Update on my Project with pics

tonypoll · Post by **tonypoll** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 15:31

It's unclear from your photo, but it looks like the Lotus front suspension recall kit has not been fitted? (It's probably in your box of bits, and just not fitted yet

)
If I remember correctly, the kit is a strengthening support for where the anti-roll bar is connected to the front of the chassis. Whatever - if it's not there the front suspension can collapse. It is all explained in the Lotus Workshop Manual.

Ozzy_UK · Post by **Ozzy_UK** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 15:46

dont think mine has that either... :S

chris knowles · Post by **chris knowles** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 16:04

Hmmm, I am intrigued!

The anti-roll bar on mine is the type that has the clamp with one bolt on each side. There is a tongue that goes into a slot on the chassis, and then the bolt goes through the other end of the clamp, through the chassis, through the body, and pokes up either side of the radiator and then into a nylock nut.

I haven't put my ARB back in yet (dreading setting the caster angle), but I have put the clamps in place under the chassis.

What does the mod consist of?
Can I get it free from Lotus still

Chris

alanmoss · Post by **alanmoss** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 17:39

Don't know whether it will help, but try the following link onto the Lotus website

http://www.grouplotus.com/generic/generic.php?page=35

amarshall · Post by **amarshall** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 17:53

alanmoss wrote:Don't know whether it will help, but try the following link onto the Lotus website

http://www.grouplotus.com/generic/generic.php?page=35

ISTR asking Lotus about that one and it doesn't go back far enough for Excels...

tonypoll · Post by **tonypoll** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 19:24

I can't get to my workshop manual - I'm away from home - but I seem to remember it was a srengthening plate that fitted to the bottom of the 'flat triangular bit' that sticks out at the front of the cassis. Apparently cracks appeared on some Excels and Lotus made a 'Class 1' (I think that's right - it means a potential really bad failure) recall.
Here's a link to 'the other forum' that discuss it http://ccgi.arcnet.force9.co.uk/discus/ ... 4/111.html
The Lotus recall ID is apparently 1990 1D, and Lotus used to supply the re-enforcing parts free of charge.

amarshall · Post by **amarshall** » Thu Aug 09, 2007 19:27

Something helpful on it here too : http://www.lotusexcel.net/phpbb/viewtop ... ght=recall

Pete Boole · Post by **Pete Boole** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 19:54

Hi Guys

Here are a couple of shots of the later-type ARB brackets ('89 MY):

Pete

16VJay · Post by **16VJay** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 21:20

Hi Chris,

Taking the downpipe off the manifold is one of those jobs I've never liked as there is always the possibility of rusted nuts really spoiling your day. However when I changed the exhaust on my '91 it had to be done, so the first job once it was jacked up was to flood the nuts with releasing oil.

The two front nuts could be reached by using a long-reach socket and extension bars. The rear one was the awkward one as it is of course above the downpipes. My solution was to hold the socket above the pipes, feed the extension bar betweeen the pipes and fit it into the socket, then socket onto the nut.

Luckily they all came off, don't know how long they had been on there but it was quite a while as it was an old stainless system.

Lotus must have had a sealing problem or durability issue in the past as the Elites have the arrangement of the studs reversed, with the single nut in front and the pair beside the pipes - easy straight in access.

Cheers,

Jeremy.