QUESTION
I am chasing door seals for my 1973 Lotus Elan +2S.
I believe the existing seals are not the correct profile, likely installed when a galvanised chassis was installed in the UK.
As a consequence the passengers door leaks at the top (chrome) door frame.
Can you supply the correct seals?
The drivers sun-visor also needs replacing.
The windscreen wipers are painfulllllyyyy slow (I guess the motor is on the way out).
Can this be replaced, or better to seek a rewind of the original?
G.B. - Perth, Western Australia
ANSWER
Lotus Marques usually stocks and can supply the correct profile seals so the window frame is water-tight.
Fitting the correct rubber section seal makes all the difference if the door is going to open, close and seal correctly.
To get the window frame to seal correctly, it will be necessary to first check the fibreglass door fits the aperture correctly.
It maybe necessary to make adjustments at the hinge and lock locations so the external skin profile lines up with the body.
Next, remove the interior door panel trim and adjust/shim the frame position.
From experience, this is going to be be time consuming to get the required results.
To the best of my knowledge there are no more new sun-visors available.
The original visor were sourced from Ford MK1 Cortina so you might be able to obtain a good second hand item.
You are correct, the wipers have a slow action compared to modern day motor vehicles - this is normal.
However it is worthwhile dismantling the wiper motor to skim the armature, fit new brushes and lubricate the internal bearings and gearbox.
It is also worthwhile cleaning and lubricating the flexible drive cable.
The gearbox/worm drive units would also benefit by being cleaned and an application of fresh grease.
These are difficult to access as they are located behind the dashboard.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
I am chasing door seals for my 1973 Lotus Elan +2S.
I believe the existing seals are not the correct profile, likely installed when a galvanised chassis was installed in the UK.
As a consequence the passengers door leaks at the top (chrome) door frame.
Can you supply the correct seals?
The drivers sun-visor also needs replacing.
The windscreen wipers are painfulllllyyyy slow (I guess the motor is on the way out).
Can this be replaced, or better to seek a rewind of the original?
G.B. - Perth, Western Australia
ANSWER
Lotus Marques usually stocks and can supply the correct profile seals so the window frame is water-tight.
Fitting the correct rubber section seal makes all the difference if the door is going to open, close and seal correctly.
To get the window frame to seal correctly, it will be necessary to first check the fibreglass door fits the aperture correctly.
It maybe necessary to make adjustments at the hinge and lock locations so the external skin profile lines up with the body.
Next, remove the interior door panel trim and adjust/shim the frame position.
From experience, this is going to be be time consuming to get the required results.
To the best of my knowledge there are no more new sun-visors available.
The original visor were sourced from Ford MK1 Cortina so you might be able to obtain a good second hand item.
You are correct, the wipers have a slow action compared to modern day motor vehicles - this is normal.
However it is worthwhile dismantling the wiper motor to skim the armature, fit new brushes and lubricate the internal bearings and gearbox.
It is also worthwhile cleaning and lubricating the flexible drive cable.
The gearbox/worm drive units would also benefit by being cleaned and an application of fresh grease.
These are difficult to access as they are located behind the dashboard.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques