Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Having to replace at least one bobbin for the headlamp mount/ pivot point. Any tips on keeping everything square?

Why replace when you can fit a Helicoil.
Alan

Alan, I have the same problem, and with my bonnet bobbins. Can you (or anyone else) advise which helicoils (size) are required please? And how to fit? Drill out first or just wind into the holes as-is? Sorry, don't know much about these miracle things.

Alan,
Helicoil, great idea.
Always ask, there is someone out there with a different approach

You need to buy a Helicoil Kit which contains: Pilot Drill, Helicoil Tap, Inserting Tool, Helicoils of different lengths.
Or you could go for a Keyed Insert which a solid stainless Insert with Keyways that lock it in place once it has been screwed into the hole.
The Keyed Insert would be better in a position as on Bonnet Hinge/pivot.
Alan

1/4-20 TPI . Just make sure you keep the drill and tap square to the surface and in line w/ the opposite bobbin

Roger

Personal preference is EZ Loks. No weird sized taps or tools. Install with a big flathead screwdriver. The make stainless ones as well.

https://www.ezlok.com/ezlok-insert-319-4

JonB wrote:Can you (or anyone else) advise which helicoils (size) are required please? And how to fit? Drill out first or just wind into the holes as-is? Sorry, don't know much about these miracle things.

Jon, you're just being plain lazy here, have you not tried Google or Youtube?

I think I had one bobbin that was stripped. The other side was still OK. Thinking I replaced with a hex screw with a nyloc bolt on the end? You could perhaps try it first? One side needs to be threaded though to maintain the spacing of the pod from the main fibreglass body.

HTH

Stu

pharriso wrote:

JonB wrote:Can you (or anyone else) advise which helicoils (size) are required please? And how to fit? Drill out first or just wind into the holes as-is? Sorry, don't know much about these miracle things.

Jon, you're just being plain lazy here, have you not tried Google or Youtube?

Errr.... busted!

But I don’t know what size I need though!

There sized by bolt size, so you but a lot based on the book you need to thread into it. Aka 1/4-20