Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Brian?s tip in January?s Club Lotus News Elan section (to run a 3/4? tap through the hinge to prevent the nylon pin going very tight when trying to adjust) gets a big +1 vote from me

Well timed too as I read it just before fitting the replacement hinge pins yesterday.
Malcolm

It's not a a size I have to hand!
Perhaps we can ask our suppliers to do it before they despatch.
Or possibly using a bolt in and out a few times will so the trick as well?

I still say to buy a piece of 1/4 in keystock to make into a dedicated tool for turning and adjusting the hinge pins. The keystock will go into the pin farther than the 1/4 in that a 1/4 drive extension and not strip out the nylon pin.
Roger

Roger, I agree absolutely about the 1/4 bar, that?s what I used, inserted fully into the square recess. However, it was horribly stiff. The 3/4? UNF tap (?8.5 from eBay) cleaned up the thread nicely so the nylon pin was easy to turn for the initial installation and height adjustment of the door.
Malcolm

That's not a bad price for the ease of installation and piece of mind for future adjustment/ removal.

Be careful when ordering a tap. Common thread pitches are 10 and 18 threads per inch. I think I have a pitch gauge down here in Florida and I will check it once I get out in the shop today.

I agree that running a tap through to clean the thread is a good idea, but I would think most of us Elan owners have pins already installed and to keep them from being damaged with too short an engagement, I think everyone should have a dedicated tool made from keystock. Also, before trying to turn the bottom pins, clean the swarf/ debris out w/ a small screwdriver and compressed air or shop vac.

Roger

For 3/4" pitches are 10 for unc and 16 for UNF.

Elan45 wrote:Also, before trying to turn the bottom pins, clean the swarf/ debris out w/ a small screwdriver and compressed air or shop vac.

And when you're done adjusting them, embalm the hardware and plug the open end of the lock nut.

16 TPI thread gauge slips right in. If I'd only completely read that the tap purchased was 3/4 UNF.

Roger

Elan45 wrote:............I would think most of us Elan owners have pins already installed and to keep them from being damaged with too short an engagement......

Roger

Wishful thinking in a car that is 51 years old and 14 previous owners!
In addition to fixing a broken winder cable, the door had to come off to repair the worn bottom cup bobbin, and I found a pin that needed replacing(square recess ok, damaged thread). The new one was extremely tight, hence the need to clean the thread. Problem solved. The ?Tip? was perfect timing


Malcolm.