Whacked It

111Robin · Post by **111Robin** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 7:18 am

Thanks. This has all boosted my confidence no end. If it's left outside, it'll fill up with water as the roof leaks on the driver's side. A point I'm aware of and take precautions against all the time (MMC couldn't fix it). FFS, the car cost me £29K ish and these f**ckwits will just treat it like any old piece of sh1t leaving it lying outside, probably revving the nuts off it from cold etc. I think I'll just have it transported back to mine and deal with the reapirs myself. My dad's in the motor trade (one man garage) and there's an insurance approved body shop next door. We could strip it and do the mechanical repairs while the body shop paints the clam etc. Only issue would be if the crash structure needs to be replaced. This would be an unknown. I know this probably wouldn't satisfy the insurance people though. It's the only way I can see of ensuring the work is done properly and the car doesn't deteriorate due to inconsiderate pr1cks treating it like sh1t.

111Robin · Post by **111Robin** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 7:41 am

Does anyone have specific experience of replacing the crash structure ?. I'm seriously considering having this work done myself under the guise of the approved bodyshop next to my dad's place. We can do all the stripping/rebuilding ourselves. Can't be that difficult replacing the clam, radiator and windscreen (wouldn't autoglass do this anyway once clam is off ?)

robin · Post by **robin** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 8:25 am

111Robin wrote:Does anyone have specific experience of replacing the crash structure ?. I'm seriously considering having this work done myself under the guise of the approved bodyshop next to my dad's place. We can do all the stripping/rebuilding ourselves. Can't be that difficult replacing the clam, radiator and windscreen (wouldn't autoglass do this anyway once clam is off ?)

I think this is an excellent plan. If you have a way of transporting the clam alone you could get someone to spray the clam for you and then you fit it. If not, you'll need to tow (or drive late at night!) the car minus clam but otherwise ready to the place where the clam will be sprayed and fitted (or perhaps vice versa?).

I have taken off S2 clam and replaced radiator - that part is easy - easier for you because you're going to chuck the clam away anyway, but made harder because some of the fasteners will have perhaps been mangled during the crash - grinder will sort that out. You can get the windscreen replaced by autoglass or whoever when clam is off, as you say (but you should have somewhere dry to store the car for a day while the work is being done and the "glue" sets).

I haven't done it myself but ...

Check the crash structure is damaged - if there are just some small cracks or tears in it, you could repair it in situ - if the crush tubes are crushed at all then it will need replacing.

You need to use a knife to actually cut the crash structure and bonding from the chassis, then you fettle the new structure and old glue to make a good fit, then use the approved bonding to restick it.

It's all explained in the service manual, including the proper bonding agents to use (I wouldn't mess about using anything else, though I bet tigerseal would work!). I don't have the S2 one to hand, but I suppose it's the same as the S1.

Go for it! It will cost you more time than getting someone else to do it, but then it will cost you less time arguing with someone about why they haven't ordered parts, ordered wrong parts, sprayed it a different colour, ....

Cheers,
Robin

mac · Post by **mac** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 7:43 pm

Robin (the other one) I could lend you the service manual or there may be someone with a electronic copy.

Cheers

Mac

Post by **simon** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 8:24 pm

mac wrote:Robin (the other one) I could lend you the service manual or there may be someone with a electronic copy.

Cheers

Mac

He already has a PM

Post by **campbell** » Tue Aug 22, 2006 9:06 pm

Might feel like hassle to do 2 stops, one at MMC for mechanicals and one at Steve Walker for bodywork, but well worth the effort.

There is a strong chance you will have at least 2 visits to Wallyford via MMC bodyshop...one to drop the car in, and another to go back to complain

Phone Steve up first and ask his advice. Tell him that Scottish Elises and Campbell sent you:

http://www.stevewalkerbodyshop.co.uk/

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 8:32 am

just one final thought mate, and (others may correct me) what will the effect of a self-repair have on your residuals i.e. will it be harder to sell with out a Lotus 'approved' (no matter how little that actually means!) repair.

You may already have factored this in, but I just wanted to pop my head in and make sure you'd considered all the ramifications

Cheers, and best of luck!

Greg

111Robin · Post by **111Robin** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:15 pm

Thanks all. Having weighed up the pros and cons I've decided to go with the "official" repair route. Wish me luck, I'll report progress/results as and when (probably next year

)

Cheers,

Robin

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 1:08 pm

at least you've still got a proper lotus to play with in the meantime

111Robin · Post by **111Robin** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 4:31 pm

True. I've been missing the purity of the S1 (for "purity" read "rattles, crashes and bangs")

Mr Momo · Post by **Mr Momo** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 9:39 pm

Rob,

If your on line - give me a call again tonight and I'll give you my experience.

P.

tut · Post by **tut** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:07 pm

Robin

AON run my Bristows Pension, so obviously a top notch company.......... <BG>

tut

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:11 pm

Do aon make a deduction based on the cost of your accidents?.........2 choppers!!! <BG>

tut · Post by **tut** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:03 pm

Nearly there Stephen, but twas three.

tut

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 10:39 pm

I'll remember that for the future