Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hello all,

I have a front end panel up to mid wheel arch and I help identifying which model it is from.

I have an S3 FHC that has had two poorly done repairs on the front end as well as the addition of S4 front arches. The car came with a front end that is in reasonable condition, if it is correct I will graft it on along with a new set of S3 arches.

Pics are below, any help will be appreciated.

Think maybe you need to zoom out a bit with the photos to give folk a chance.

You realise, I hope, that you will probably have to revert to 145 types if you refit S3 arches, the S3 arches catch on the tyres at full lock if they are 155 tyres.

Looks fine, from the pictures, I assume it has S3 arches as its difficult to see from the angle of pictures in your post, and does it extend far enough back to replace the S4 section complete.

V

elanfan1 wrote:Think maybe you need to zoom out a bit with the photos to give folk a chance.

I thought it would be the details that gave away where it is from but yes you are probably right, see below.

billwill wrote:You realise, I hope, that you will probably have to revert to 145 types if you refit S3 arches, the S3 arches catch on the tyres at full lock if they are 155 tyres.

I have seen threads where people have fitted 5 and 5.5" rims on S3's with standard arches with various tyre widths so I did not think it was an issue? I do seem to recall some of them were using the rack limiters to prevent rubbing.

vstibbard wrote:Looks fine, from the pictures, I assume it has S3 arches as its difficult to see from the angle of pictures in your post, and does it extend far enough back to replace the S4 section complete.

V

Unfortunately it only goes to mid arch which is why I would also need to buy a pair of full S3 arches.

Measure the distance from the top of the bumper line to the bottom of the headlight bucket openings. I think
on S1 S2 cars, there is a difference, whereas on S3 and S4 cars the distance is the same. Fender lips
obviously different on S3 vs S4

gjz30075 wrote:Measure the distance from the top of the bumper line to the bottom of the headlight bucket openings. I think
on S1 S2 cars, there is a difference, whereas on S3 and S4 cars the distance is the same. Fender lips
obviously different on S3 vs S4

Top of the bumper line to headlight apertures measured 27 and 24mm at the narrowest points, do you know what the measurements should be for the various series? Thanks

I'm not sure what the measurements are supposed to be but I'm thinking 3mm is not that big of
a difference. Usually the difference is apparent to the naked eye. Hopefully someone with S1 S2
experience with this can chime in.