Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Dusty
Of course you're absolutly right about the headlining having been changed, I have been unable to trace much history on my car due mainly to the fact that the DVLA have no records prior to 1972. Although, to be fair, I haven't tried too hard to investigate further.
The car was originally white, was changed to red at some time before I bought it and then about 20 years ago I completed a bare shell respray to the current Cardinal Red. At this time I removed the headlining and it appeared original but I believe you're correct and it must have been replaced at an earlier time.
So much for trying to keep it original when there are so many questions over what exactly is 'original'. Still, I for one find all the changes fascinating!

Ron
50/0775

Have you tried contacting the Lotus archivist to get some history on your car?

I actually have about 3yrds of the original star type headlining material ready for when I get to that stage of the restoration, I believe it's quite hard to get now.

Dusty:

The early headliner is called Lodestar pattern (couldn't`t recall name when I posted earlier). It comes up on eBay UK quite often and was used in the British Ford's of the day. Susan Miller supplied me with a few yards of it for the rear 'C' pillars (where the courtesy lights go) and a separate, complete pre-sewn roof panel ready to be inserted into the mounting rods and including the A pillar pieces. I got the impression she could also supply the newer perforated stuff if you prefer. Note you have to specify the number of roof mounting rods, as there was a change (another change to the 'S' interior?). I ordered the loose fabric later when I realized it did not come with the pre-sewn roof panel, as C pillar is separate panel.

Darren:

I should have been clearer on the wiring exactly following Federal spec. The wire colours are very faded, so initially it appeared to be very alien indeed. Often when I stripped the loom covering back I could see the correct wire colours, and they were a proper match to the diagram. Solving the whole issue with a complete loom replacement.

Sure finding this thread interesting. Makes it easier for me to be comfortable with replacing stuff with modern replacement bits that are easier to source! Like Mark I was fussed on getting correct interior lights, but gave up and putting in reasonable replacements from Andy at Spyder as the originals are very difficult to source.

A couple of questions on other possible running changes:

- Anyone`s car come stock with the Voltmeter rather than Ammeter in conjunction with stock alternator. This shows as a recommended change in my service manual, so I am making the change during restoration. Had an earlier thread a while ago on the exact format of the gauge face; my retrofit one is slightly different than the other gauges but looks identical to the one in the service manual. Pic of volt and fuel below. Volt has rounded shroud, other gauges squared off.

- Did the Plus 2 side marker reflectors on the wings ever have lights in them. Mine are just screw on reflectors; wondering if it is reasonable to replace with side lights.

Cheers!

Hi Stu

My '73 Plus 2S130 has a voltmeter as standard rather than an ammeter. Also as with all the later cars, the gauges have grey faces, red needles and flat rather than "v" shaped bezels

Andy

Hello
I like the later models but not the seats. I've fitted early type front seats and have tried (this morning) to fit the early rear seats.
The squabs are significantly bigger than the later ones and do not fit.
Also how is the rear fixed without the lugs that go down at the top?
Does this mean early cars have a completely different rear arrangement and will I be able to fit my nice early seats?

Cheers

Terry