Parts swap Excel to Elite

[Simpatico]

Hi all, can anyone confirm that the windscreen and door windowframes are the same from Elite to Excel? Is the glass tint the same colour?

[amarshall]

I don't think the windscreen is the same -

The parts manuals list them as
Excel : A089U1330F (tinted)
Elite/Eclat (all) : A075U0220ZK (tinted)


Lotus change part numbers for minor revisions by changing the prefix letter and major by changing the model it was introduced in (digits 2-4) - so that reads to me like a completely new part for the Excel.

Window frames are very close, but the mounting brackets moved over the years. (Eclat S1 is unique with an A076, all other Elites & Eclats share the same part numbers A075-D075 and Excel has a G075 listed)

[Simpatico]

Thanks for that, quite an education! I was after a good 2nd hand Elite screen, but the only one I can find locally appears to be clear glass.

[Simpatico]

In the latest Lotus parts sale there is a mysterious item listed as "Elite finisher G075U0138Z". I've not come across a GO75 number before, any clues as to what it might be? It's part of a pair as 39Z is listed too!

[amarshall]

In the latest Lotus parts sale there is a mysterious item listed as "Elite finisher G075U0138Z". I've not come across a GO75 number before, any clues as to what it might be? It's part of a pair as 39Z is listed too!

I think they're the quarterlight finishers - looks like it according to the bodyshell section of the Elite parts manual : http://www.rdent.com/manuals/index.html

[Simpatico]

Well spotted, they are listed as E0 rather than G0 but can't be much else. Only a fiver, I'll order one and see what arrives!

The windscreen A-post finishers were a conspicuous bargain at a fiver a time in the last sale, Lotus must have noticed one "enterprising" Ebay reseller got £150 for a pair and have now priced them at £60 each

Well done that man at least you got your bit out of it, though eh?

[amarshall]

G075 = revision G of a part first used on a type 075.

[MikeC]

G075 = revision G of a part first used on a type 075.

The letter could go all the way to Z -- and what did Lotus do then? Went to AA. AB, dropping the 0 of the model number and making a mess of the dealers' stock control programs

Here's some examples:
J089V3900J Boot Board & Carpet-Front
J910E0701J Engine Assy-Esprit S4S 285BHP
M075A0726J Chassis-Elite/Eclat S1 Dom
N082T0325J Parts List-Esprit V8
O089V4536J Trim Cover-Cushion 89 MY
P075A0726J Chassis-Elite/Eclat S2.2 Dom
Q082T0324Z Handbook-Carb Turbo-SE Susp
R026B0001Z Bodyshell-Elan 26R L/Weight
U074A0722W Chassis-Europa TC-Ungalvanised
W045B0001Z Bodyshell-Late S4 DHC-Unpoly
X026B0274Z Badge 'Lotus'
Y082V7696J Headlining-Comp Roof-Alcantara
Z079V4801J Sun Visor RHD Passenger(Cloth)
AA82T0324J Handbook-Esprit S4-Aug 94 On
AB82T0324J Handbook-Esprit S4 95 MY
AC82T0324J Handbook-Esprit V8

The last letter indicates where the part is made. Things like "made entirely in-house", "made entirely outside", "fabricated in-house but finished outside", "cast outside but machined at Hethel", etc. AFAIK Lotus have not made the list of meanings public in any form.


Mike

[Simpatico]

The last letter indicates where the part is made. Things like "made entirely in-house", "made entirely outside", "fabricated in-house but finished outside", "cast outside but machined at Hethel", etc. AFAIK Lotus have not made the list of meanings public in any form.

Always wondered about that, you learn something every day!