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Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 7:10 pm
by theelanman
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

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 12:05 pm
by bill griffiths
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

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 1:42 pm
by theelanman
yup...
that's an early console..... :mrgreen:

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 1:44 pm
by richardcox_lotus
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

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 3:21 pm
by alanpearl
PS if it helps to get it made (or made more cheaply) and the price is reasonable, I would also be interested in an early centre console...

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 5:42 pm
by Sea Ranch
I'll bet pretty much every non-S model Plus 2 owner would be interested in an accurate, quality reproduction of the console. Apparently one of the most difficult parts to replace.

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 6:04 pm
by john.p.clegg
It was not long ago someone was selling a buck ( if that's the right word) for the centre console..

John :wink:

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Mon Jun 22, 2015 8:00 pm
by Sea Ranch
Then whoever has it should go into business for the sake of the rest :) I'm sure people would appreciate . . .

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 10:54 am
by bill griffiths
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

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 11:54 am
by theelanman
I always thought that vac forming would be the easiest......

just a thought....

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Tue Jun 23, 2015 5:02 pm
by Sea Ranch
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. :?:

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 12:40 pm
by wotsisname
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).

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 4:47 pm
by Sea Ranch
What you really need is a "sacrificial" console, so a proper mold can be made. Anyone got one to donate . . . ?

Okay, I'll butt out now . . . :oops: :mrgreen:

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 5:18 pm
by theelanman
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........

Re: Reality check on Elan +2 purchase

PostPosted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 6:49 am
by bill griffiths
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