Elan S4 Chassis Bolts

[chrisawyer]

Everyone:
I'm a new member with a 1969 Elan S4 DHC that is finally being restored. I purchased the car 24 years ago, started taking it apart 12 years ago (with the intention of getting it back on its feet quickly), and just recently sent the body off for work and repaint. (Still undecided on the color...) I'm sure I'll run into other problems, but the immediate need is to find a list of the bolts (sizes , threads, etc.) used to hold both body and chassis together. Does anyone know of such a list? Unfortunately, I can't rely on my old contacts (I was the PR director in the U.S. from 1996-2000) as they've all left, and no longer have access to the factory archives. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Chris Sawyer
Editor/Founder
The Virtual Driver

[robertverhey]

Hi there is from memory a picture in the workshop manual with all the bolt sizes, threads and lengths. I bought a set from SJ. Quite reasonably priced and all correct. And much easier than scratching around for used bolts or pestering your local engineering supply outlet. The the other suppliers also can supply a set.

Elan factory in melbourne produce a complete list of nuts and bolts to suit elan.

Robert

[lotocone]

Chris, If you have Brian Buckland's Elan restoration book, it shows all 16 bolt locations and their sizes on page 172. Let me know if you would like to look at the drawing. I'm probably about 15 miles from you and I have a 1969 Elan too. I'm thinking about getting it painted over the winter.

Bob

[chrisawyer]

Thank you both. I do have Brian Buckland's book, and will look at pg. 172 when I get a chance. After having talked to Brian (years ago), I should have known he'd have this information. I guess this is what happens when life gets in the way, and you leave things undone for a long period.

[lotocone]

Good luck with your Elan. I've been reading your website The Virtual Driver. Thanks, I didn't know about it before.

[stugilmour]

Chris, a quick tip that might help with some of the other assembly items later.

The parts book of course shows the location; if you do not have one you can use Ray's on-line version at http://rdent.com/manuals/index.html. He lists all of the chassis bolts and the Lotus P/N under

Elan/Body/Exterior/Attaching

In the front part of the printed copy of the Lotus Service Parts List there is a two page description of the part number schema for most all of the standard fasteners used in the car. From the Lotus part number you can generally tell the fastener diameter, length, and whether SAE coarse or fine thread. They generally note if it is a special fastener as well. The description includes the codes for screws. studs,etc. I don't have the schema page to hand as a scanned copy, but sure there is a copy or discussion here somewhere (or I can dig it up for you if it is of help).

As an example, Lotus P/N XUCB0624 (one of the chassis bolts) would be:

X - Hex head
UC - UN Coarse
B - Bolt
06 - Diameter in 16th's, so 3/8"
24 - length in 16th's, so 1 1/2"


I got my chassis bolt set from Spyder with the chassis, so that is another possible source, although sure you can find them locally from a good bolt supply.

Best of luck with the assembly.

HTH