Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I have just bought a new dashboard for an Elan S4/Sprint and I need to cut the hole for the ignition switch. I wondered if one of you guys would mind taking a couple of reference measurements from your dashboard (if you have a similar car) so that I can find the approximate centre point for the whole. Thankyou.

I assume you are talking about a RHD car ?
Not claiming this to be 100% correct but my ignition switch is on the horizontal centre line through the rocker switch cut-outs and 1 7/8" to the right of the edge of the WASH switch cut-out

Thankyou very much for the dimensional photo.

If I recall, the hole is squared off on one side, to match the profile of the ignition switch, to stop it turning when tightening.
Regards,
Colin.

My keyhole is in very much the same position. It's a pity whoever made your dash didn't make the hole himself. You need to be very careful not to damage the veneer and varnish when you do it.

It's a shame that you're not in the USA, I'd swap my dash with ignition hole for your's without!!

That's assuming we both had LHD cars of course...

You could always try to find a later Sprint (Triumph I think) steering column as they had the ignition lock on the steering column so you don't have to drill you nice new dashboard? You also get the security of having a steering lock as well!

Carl

I have now successfully drilled the correct size hole without damaging the veneer. Instead of trying to make a D shaped hole I am going to apply a small amount of epoxy resin to the rear of the dash to hold the switch in position. If the switch does ever need replacing it should still be possible to prize it off from the rear of the dash. This particular dash was purchased from Susan Miller and the quality is absolutely superb.