Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

The stolen bonnet saga of my +2 is reaching the interesting phase of trying to fit the replacement. Stuart, who supplied the bonnet did say it was 'odd' but I was happy to try anything. Firstly the leading edge of the bonnet had been extended by around 1 and a half inches (4cm). My first task was to remove this, which I thought would bring it back to standard.. The extension was made up of two pieces of timber screwed to the leading edge, then covered in filler and nicely painted. These came off relatively easily, but as to why it was done - any answer out there?

The next problem was the hinge pivots which extended well beyond the edge of the fibreglass and the unit would not fit in the bonnet opening. I tried grinding these down, but the heat generated would not be good for the fibreglass, so I had to file them down by hand, which took a while.

The current problem is the location of the hinge pivots, which does not match those on the body, meaning that the rear edge of the bonnet (bulkhead) will not close. I wonder why this is so? Is the replacement bonnet correct or is my body wrong... I would appreciate someone measuring (as far as practical) the centre of the bonnet pivot to the leading edge..

I know all our cars are slightly different, but this seems weird!

Anyway, I took the car for a run with and brake, clutch etc don't seem to have suffered with the prolonged layup. With all the dust, the car truly looks like a barn find now - perhaps that will double its value

Jeremy

Would be nice if you could “borrow” another bonnet to measure.

Hi Jeremy, The bonnet on my early '68 car measures 3" between the pivot centre and the leading edge.

Brian.

I wonder if the replacement bonnet came from a car that had had a new nose incorrectly grafted-on, bungled in such a way that the nose and the leading edge of the opening were a couple of inches too far forward. The mind boggles indeed.

I'm away from home at the moment but can measure mine tomorrow.