New on the board so this is a hello! and a question post
I’ve inherited a couple of Elans from my dad, I am a keen Lotus enthusiast as I’ve owned Elises for the past 7 years so I am no stranger to the Lotus way i.e. everything that brakes is always a pain in the butt
Anyhoooo I was getting one of the Elans going at the weekend which took a little longer than expected because the bonnet wouldn’t pop. The hook had jumped over the bonnet latch so it wouldn’t release. After much swearing and fiddling I managed to get it open but I’m now in need of a new hook and release cable. Where are is the best place to get parts like this from?
I am sure as time progresses I am going to have lots more questions. And if anyone wants a S4 DHC that is part restored drop me a line.
RD Enterprises (www.rdent.com) in Pennsylvania, USA has had the hood latches reproduced just recently. ($18/ea.) They are also a source for the release cable, which is integral to the handle on the dash (but the replacement is not a genuine Lotus item and does not match the original handle.) If your cable is not bad, you may want to salvage it with the original pull handle in-tact. Susan Miller may have the original cable set-up; I don’t know. I’ve dealt with both sources, and they’re both great. Susan seems to have more New Old Stock items.
Just seen that they do a rear hub puller for $115 (on offer for $89) It looks an identical design to the one I got via someone who advertised in the Club Lotus magazine back in the mid 80’s - I think I paid around ten quid for mine (new!)
I know she stocks the bonnet release bits for Elans (genuine Lotus parts) 'cos I’ve got them fitted to mine.
For the purist, however, the knob on the end of the cable is not exactly as original and it is not lettered.
Did I mention I recommend you should phone Susan before CN PM SJS or indeed “Uncle Tom Cobbley”
By the way I’m not related or connected to Susan in any way except for being a very satisfied customer. She helped me so much with the rebuild of my Elan the least I can do is spread the word
Susan Miller get’s my vote for anything Lotus… Triumph Spitfire dealers are great for front suspension parts. If you find out what car the parts originally came from (and a lot of parts did) then you can save yourself some money…
Just as an aside… I have had the bonnet go over centre on the clips and now always pull open the release handle before closing the bonnet then release the handle.