Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Does anyone have the same dislike of the bonnet catches? They drive me to distraction. When we are roaming the incontinent I like to check up on everything each day and with the hood up - a rarity I grant you - getting at these things is increasingly difficult. Age of both driver and car!

Well I have put up with these things now for 35 years in this car, adjusting and fiddling all the while, and so I have probably upset lots of purists I suspect, but am now a very happy bunny.

The answer according to me - and not cheap!!

But how does it work ?

To close just lower the bit in the bonnet onto the stainless knob and it latches. To open press the centre of the bit in the bonnet and up she pops. One each side of course. Simples!!

TBG, I've been trying to find a pair of these...unsuccessfully


The search goes on but would like more information on your solution/source? Thx

Demon Tweeks have the whole shooting match!! No affiliation as usual.

I looked at your sort but thought the ones I chose were easier on the eye, easier to fit and use.


https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/search/ ... 20catches/

See also https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/search/ ... fasteners/

There are a number of other bonnet catches to consider, depending on your taste:

An inexpensive bonnet pin arrangement, that you see quite often on vintage cars. Available from various suppliers. (e.g. https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/s?search=bonnet+pins

Here it is on a GTS(26r):



Another approach is the Aerocatch that is flush, also shown on a 26r (the one in the MotorSport video, "How to Drive - Lotus Elan 26R", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lJelTBUTEI


More info: https://www.aerocatch.com/aerocatch/

After researching this extensively, I first used the first type of bonnet catch but then decided it looked a bit obtrusive. I looked for the "Oddie" solution that "Jabingb" mentioned. Also, looked at the arrangement that Jay Leno used on his GTS - using a square key wrench (like I had on my TR3). I then considered the Quik-Latch: https://www.quik-latch.com which I think may be the original poster's version.

Then finally opted for the "below panel" aero catch, where it blends into the bonnet. These can also be painted to further disguise them.

1 Owner - yes I looked at those that you have and very neat they are, but I thought they were a bit big for me so as you say I went for the Quick Latch. I suppose I could paint those body colour but I am not going to.

Jerry have you tried Dave Bean?

I fitted these to my new bonnet a while back. I did not refit the rear square section cross bar with the spring catches.

Came into very good use for the fire marshalls when I had my engine fire last year.

vstibbard wrote:Jerry have you tried Dave Bean?

V, think I did some time ago but will call Ken tomorrow, just to double check.
P.S. Would still like to understand how your Perspex head light covers are secured?

TBG, Quick Latches are a great solution. I have been using them for several years now without any problems. Clean and simple.

A German member on the Europa forum had some success with finding oddie fasteners.
http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/i ... ic=3257.15

jabingb wrote:P.S. Would still like to understand how your Perspex head light covers are secured?

The perspex head light covers are held on with screws through the Perspex and fixed to three tabs:

.
With tabs below, prior to drilling Perspex and screws
With screws:

Headlight buckets were fabricated from aluminum. This was done retaining the original headlight bobbins to allow one to revert to the original headlight pods later, if so desired. So, no permanent change to the body. Pods and mechanisms all retained (all of which BTW were in perfect working order - including vacuum activation).

To these buckets, three angle tabs were riveted to accept the screws through the Perspex. Screws incorporated small rubber o-rings to cushion against the Perspex. The buckets and tabs were then painted body color. Since this is a dark BRG, the tabs are not particularly visible.

It should be noted that drilling the holes in the Perspex has to be done very carefully. It is easy to crack these especially since you are drilling close to an edge. In addition, not all Perspex covers are the same. I found them to vary as to shape and thickness. They may have to be trimmed to align with the headlight hole in the body. I did find some that were too small to fit the S4 body - could have been original 26R - thicker as well.

How do you stop water ingress?

TBG wrote:How do you stop water ingress?

I don't drive in the rain !

But, we had a very thin rubber U-channel that can be slipped around the edge of the Perspex to create a seal. Didn't do it yet because I actually don't drive in the rain.

When washing the car, some water does get in but it evaporates.