The Lotus Grand Tourers

If you ever have to get your Excel towed, don't use the hook!!

You should check carefully that the whole thing has not fouled away (you would need to remove the lower air duct to inspect)

What hook ??? Dont think mines got one ( no it ant fell off )

Sorry, I mean the towing eye...not hook

my 88 se does not have one either

towing "I" (for being towed) is an optional fitment... section 10.31 of your service parts list... think it was required for certan territories...

i use wish bones if i need to toe (rear, near center...) dont think i have a front one...

To be towed I was always told to use the ARB with the rope attached close to the front mount on either side.

mds666 wrote:... think it was required for certan territories...

OK, this would explain it... my domestic Esprit doesn't have it either.

Still, the towing eye on the Excel seems to be attached to the plywood board only, which crumbled away on the slightest stress

its standard isue to have the front crash structures crumble to nothing, make sure when you replace them you use the same material...

Has anyone tried replacing these plywood panels?

It looks like the Rad & A/C Condenser need to come out to get the top radiator duct out before you get access. Is that right?

Regards
Bill

I know the "perceived wisdom" is to replace like with like, but when I did my front end, I just could'nt bare to put plywood back in.

I called in to a local GRP fabricator, and he let me pick from his rubbish heap.

Got some 8mm thick GRP, cut them to shape and bonded them in.

I could send pictures, if I knew how, but 'cos this laptop is restricted, I cannot go on photosharing sites.

I now know, that I will NEVER have to do it again, AND I used it for extra support for the rad.


Terry

Doh!

Just read the previous mail.

Yes, you have to take the upper and rad duct out, (and rad), followed by the headlight pods.

If you just want to check the condition of the plywood, just take the light pods out only.

Poke with a sharp object, or blunt finger.
Unless you are really lucky, the plywood will have the structural integrity of weetabix!!!

Terry

You could also take out the rubber grommet just under the headlamp motor and stick a digicam in.
That's how the two pictures on the right were taken...

Hi,
is the chipboard structural? my has turned to corn flakes!!?