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Rear Wishbones Handed?

PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 5:56 pm
by jbeach
OK, Helpful Folks:
Rebuilding my rear suspension. My rear wishbones appear identical and the parts manual lists only one part number, but I wanted to be ABSOLUTELY SURE. So, would someone please confirm my rear wishbones are not handed? Between replacing bushings, cleaning, stripping, and painting, I've lost track of which came from what side. I certainly don't want to have to install them twice!!
Many thanks!
-John

Re: Rear Wishbones Handed?

PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 7:32 pm
by tedtaylor
It's simple. The left side is left and the right side is right! :lol:



hint = they are both EXACTLY the same...

Re: Rear Wishbones Handed?

PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2017 1:50 am
by jbeach
Thanks so much, Ted. That was my tentative conclusion, but with a Lotus, you just never know! I will now proceed accordingly.
-John

Re: Rear Wishbones Handed?

PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2017 5:19 am
by john.p.clegg
John
You may be able to see a slight bow in them where the wrong jacking method has been used in the past ?

John :wink:

Re: Rear Wishbones Handed?

PostPosted: Tue Jul 25, 2017 1:36 am
by jbeach
Thanks John,
Amazingly, like everything on this Elan so far, the rear wishbones are laser-straight. I feel incredibly fortunate to be restoring a car that is so fundamentally sound.
Best,
John

Re: Rear Wishbones Handed?

PostPosted: Tue Jul 25, 2017 1:04 pm
by el-saturn
i like your approach john and try to keep that attitude BECAUSE you may run into parts or "areas" where things may not be that sound. if you still can, restore your original chassis and don't go for a spyder! sandy PS: my car was actually100% sound without any corrosion in 1981 and still is: only needed new wheels and original seats (back then!) AND got the chassis galanized!

Re: Rear Wishbones Handed?

PostPosted: Tue Jul 25, 2017 4:56 pm
by Elan45
I drive through Columbia twice a year on my way between Ohio and Florida. Let me know if you'd like some personal observation.

Roger

Re: Rear Wishbones Handed?

PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 1:43 am
by jbeach
Sandy, thanks for the guidance. I've thought about going Spider on a number of things, but so far have stayed the "original" course (although I will probably buy the Spider inertia reel seatbelt setup).

I'm certain galvanizing your chassis gave you substantial peace of mind. Didn't take mine down that far, so not an option for me.

Roger, I'd love for you to drop by and give my car a look (and, if I keep my nose to the grindstone, a drive) next time you come through Columbia. PM me and I'll send you my email address so you can let me know when you're coming through next.

-John