Elan +2 front indicator lamps

[Tintin]

Hi!

Is there a source for the Lucas L797 front indicator lamps?
Are they really specific parts just produced for the +2 or
were they used on other cars as well?




Tim

[Jason1]

Sorry Tim they were only for the +2

The worst part is that they are very hard to get rechromed due to the odd metal they are made of. If you can find a good second hand pair snap them up, I got a pair which are pitted and was told each pit needs to be filled before rechroming and that this was not cheap. So I will keep them for a later date when they become really rare and worth the effort.

Keep your eyes on ebay they do come up every now and then

Jason

[ppnelan]

Tim,

I have been told that they were used on a Duple coach
Seems reasonable, since Lotus were not noted for having special expensive parts made just for them - perhaps there was a job lot going cheap at the time... I've never seen one in it's 'native habitat' though!

Matthew

[Hamish Coutts]

I agree with Jason. They are one of the few 'unique to Lotus' parts.

The usual suspects should be able to supply them. (i.e. Susan Miller, Matty's). I've just got a new rear nearside back light lense from Matty's with no problem. Fits fine.

Hamish.

[theelanman]

I have also got in good authority that is was from a duple coach.....
however I did start collecting them a while back as I saw the prices go through the roof.....IIRC a good pair went on ebay about 3 months ago for ?280....yes I did type ?280.......that'll be same price as the rears then.....doh!!!!
cheers
g

[Tintin]

Thanks for the answers!

For GBP280,- I think I could get them cast and buy more lenses
than I'd ever need....

Given the fact that they are hard to rechrome (which doesn't come
as a surprise really considering the material) a small lot of these
cast in aluminium might be an alternative. I've been involved in
some cast parts in the past at the uni and therefore think that this
might be an option however I wonder why nobody has done this
before?



Tim

[john.p.clegg]

Form an orderly queue:-

Tim,you can put me down for a pair
John

[Tintin]

Form an orderly queue:-

Tim,you can put me down for a pair
John

I'll keep that in mind but don't expect me to start this
project too soon, there are lot of other things to do on those
remains of a +2 I call my own.....




Tim

[Jason1]

Tim they are definitely one of the items on my list under the title "buy in any condition when you see them". If you do have them made I think you would get a long list of buyers.

I have very rarely seen an A1 pair for sale, Paul Robinshaw had a pair he says were 'like new' but he wanted ?220 for the pair. I saw them, they looked good but he would not let me take them out of the bag so I walked.

So let us know when you have them made and I will take a couple of pairs

Jason

[Si_130/5]

Hi Jason,
I bought a pair from Mr Robinshaw at Donington which he said were new and I think they are - could they be the ones you saw?
I believe Mr Matty has arranged to have them made overseas but they will be pricey.
Does anyone know if the lenses back in production again and does anyone know a source for the grey foam gaskets which go inside as the ones on my red car look like a dried up river bed?

Tim I think your idea of making them in aluminium will be very popular - remember they are handed left and right. The original metal is called mazak and was used to make matchbox cars (remember how easily the doors snapped off?).

Best wishes,

Si

[theelanman]

si
IIRC the lenses have be quite prolific and are about ?20 from the usual sources.......PM, CN, SJ's etc etc its just the bodies you cant find
but dont forget the light shield when you ask........not sure about those
cheers
g

[Jonty5speed]

Si,

My gaskets were in a similar condition, I used the original as a template and made up some replacements from a mouse mat.

Jon

[Jason1]

Great minds think alike

I also got new lenses from PM, I think they were about ?25 each. The yellow indicator ones were ?7.50 if I remember correctly. I think CN has them as well.

I asked around and nobody had the gaskets, I bought an old used pair from Ebay for about ?10, photocopied them and used the copy as a template, bought a mouse mat from PC world (?1.50) and cut my own. I do not know how long they will last but are better than nothing.


Jason

[Si_130/5]

Thanks for the advice. Jason I might see you tomorrow at Silverstone.
I'm going mouse-mat hunting with my scalpel now.

Regards,

Si

[Jason1]

Hi Guys

Saw this at Donnington on Paul Matty's stand on Saturday and thought it may help? I asked how much they were going to be and was told about ?149 which is not bad if the chrome is good. All the new chrome plated parts I have bought rust within a year which really p*sses me off.



Hope it helps

Jason