Lotus Replacement Chassis Number

[MarkDa]

When I crashed my Sprint in 1984 I got all the parts I thought I needed (of course far fewer than eventually required )
Principally chassis, suspension and body parts.
I just rang up in early evening and placed the order - no idea who I spoke to but didn't get passed around at all - I was a bit surprised how easy it was!

[JJ66]

Hello All, Thanks very much for all the replies, I have learnt a lot more about replacement sub-frames (not chassis!). I can clearly see Alan's point that these are classed as a replacement part and therefore were made to a part number/revision level that were produced and then used according to demand. Logging a reference number associated with each sub-frame is then sensible for traceability, in case of need to recall. So, I'm pleased I at least that have the provenance for mine and that it was supplied by Lotus, but I'm mostly pleased its galvanised and I don't have any rust worries . Thanks again, Jonathan

[Hethel_Haus]

The attachment 5249C5E2-9FA8-4064-931A-7398646CD570.jpeg is no longer available

My non galvanised chassis from the late 70s/very early 80s.

LR1019.

Still in excellent shape.

My '73 Elan +2S 130/5 had a replacement Lotus Chassis sometime between Sept. 1980 and July 1982 when a major rebuild was carried out by a J.S.Smith, T/A Autotheme, Specialist Motor Engineer, Thornton, Cleveleys (has anyone ever heard of this guy or know if he is still in business?). Seems pretty early in it's life to have required a new chassis but the first two owners lived close to Blackpool so maybe salt air rust was a contributor. Anyway, it took me quite awhile to locate the chassis number buried under the paint. Photos show the tag number and chassis location in good detail.

Lotus Replacement Chassis Tag Location

LR 1016 - Painted Chassis Circa 09-1980 to 07/1982

[billwill]

When talking about numbers its a subframe not a chassis.

[elated]

In the second post of this thread !982 is given as the year LR sub-frame appeared. Is that a typo? Should it read 1972?
From another post it appears that some LR sub-frames were not galvanised and feature within the same numbering sequence without differential marking: is it known when the galvanised version arrived for the Elan?
Thanks,
Gordon

[billwill]

I replace my S3 Coupe subframe in 1978, it was pre-galvanizing. I bought the subframe from London Sports Care Centre in Edgeware and (I think) I brought it home strapped to the roof of a mini-clubman.

I painted it with about 7 layers of gold hammerite.

My drain holes in the front turret had got blocked and the turret broke away when I skidded on ice into the kerb; fortunately only about 200 yards from my house.

I did a subsequent repair of the LR subframe in about 2007, same problem, blocked drain holes, but this time I caught it before the turret collapsed, so the geometry was still good and I was able to get patches welded on at the bottom of the front turrets.
viewtopic.php?f=42&t=16727&hilit=chassis

http://www.datahighways.co.uk/photos/og ... repair.htm

[Mazzini]

Miles who? I got mine direct from the manufacturers.

[TBG]

"When talking about numbers its a subframe not a chassis."

OOOOOPPS!!

spyder.01.jpg (46.62 KiB) Viewed 462 times

[alan.barker]

Miles who? I got mine direct from the manufacturers.

What direct from Gartrac but Saint Wilkins is the middle man
I think that's what Roy did too direct with Gartrac.
Alan

[vstibbard]

I have an unused Elan LR chassis numbered in the low 2000's that is not galvanised.

[EPC 394J]

OOOPS indeed!

[MarkDa]

I guess that just so long as we don't tell DVLA anything about what we've done then it doesn't matter what the trade calls it

Spelling corrected

[billwill]

I guess that just so long as we don't tell DVLA anything avout what we've do e then it doesn't what the trade calls it

I was one of the unfortunates who did inform DVLA that I had 'changed the chassis' in 78 or 79., I narrowly escaped being forced to have a Q number and it took much hassle to sort out the mess. Which then resurfaced when they digitised the records for the automation of the MOT test system.

[Donels]

Interesting the number of subframe replacements around the early 80’s. It suggests it had a corrosion life of 8 to 10 years, hence Lotus introducing galvanising. Then again winters were colder and probably more salt on the roads. It solved the problem as mine is nearly 40 years old and still in excellent condition.

[JJ66]

Yes, I think you are right. I have full documented history on my car and it went on the road in December 1973 and had a subframe change (at Lotus) in June 1982, so that's 8.5 years. And I am in touch with the owner who had the car at that time and he confirms it was for excessive corrosion. The replacement subframe was Galvanised and is still in lovely order today, and will doubtless outlive me!

Cheers, Jonathan