Should the S2 have a chrome strip between the front bumper and body?
Yes Ian, S1/2/3/4/Sprint all have the chrome trim
Brian
However, the 26R racing Elan does not…
Gary
Since I’m missing mine, I assume this is also available? Still sorting out what I have and what I don’t. Thanks!
Ian,
Others may (will) respond differently, but the chrome strip is a bear to install and have it come out nice. It is plastic moulded around aluminum and kinks quite easily. I gave up after screwing up two of them . I was undecided if I even wanted one, but at is was proper for it to be present I gave it a try. Just as happy without as with.
Mike Geiger
I have fitted three of these trims and while IT IS prone to kinking it is not too difficult if HEAT is used, wait untill you get a hot day, (the hotter the better) leave the trim in the sun then fit one end (pop rivet or small self tapping screw) fit the bumper loosly and push the trim between body & bumper. Pull and stretch the trim and form it to the shape of the body, tighten the bumper and mark where the other screw/rivet goes (slight guess) remove bumper and secure trim, refit bumper. works for me.
The trim is available at P.Matty and the other dealers.
Brian
The trick I used, was to start at one end leaving about half an inch sticking out towards the tyre and gently feed it into the slot using a hairdryer to heat the trim on the corners. Hold the corners in place with your fingers till the trim cools.
Once you’ve gone all the way round (leaving half inch sticking out at the other side), go round again with the hairdryer on the bits still not flush with the bonnet & bumper and only trim the ends once you’re happy with the fit.
I didn’t have to adjust my bumper to ‘trap’ the trim as the old trim was held in place with about four 2 inch long pieces of flexible plastic tubing that had been split down one side to hold the trim and was just wide enough to jam in the gap between bumper and bonnet.
Believe me if I can do it, anyone can - the trim is for sale at Mattys for ?9.50
Good luck, Andrew
Thanks again for the excellent advice everyone. I’m quite a ways from this stage of the restoration, but I will be using these techniques when I get there! Thanks again! - ian
Hello,
Where can I buy a new chrome strip for the front bumper? Paul Matty and don’t have it.
Thank you for any help!!!
Regards,
Mine came from Susan Miller…
Sue Miller and Matty had them at Donington today.
Or you could try my “cheat” - the eBay link is out of date and I can’t remember the width I used but if you search for “chrome strip” you should find something similar. elan-f14/bumper-chrome-strip-cheat-t21180.html
Richard
Take a look at the new chrome strip Paul Matty is producing, its easy to fit and looks fantastic when in place. It’s made using a new material and the manufacturing process eliminates all the struggling with heat etc and the finished part fits better than the original item.