Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I cannot seem to find an answer to this question, I have read on some posts that it is not present on later Elans and is not actually necessary? I have a 66 S3 FHC.

I ask this because I am currently replacing the sill lattices and one of the wheel arch rebar sections is loose and free to move around, obviously providing no support, whereas the other one seems well bonded in?

On my late 67 build S3 this is where the latticework comes from under the door and goes to the back wheel arch. From the back arch rearward I don’t see any rebar so it must be encased if there is any as looking underneath and on top there’s no exposed rebar from here back. And there’s certainly no movement to what you see in the picture.Gordon Sauer

Luke,

About 7 mins into the video Paul shows it here...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nFMTjNaYUhkr

It provides support for the rear wheel arches and weight of fuel tank, luggage etc in boot area

V

Thanks for the replies everyone. It does seem that they are not on all Elans but to be on the safe side I will keep mine, this will mean reglassing the loose one or possibly syringing resin/filler into the cavity.

I've not found one yet that had not had them extend out to approx back of rear wheel arch. Even the 26R's have same lattice and locations.

As it goes from cockpit area it is sandwiched between the outer shell and the laminating that joins the lower boot and inner guard areas.

Vaughan

I agree with Vaughan, they all had them.

Luke wrote:(Snip)... I will keep mine, this will mean reglassing the loose one or possibly syringing resin/filler into the cavity.

Do a proper job of re-glassing it. Resin/Filler is nowhere near strong enough, and will just break out again the first time the body flexes.

Regards,
Tim Engel