The Lotus Grand Tourers

Re LotusBits and window frames.

New window frames are not yet available from LotusBits but I have spoken to Mike and the man who's going to make them.

The problem lies in the costs of tooling and getting a suitable extrusion made up. Before either can commit to putting powder-coated aluminium frames into production, they need to be sure that they will have enough orders to cover costs.

Mike thinks that a figure of around £200 per side is likely (so around £400 if you need one of each) if the first batch of orders is big enough (remember, these will be powder-coated aluminium so will never rust).

NOTE - the frames are shared by Elite, Eclat & Excel (they have a G075 part number)

We can help with this process by giving an indication here, as soon as possible, of how likely we are to buy frames so that they can make the business decision.

To start the ball rolling - I need 2 frames : 1 passenger, 1 driver.

Please add your requirements here so that we can show the need!

Warning - it may take up to 12 months to finalise production as Mike wants to put them through some rigorous testing to make sure that he has the right profile to keep them weatherproof. The sooner he knows the numbers, the sooner he can justify getting the prototypes made up though.

I'd prob be up for a pair - especially if its up to the 12 month timescale as have some other more pressing things first!

I will need 2 frames : 1 passenger, 1 driver in about 12 months. ok for the moment but starting to go and the doors are the next project.

Both sides please !!!

I already had to weld the right hand one.

Me for a pair.

Right, better make this a "copy the list and add your name to it" type to keep a better control.

Fitz pair
Redlotus pair
Rrhans pair
Andyc pair

I could be up for a pair - depends on final price
matt.

A pair for me too, best things come in pairs!!

unless I can source some from Andy at North West Lotus former (PNM Engineering) who
says the Eclat ones can be fitted to the Excel but do need some modifying

I,m allso looking for one. Drivers side only.

I'd probably be interested in a pair as long as they're pretty close to the originals.

Don't forget the Esprits have alloy window frames and were always famous for the frames fluttering at speed.....

Count me in for a pair also. My drivers door frame is starting to look a little iffy!
John.

16VJay wrote:Don't forget the Esprits have alloy window frames and were always famous for the frames fluttering at speed.....

We dont get of that easily . The frames of my 88 esprit are just as rusty ( and both need replacing) as excels of that era. However the door beams are aluminium.

i need a pair too, driver side shot to bits .

Hi,

Thanks for posting this - My car is an Eclat S1 though. IF the frames will definitely fit the Eclat, and be as strong as the originals, and work as well (as good original ones!) I'd definitely want a pair at £200 each.

Btw if the Excel ones fit an Eclat I'd be interested to know as I've got a really good condition drivers side window frame in my garage (I sold the passenger side one - if I'd known I would have kept it. I've also got two very good door beams from an Excel, so if they can fit as well I'd be glad to know.

Cosmetics are down the list on my project so will be a while before I get to the doors. But (with the proviso above about fitting) if it's needed to get the numbers up for a batch run please count me in for 1 left and 1 right aluminium window frames. Must DEFINITELY fit the Eclat S1 though.

Thanks, Mat.

Put me down for 2 please

I'll buy a pair if the fitting cost by Lotus Bits themselves is reasonable. i.e. I'd like a price for fitting before commiting to purchase.