Reality check on Elan +2 purchase
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Post by: theelanman » Sun Jun 21, 2015 7:10 pm
The early console is the full length
The latter console incorporates the rear seat and is about 3/4 of the length of the tunnel......
Also very padded
The latter console incorporates the rear seat and is about 3/4 of the length of the tunnel......
Also very padded
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Post by: bill griffiths » Mon Jun 22, 2015 12:05 pm
No!
Not Tasmanian Special Edition. And not made from kangaroo skin!
It is one piece, (Or once was!)
It runs from the dash to behind the rear seat.
It is not padded.
It has a tray of sorts at the dash end, and a hinged, basketweave lid between the front seats.
Perhaps for putting very thin documents under!
I have had trouble contacting Miles, or Fibreglass Services.
The number I have is 01243 554422.
Any direction would be most welcome!
Regards,
Bill
Not Tasmanian Special Edition. And not made from kangaroo skin!
It is one piece, (Or once was!)
It runs from the dash to behind the rear seat.
It is not padded.
It has a tray of sorts at the dash end, and a hinged, basketweave lid between the front seats.
Perhaps for putting very thin documents under!
I have had trouble contacting Miles, or Fibreglass Services.
The number I have is 01243 554422.
Any direction would be most welcome!
Regards,
Bill
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Post by: theelanman » Mon Jun 22, 2015 1:42 pm
yup...
that's an early console.....
that's an early console.....
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Post by: richardcox_lotus » Mon Jun 22, 2015 1:44 pm
Keep trying Miles, he does answer eventually - he has no receptionist......
If he's in a good mood, he won't mind the interruption.
Regards,
Richard
If he's in a good mood, he won't mind the interruption.
Regards,
Richard
Richard
'72 Sprint
'72 Sprint
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Post by: john.p.clegg » Mon Jun 22, 2015 6:04 pm
It was not long ago someone was selling a buck ( if that's the right word) for the centre console..
John
John
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I'm sure people would appreciate . . .Post by: bill griffiths » Tue Jun 23, 2015 10:54 am
I spoke to Miles this evening.
He says that early Elan Plus 2 centre consoles are not available anywhere in the world.
Now, there's a challenge!
Options I think are to manufacture one are fibreglass, and/or wood and/or aluminium.
Each I expect would require covering with a suitable vinyl.
Aluminum would probably be best for the basic shape.
I suspect that some saddle stitching would be required to have the vinyl conform to
the required contours, especially the 'tray' area immediately behind the dash.
A buck would allow the construction more easily of a fibreglass construction.
Does anyond know of the availability of some detailed photos, or of anyone who has one out of the car, in any condition other than totally wrecked, and who might be prepared to exhaustively photograph it, and even cut some paper profiles to help obtain the original shapes?
With the correct profiles and shape of those parts which do not consist simply of the saddle, I would hope that
near originality could be achieved.
The car I had for 39 years (before the fire!) had an aluminium one I made and covered with vinyl.
It could have been improved, but my 'new' plus 2, now approaching completion, is too good in all respects not to seek something closer to the original.
Any comments would be most helpful, I expect to very many owners.
Regards
Bill
He says that early Elan Plus 2 centre consoles are not available anywhere in the world.
Now, there's a challenge!
Options I think are to manufacture one are fibreglass, and/or wood and/or aluminium.
Each I expect would require covering with a suitable vinyl.
Aluminum would probably be best for the basic shape.
I suspect that some saddle stitching would be required to have the vinyl conform to
the required contours, especially the 'tray' area immediately behind the dash.
A buck would allow the construction more easily of a fibreglass construction.
Does anyond know of the availability of some detailed photos, or of anyone who has one out of the car, in any condition other than totally wrecked, and who might be prepared to exhaustively photograph it, and even cut some paper profiles to help obtain the original shapes?
With the correct profiles and shape of those parts which do not consist simply of the saddle, I would hope that
near originality could be achieved.
The car I had for 39 years (before the fire!) had an aluminium one I made and covered with vinyl.
It could have been improved, but my 'new' plus 2, now approaching completion, is too good in all respects not to seek something closer to the original.
Any comments would be most helpful, I expect to very many owners.
Regards
Bill
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Post by: theelanman » Tue Jun 23, 2015 11:54 am
I always thought that vac forming would be the easiest......
just a thought....
just a thought....
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Post by: Sea Ranch » Tue Jun 23, 2015 5:02 pm
Periodically there is renewed interest in a proper solution to this unavailable part.
Perhaps someone will source a professional who will make the part again, in detail/texture, etc. Could probably sell a thousand pieces. And me thinks it may be better to do it right and in quantity.
Perhaps someone will source a professional who will make the part again, in detail/texture, etc. Could probably sell a thousand pieces. And me thinks it may be better to do it right and in quantity.
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Post by: wotsisname » Wed Jun 24, 2015 12:40 pm
Hi all, I'm "new" to this forum, although I have to admit to frequent lurking and use of the resource.
I have an early +2. The centre console in fairly good condition [some cracks that can be hopefully repaired and do not change any of the dimensions]. It is currently stored off the car. If there's the desire I'm happy to post some photos and see where that might lead.
I can't see from the parts manual when the change might have occurred (chassis no.) , but a pure guesstimate from the registry [ http://www.elanregistry.org/list_cars.php ] suggests something like 120 pre-S cars remain (although I realise the list is not exhaustive).
I have an early +2. The centre console in fairly good condition [some cracks that can be hopefully repaired and do not change any of the dimensions]. It is currently stored off the car. If there's the desire I'm happy to post some photos and see where that might lead.
I can't see from the parts manual when the change might have occurred (chassis no.) , but a pure guesstimate from the registry [ http://www.elanregistry.org/list_cars.php ] suggests something like 120 pre-S cars remain (although I realise the list is not exhaustive).
1968 Elan plus 2 - project
2007 Elise S2 [modified with a Hethel 70th sticker (yellow)]
2000 Elise S1 - Sold
2007 Elise S2 [modified with a Hethel 70th sticker (yellow)]
2000 Elise S1 - Sold
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Post by: theelanman » Wed Jun 24, 2015 5:18 pm
dimensions are good.....
internal tho'.........as if I get a mould made then itd be formed 'over' the mould
I could gen something up and get it made possibly......dxf/dwg....I doubt itd be possible to 3d print something quite that large so it may end up being 3 sections stuck together....
also material thickness if possible........
cheers
G
ps don't hold your breaths.........Im not at home very much at all with this new job........
internal tho'.........as if I get a mould made then itd be formed 'over' the mould
I could gen something up and get it made possibly......dxf/dwg....I doubt itd be possible to 3d print something quite that large so it may end up being 3 sections stuck together....
also material thickness if possible........
cheers
G
ps don't hold your breaths.........Im not at home very much at all with this new job........
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Post by: bill griffiths » Thu Jul 02, 2015 6:49 am
If watsisname is prepared to post a series of photos of his console, and even with a sketch showing all dimensions of the tray, hinged lid and any other irregularities which do more that simply act as a saddle over the chassis, that would be an excellent start.
I expect the cost of vacuum forming, etc may be prohibitive but being provided with the above information (and especially for those of us to whom an original console is only a fond memory) would get us on the way.
I certainly will report back. Regrettably there are no examples nearby with which I can commune!
Regards,
Bill
I expect the cost of vacuum forming, etc may be prohibitive but being provided with the above information (and especially for those of us to whom an original console is only a fond memory) would get us on the way.
I certainly will report back. Regrettably there are no examples nearby with which I can commune!
Regards,
Bill
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