Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

HI,

1969 Elan DHC
My hub carrier (Issue 18) is broken; the metal from the circlip groove to the end is pretty much gone. (DONT ASK HOW ) After searching the database, I found one comment about repairing this part bu cutting more off, welding new on and then remachining. I know to weld aluminum takes expertise. I also don't know how much force is on the circlip. So here are some questions:

Is repair a reasonable thing to do, assuming I can find a competent shop?

Anyone have a used right side they would like to sell?

Any problem using the old left one with a new right? I know several British shops sell them - any recommendation who to buy from.

Thanks,

Bob

Doing the repair is certainly technically possible. One of my Plus 2 hub carriers had the inside circlip retaining section machined off and a new ring welded on and machined. This was done more than 30 years ago before I bought the car and it has given no problems since. Whether it is economically viable versus a new replacement would depend on what it costs you locally for either option.

cheers
Rohan

Well new ones are like $1100. I have a set here that we had a repair done to much like you describe. I might be able to sell those. I will take a photo tonight and post it. It needs the bottom metal cap.

Thanks Tony, that may be an option.

Bob

New hub carriers are 324 GBP from Tony Thompson Racing. At today's exchange rate that is about $486. The casting and machining quality of the new pieces make original ones look pretty poor. An easy choice in my book. If you order from Tony Thompson on Monday morning you are likely to have your parts in the US in time for the weekend. I have no financial interest in Tony Thompson, just a satisfied customer.

Oh wow. I never thought about TTR. When I called around here in the states last year to the usual suppliers, they were $1100 for the pair. But as I think about, the difference between then and now is probably the exchange rate.

Tony,
When the exchange rate was about $1.65/GBP, a pair of hub carriers from TTR would have been about $1100 including shipping. However Bob has a broken Issue 18 hub carrier and TTR's are also the Issue 18 pattern so there is no need to replace both.

Hi,

Thanks for all the info - I just bit the bullet and ordered a new one.

Bob