Body Parts Interchangeability

[DreamsOfA26R]

Hello all,

In my research into the differences between all the various series and years of Elan production I've asked many questions, about the body differences in particular, in several different topics and its gotten a bit hard to keep tabs on all the answers! In an attempt to get them all in one place, I'll risk the flaming and ask:

What are the differences between the Elan bodies, particularly the differences between the S2 and S3 cars? The major differences are obvious and we don't need to resist them here. Things such as the fixed window frames on S3 doors, the boot lid going all the way to the rear on the S3s, and even the headlights being different distances from the bumper have all been covered.

The things I'm more curious about are potentially less obvious things. Do the earlier cars have a lower windshield flange on the body? Will and early windshield frame fit on an S3? Someone once commented that S2 doors can't fit on an S3, is that true? Are they the later doors shaped differently than the early ones?

Are there any other details or differences I should know of? I have a lightweight S2 front clip for my race car project, and I was considering investing in more lightweight, potentially 26R style bodywork to replace the factory panelling and have no idea if there's any interchangeability.

[gjz30075]

On an S1/S2, the distance from the bottom of the headlight to the top of the bumper is
different, side to side. The distance is the same on S3/S4 cars.

PM sent....

[DreamsOfA26R]

Ah yes, that has already been covered in other threads I was able to find. I’m more interested in the cowl area and door openings, but any and all other details and differences are appreciated.

[bigvalvehead]

you can fit 26R arches to any Elan
They dont go past the edge of the door opening.

[Craven]

If you browse the Photo Gallery say S2 you will see most of the information you seek.

S2 Door.JPG (19.7 KiB) Viewed 974 times

[DreamsOfA26R]

Ah, Craven thank you for posting those pictures! That angle is very clear and shows the differences quite well! The google image gallery is much less helpful than the gallery on here and I appreciate you directing me that way

So essentially what I'm gathering is the S1-S2 bodies and the S3-later bodies differ significantly in the passenger area; the wings and clips, front and rear, are pretty readily interchangeable with the right amount of cutting and epoxy but from the cowl to the rear door jambs they differ significantly.

What I'm finding out is if i want an S2 body, I'll be better off sourcing one that trying to modify an S3!

[gjz30075]

Tony Thompson Racing has just about every body part, and complete bodies for S1 and S2s
https://www.tonythompsonracing.co.uk/pa ... d-chassis/

[DreamsOfA26R]

Maybe one day I'll be able to spring for one of those! In the meantime, I'll have to focus the funds and effort on getting the damn thing running again!

[Frogelan]

The S3 bonnet is very slightly different on the inside (single spring at the front, and the stiffening is different), but it is completely interchangeable with S1/S2.

There is also I believe (please check...) a slightly different bobbin attachment for the central part of front bumper.

With respect to the windscreens, there are of course, different windscreens for the S1, S2 and S3...(yes, you need to find a very patient retailer with cheerful contacts at Pilkington).

Within the S3 years of production, there are plenty of other mainly interior changes to amuse and baffle you.

Andrew