Reconditioning the front grille

[69S4]

Since a previous post brought up mesh size, the mesh (at least on the regular Elan (S4)) was rectangular and not square. The replacement grilles have square mesh as was pointed out to me by Sue Miller.

As such, I decided (for originality) to refurb and use my original unit.

Pretty subtle mesh variation to me, but I note it "just for the record", and perhaps only noticed by a sharp-eyed concours judge.

Upsetting a concours judge is pretty low down my list of worries as about 90% of the Elans on the planet would have to vanish overnight for mine to be in with any sort of chance , but it just shows how you live and learn. I've had a quick look at the (original as far as I'm aware) grill on my S4 and lo and behold it has rectangular mesh, something that I'd never registered. Hiding in plain sight obviously.

Again, just for the record this is what it looks like (complete with oversprayed numbers):

I suppose if you were that worried about it you could always snip out every second cross piece from the square section replacement ones.

[JonB]

Hi Stuart

Perhaps we're looking at (yet) another case of Lotus using what is to hand?

I would not be surprised at all...

[MarkDa]

Or more likely who produced something serviceable at the lowest price!

[1owner69Elan]

I would further note that the "rectangular mesh" seems to come in two (at least ) flavors.

Notice the different aspect ratios. In one case 2:1 vs something like 1.5:1 on mine.

Now, we are really getting into the weeds.

[MarkDa]

And mine are definitely square.
So any aspect ratio is probably genuine?
And concours judges may have to consider how they prove that their own opinions are correct?

[RichardHawkins]

I have had my S4 since it was ten years old and the grill has a rectangular pattern. I had a new grill made in stainless, powder coated black, as I could not find a replacement other than a square mesh.

Richard Hawkins

[l10tus]

Interestingly my 1972 Sprint has it's original grille mesh that measures 12x10mm but, lies in the horizontal plane, unlike 69S4's that appears to be fitted in the vertical?

What the 12x10mm conversion is in "degrees Fahrenheit" - I haven't a clue????

I've looked everywhere for similar sized imperial mesh - to no avail!

[JonB]

For reference, here’s my 1970 S4SE grille. I think it is original as the car has been off the road for over 30 years. Aspect ratio looks to be 2:1 and oriented vertically.