it looks like re-use is a viable option.

[Grizzly]

As above, the patent pending Lotus Anti rust measures meant the padding on both my elans were soaked in Engine oil....... So i reused them

I did think about replacing it with sealed cell neoprene, but the only stuff i could get locally was quite heavy duty/abrasive so was a little worried it would take the powder coat of the chassis with a little movement.........

[jono]

I used some 10mm closed cell foam - a camping mat actually.

Worked a treat

[MarkDa]

Neat job using what's readily available - very ACBC!

[alan.barker]

I've not seen padding either side above the diff before. Is there enough room
Alan

[MarkDa]

Soon find out!

[TomR]

I used Dynamat's Dynapad. This is a multilayer foam / butyl rubber mat that strongly absorbs low frequency noise. It is similar in construction to aerospace grade sound insulation. 3/8" thick all over the straight length of the frame and a bit up the front fork just past the gearshift. Also put some over the diff (good place for sound insulation!). Fits fine.

I'll post some pics but couldn't find any right away - maybe still on my phone?

TomR

[Donels]

I stripped my +2 last year for a total rebuild. It has a galvanised chassis which according to Lotus was produced in 1983. It was fitted with felt between the chassis and body and under this is the only area of corrosion on the chassis. The galvanising has gone white and powdery but underneath the chassis is fine, so the felt does lead to corrosion but it takes a long time. I will replace the felt wit neoprene as recommended by Brian Buckland.