Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Has anyone taken apart the gas cap that does NOT have the screw to hold the spring loaded
gasket in place? I'd like to get the cap rechromed because I haven't found a repro with the
smooth (no serrations) on the release lever. It looks like I may be able to cut the swedging off,
then later, tap the hole for the small screw, like the later caps. Any ideas?

Greg
Do you need to take it all apart? I should talk with your chroming guy first and see if he needs it apart to do the job.
Tony

Good question. I was worried about the fiber-like material used for the gasket. I can't imagine
it surviving with no way to change it. I'll ask. Thanks.

I had EXACTLY the same problem with my +2. Like you, I wanted to retain the smooth release lever, but the rest of the cap was beyond repair. I suspect you will have trouble re-chroming your cap even if you can get it apart, as it is so pitted, and of such poor quality material. It’ll probably cost a fortune too.
Try what I did:
I removed the lever, which I seem to remember might have been made of brass, and had this re-chromed. I then bought a brand-new cap, removed its lever and replaced it with mine.
Success!
Good luck
Ian
PS Before re-chroming the old lever, I should of course have checked first that it fitted the new cap. I didn’t do this, just got lucky.

I thought new caps are available from the original manufacturer, I got one recently for my PLus 2 and it was cheaper than rechroming the original . Maybe they don't make the serrated release anymore and you need to swap over that part ?

cheers
Rohan

Excellent idea guys. Thanks!

As I recall from when I rebuilt my cap a few years ago, the thing in the center is sort of a rivet which I did drill out and then I can't remember if I had to tap the hole or if the screw that came with the kit was self-tapping, but in any event it was no big deal to do all this.

Rohan just reminded me that it is only a couple of months ago that a member posted the details of the original cap manufacturer on the forum, with phone and address details.so worth a quick search back. also as someone else pointed out it may just be cheaper to buy new rather than rechrome
Tony

Ps Just found the previous posted article

"Although I don't think it is the cause, I found the filler cap seals were showing signs of age, (53 years of age!). Found on these forums the website for CEANDESS (Wolverhampton) Ltd. who made the original caps for Lotus. Called them and they have Refurb Kits available for their ranges of caps used on many Classic Bikes and Cars.

My S4 Elan uses a Presto 75 Non locking Vented cap and needed this kit -
02518003 KIT – Non-Locking, Vented Refurb Kit. with instructions for about £16.
It has a replacement Sealing Plate (2 9/16" dia), Post Seal (5/8" od x 3/8" id x 1/2" long rubber tube), Spring, Screw, Spring and Plain Washers and Hinge Pin.
Check them out at http://www.ceandess.co.uk They were very helpful and friendly when I called at their factory in Wolverhampton. And, for a Step Back in Time, have a look at their old catalogues from the 1980's."

Hope that helps

Thanks Tony. Veg, is this the kit you're referring to?

Pretty sure it is, but I'm away from home for a few days so can't dig through receipts right now to confirm.