Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Just removed the R/H vacuum pod as it looked a bit grotty, although it works fine, in order to give it a makeover.

On inspection it became apparent that someone had cut the top off just above the ridge, presumably to fix the diaphragm? What a mess they've made, holes, partially welded etc. The L/H pod has had the same muppet fix it.

The questions are, has anyone come across this before? can you really fix a non working diaphragm? I wouldn't have thought it was worth the risk or the trouble.

I'm extremely reluctant to refit them even though they work, so it will have to be new ones then! I've seen them for sale from ?75 up to ?159 from the usual suspects. why the wide price difference? anyone fitted new ones recently?

Sorry for so many questions, also hope this is the correct forum.

Regards
David

I think you just answered your own question as to WHY someone would repair one or both.

Hi David, If they are working, why not give them a makeover? Strip off the paint, treat the rust, perhaps wrap some fibreglass tissue and resin around them, finish off with some filler and repaint. Should be as good as new and give you the satisfaction of restoring them.
cheers
Alan P

Hi Alan,

Checked the diaphragms and they are in very good order so, yes I am going to treat them to a facelift.

David

David,
i would suggest you cover the bottom halfs with tissue and resin as they can rust through.
Also make sure there is a foam disk on the actuating rod to stop water going Inside the pod

And don't forget to leave a drainage hole in the top half.....

Way back when in 1972 when these pods were really not available at a cheap price for a college student making $1.63 per hour in a work study job, I took mine apart. Resealed it with fiberglass or PC7 epoxy as I recall. Then I cut up an old inner tube and made a new diaphragm from the inner tube. As far as I know, it is still working 40 years later in fellow lister Jeff K's car.

Tony V

Thanks. The are both in need of a bit more than cosmetics.

The only drain hole are the ones caused by rust perforation, however the rest is pretty solid and is not beyond repair. The stud that goes through the body from the support bracket has sheared, easy to fix also the side support bracket was waving around. That's my next few days sorted then!!!

I must say I'm thoroughly enjoying ownership even though I haven't used it to much in the short time I've had the car. I'm spending more time on the Elan than I am on finishing my Ultima Gtr.

David

The reason for the price is that as far as I am aware they are currently out of production. You may be lucky to find anyone with stock.