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Chassis padding

PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 8:59 am
by 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

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 9:49 am
by theelanman
Im not sure......but I do remember someone using neoprene.........
:shock:

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 9:57 am
by Andiken
I was wondering about using some self adhesive sound deadening pads or something like Dynamat?

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:06 am
by Hawksfield
Hi

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

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:13 am
by pharriso
I bought new from Sue Miller... cheap as chips...

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 11:54 am
by 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.

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:08 pm
by alan.barker
MarkDa wrote: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 :wink:
When i changed the chassis on a 1970 +2S i fitted a new galvanised chassis and refitted old felt.
Alan

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:15 pm
by 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.

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:49 pm
by 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.........

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 1:04 pm
by jono
I used some 10mm closed cell foam - a camping mat actually.

Worked a treat

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 1:15 pm
by MarkDa
Neat job using what's readily available - very ACBC!

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 4:10 pm
by alan.barker
I've not seen padding either side above the diff before. Is there enough room :?:
Alan

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2018 5:45 pm
by MarkDa
Soon find out!

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2018 1:36 pm
by 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

Re: Chassis padding

PostPosted: Fri Jan 26, 2018 6:37 pm
by 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.