lotus elan chassis replacement.

[rgh0]

My 73 plus 2 which I bought in 1982 had severe corrosion along the lower edge of the chassis backbone on each side where the lower 50 mm of the felt saddle covered it. This had occurred in its 7 or 8 years of life in the UK before it came to Australia

Unfortunately the felt had held water (and salt?) thrown up from the road into its lower edge leading to the corrosion. I guess there was not enough oil leakage from the engine or gear box to prevent it. The 5 speed rear gearbox seal is much better than the 4 speed so you get less oil inside the tunnel which runs though the seams to also prevent corrosion on the lower outside

cheers
Rohan

[andygrundy]

Hi Rohan,

That confirms my fears about felt. I am pursuing the closed cell neoprene option.

Many thanks, Andy

[l10tus]

Andy,

Take a look at the camping bed matts made from this type of foam.

They are generally green colour, about ?5.99.

Just the job!

Regards,

Phil.

[andygrundy]

Thanks for the tip Phil; I need to check if they soak up water though, although they wouldn't be much fun to sleep on if they did.

Regards, Andy

[661]

Auto sound insulation firms usually have a huge selection

I've used these for my son's car:
http://www.deadening.co.uk/

[andygrundy]

Thanks Graeme, the Sound Deadening Shop certainly has a wide range of acoustic foam sheets.
I will check them out.

Regards, Andy

[patrics]

Hi,
I don't think acoustic foam is suitable as it is normally open cell - has to be to perform its acoustic function.

Regards
Steve