S3 boot hinge brace

[davidj]

Good afternoon,

Should there be any additional brace or strengthening plate running between the two boot hinge studs on the S3 or any support running from the hinge mount to the boot floor? I have read one or two vague references but may have misunderstood. I was planning to replace the short studs with longer ones and large washers to fix the hinges onto the body but thought I better check first. I cannot find any reference in Brian Buckland's book.

Cheers.

David

[TBG]

David, are you talking about the single bolt that attaches the hinge to the body or the two bolts that bolt the hinge to the boot lid?

This is mine with the support for the boot hinge- reinforced as it is a weak point.

[davidj]

Thanks for your reply. I vaguely remember hearing about a strengthening bar between the studs which connect the two hinges onto the body. However, you don't look to have such a bar so I guess I was mistaken. I have also seen a support from the RH side hinge to the boot floor, but you don't look to have one either.

Cheers.

[mbell]

The +2 has such a brace, not sure if such a thing was ever fitted to the elan.

[ericbushby]

Hi David,
I also have heard about a steel strip between the hinges on the body side of the hinge.
There is not room for one on my S3 as a stiffener tube about 3/4" diameter has been glassed in there to serve the same purpose. At the ends it turns forward a short distance along the wing.
I was once told that one of the major dealers and repairers used to do this to any that went through there workshop.
I was still concerned about the amount of flexing in this area. I fitted a diagonal rod from the back of the hinge plate to the wheel arch and this seems to work well. Unfortunately, I have not found the photo, it is in here somewhere.
I also modified the shape of the spring retainer to reduce the effort required to operate it as it passes over the bobbin.
Hope this helps
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

[Mazzini]

The S3 had a GRP brace glassed (could be paper rope) in between the hinges. You can probably feel it with your fingers. You can see it in David's post.

The S4 and Sprint, probably as a cost saving exercise, had a metal brace with a bit of under felt stuffed between the brace and the body. The paper rope was deleted. The right mount of under felt gives the correct curve on the flat panel...simplify and add lightness...

[oldelanman]

The S3 had a GRP brace glassed (could be paper rope) in between the hinges. You can probably feel it with your fingers. You can see it in David's post.

The S4 and Sprint, probably as a cost saving exercise, had a metal brace with a bit of under felt stuffed between the brace and the body. The paper rope was deleted. The right mount of under felt gives the correct curve on the flat panel...simplify and add lightness...

My S4 has the GRP brace ...... quite substantial but certainly not pretty.

[Mazzini]

Interesting! What year is your S4? I have a '72 Sprint with the brace and under felt.

I suppose it just goes to show that there are no rules on our hand built cars

[oldelanman]

It was gate released from the factory and registered in Feb '71 but built somewhat earlier, I don't know the exact production date.

[davidj]

As always, thanks for all your replies, and confirms my original understanding, be it on later cars than mine. S3 glassed paper rope. S4 and Sprint, structural underfelt!

Ta.

[ChrisD]

Hello David,

I wanted to strenhgen this very weak section on my car and fitted a steel support.
This works well. No danger of cracks to be expected.

Regards, Christian

[ericbushby]

Hi David,
I have found some pictures, not mine but similar.
Type` boot hinge support` into the search box. Post No 1 gives some good ideas.
Cheers
Eric in Burnley

[gjz30075]

Similar here, too. My Sprint has the full width angle iron and I fabricated a support piece for
further strengthening. My fabricated piece is copied from another Forum member who
indicated it might be a factory mod.

[pharriso]

As always, thanks for all your replies, and confirms my original understanding, be it on later cars than mine. S3 glassed paper rope. S4 and Sprint, structural underfelt!

Ta.

No!! Here's a print I made up of the brace on S4s & Sprints...

LotusElan_BootHingeBrace.pdf

(38.55 KiB) Downloaded 66 times

Sue (Miller) sometimes carries them.