Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

The archive is a bit scrappy concerning what types of racks were used for LHD cars, and it is not easy pinning Spyder down, so whilst waiting to talk with them, I wonder if anyone knows definitively what racks were used by them - might it have been Triumph Spitfire?

I see on their parts list they have a Leyland rack listed but no mention of what model or if the same is used for LHD.

There have been some LHD racks up for sale in the past taken from imported cars that were converted - does anybody have such a thing still?

It always works - waiting ages to talk with Spyder, start a thread here, and bingo, someone answers the phone on the next call

Anyway, maybe pertinent to note here that one of the problems we are having getting sense from Spyder of late, is that Andy - the technical font of knowledge Andy, has left Spyder recently for 'personal reasons'. This has been a blow to them, and to us.

Anyway, they do not have any new racks in stock and do not know what was used for LHD - but are finding out...

As for my other issue of trying to get a certificate of conformity for an Evante for which Spyder inherited, they are not familiar with the car (that was Andy's department..!)...So I think maybe project 1, converting the +2 to LHD and project 2, importing an Evante into France will now be cancelled

The Leyland rack they listed when I enquired years ago I seem to remember was a LHD Mini rack upside down for RHD so potentially a RHD one upside down would suit you? That said my Spyder frame takes the normal rack, Spitfire I assume, so that should work with the wheel on the wrong side?

Didnt know they had 'inherited' the Evante. About 20 years ago I was speaking to the then owner of the rights to it at the Stoneleigh kit car show and he wanted to sell the rights, moulds etc. Maybe they bought them. His only comment about Spyder was it was their chassis they used.

That must be a blow to them if Andy (Widnall?) has left.

Hi,
Wasn't the rack a standard Herald one with extensions fitted ?
I believe both TT or Kelsport have new LHD racks that you can just add the extensions to and fit.
They're not cheap but they are new.

Gino

Thanks Gino - Kelevendon list LHD racks, but do not have any in stock, and TT will only recondition a supplied rack, but I am not sure if these fit a Spyder chassis even if available.

Useful info Simon! Yes Spyder purchased the moulds and anything that was left of the Evante production that I believe included administration documentation where no doubt there is a CofC, but getting someone to find it is going to be impossible, especially as this was Andy's department! It is quite easy to make up a certificate I know, which has been done on many occasions, but not sure I want to take the risk ! So I shall pass on this project I think!

As for the rack, Spyder have been very efficient today as I have just had a quote from them for a Leyland rack with some drawings of two new mounting holes that are needed, £217 ex works. I just have to confirm that this is indeed a LHD rack, and then I can continue...

Caterham used a Mini rack on the ‘ 7 ‘ when Herald racks ran out, Mini of course was a Leyland product.

To close this off, Spyder confirmed last night they will supply a LHD rack complete for their early chassis, £269 with all fittings. Order is in. Project back on!

I am now looking at copying Vegantune and use an upper Escort Mk lV steering column.