Spyder Stressed Skin Chassis Queries

[simonriley11]

I am about to restore my father's 1969 Plus 2 which we fitted a Spyder stressed skin chassis to in the early 1980's. I know the history of the car since then and it has not been in any bumps etc. I am hoping not to have to take the body off the chassis so are there any weak points/issues that I should look for? Also if I can find one I would like to fit a Lotus 5 speed gearbox, will that fit in the chassis and will the gearbox mount fit too?
Thanks in advance for your help.

[mikealdren]

The Spyder stressed skin chassis was designed to overcome some of the weaknesses of the original Lotus chassis.

The Lotus 5 speed certainly fits the chassis although the mount may be different from the 4 speed and you will need a different clutch and propshaft. I know as I have fitted my 5 speed in a stressed steel chassis, it was a direct replacement for the original Lotus chassis.

[berni29]

Hi

I would not worry about the chassis for normal road use. There are a few reasons why you might want to lift the body off, but to my mind that is not one of them.

All the best

Berni

[Billelan]

I know lotus replacement chassis (LRxxxx) had mounting points for both the Ford 4 speed and Lotus 5 speed gearbox. However, I’m not sure about the Spyder stressed skinned chassis. If you look underneath you should be able to see if yours has additional mounting points.

Have you considered the Voigts 5 speed gearbox? This is based on ford internals but with special bell housing and tail-shaft to suit the Lotus chassis. Generally a more reliable gearbox than the Lotus (Maxi) one I think. The Voigts gearbox comes with all parts to fit including clutch, concentric release bearing, gear lever and prop shaft yolk.

[Baggy2]

Hi
I recently had a five speed Lotus gearbox fitted in a Spyder stressed skin chassis - It does fit. However, the clearences are tight and it would have been a difficult exercise with the body fitted. Also there was a need to remove some material from the chassis to provide clearence for the gearchange.
HTH
Baggy