Oh Dear..

[jono]

Check out page 125 of this online catalogue?

http://www.carbuildersolutions.co.uk/

[billwill]

That's a very interesting catalogue and page 172 looks like the simplest answer to the Elan rad-filling problem.

And the riv-nuts on page 198 look like a nice solution to those pesky nuts on the inside part of the door mechanisms. (the ones where you need octopus tentacles to hold the nut inside while you put the screw in from the outside).

[alexblack13]

Hi Guys,
Commiserations to you all with the bumps trouble. It is a real pig! I know how you feel and its not good. It will fix is all I can say to reassure you and I hope this helps make you feel better. The guys who really know their fibreglass craft will fix the cars easily, and poss' better than it was. My Sprint was a def' case in hand. The body went into option 1 a wreck and came out just magnificent. I'm certain yours will be the same.

My cousin was riding his Pan European bike through a Swiss town when he was rear ended by a coal truck after stopping at a Zebra crossing! His bike was written off. That got us thinking about brake lights and you can now buy a clip on brake light that fixes to the rear of ones Helmet ( & Yes... I know all the jokes!) Available from bike shops I think and can be mounted / dismounted. Wireless, it takes its signal from a little 'sender' wired to the stoplight & I believe the lamp part is rechargeable. Not looked at kit like this for ages but should still be available.

I had my own car returned to me on Saturday and it is perfect. I can not fault it and boy did I try. Mrs B is happy again.

Hope you get it all sorted out quickly and are back on the road asap..


Alex.....

[alexblack13]

That is a good catalogue and so are those items you mentioned Bill. Rivets are a hidden gem in MHO. I have used them in a few locations around the car. Including that 'pesky nut' to which you referred. I also used them to hold the door pull handles in place. I just plain forgot to put the trim and handles on prior to fitting the glass etc and they were a perfect solution. I'm also toying with the idea of fitting m10 riv nuts into the engine mounts to get rid of even peskier nuts.
They are very helpful in the correct location.

Well spotted!

Alex....

[john.p.clegg]

Alex

..or you could "strap" the two hex screws together...makes things easier...

John

P.S. not the prettiest brazing I've seen....

[alexblack13]

Aye, Good idea though John. That would work well.

TA...

[JJDraper]

A quick update - the third party insurers have agreed to Option's repair estimate following a visit by their assessor. As has been said, the assessor suggested using a 'Lotus approved' repairer, but privately agreed that may not be appropriate. Its the party line for the assessor.

The bumper is with Neil at Brighthouse chroming, but with a six month waiting list.... In the mean time I will fit my spare, pattern bumper, which also has a big dent, but will do for now..

The car is now with Frank, and we may have it back in time for its holiday on the 1st of August!

Jeremy

[alexblack13]

Very good choice Jeremy. Whilst there are, I am sure a few companies capable of repairing your car well, Option 1 has a super reputation and Frank is without doubt a perfectionist. When he is happy with it you will have a first class job. I personally will not go anywhere else now.

Keep us posted as to how its going etc...

Good luck for the future.

Alex B....

[JJDraper]

The car is now back and looking like nothing happened, apart from the bumper which is my grotty spare. Options have done a superb job in two weeks. For once everything has gone as it should - the other party has been honest and the insurance company has made a quick decision and been understanding of the needs of the specialist car market. The dented bumper is back with the chromer, but I expect a 6 month wait...

Interestingly, the all in cost was less than when someone went into the back of my modern a few years ago.

Thanks to all and now to get on with the holiday..

Jeremy