Hi all. I am new on here and would just like to say what a fantastic forum. Anyway, I have had my 68 Elan +2 for a year now and was wondering if anyone could tell me a local garage in the Redhill, Surrey area who could do a steering /chassis geometry test. Also, when I bought the car, it had a receipt in the paperwork for a total body strip, repair and re-paint in 1990…18 years ago!!! Not a problem in itself, but as the body is still 99.9% perfect, do you think the body has been done again since then or is it feasible that it could still look great after 18 years?
Also (sorry for so many questions) I asked Mike Pomfret if he had any details about my car and he kindly gave me some great info. However, the body number (1095) is different to the chassis number (1056), is this normal? I did think that perhaps they both started at 0001 and then as production rolled on, some bodies were damaged during production and so couldnt be used. This would of course have meant that all future body numbers didnt match the chassis. Any ideas???
If the paintwork is done well (properly prepared) and suffers no impact damage inside or outside then the only sign of aging will be fading from the sun. If the car is garaged then the amount of time spent in the sun is minimal.
I also have a 68 +2 and the body is different to the chassis number, asking around I do not think it is that un-common. If you give Mike the engine number he can match the body number to that.
A good paint job should last for many years, the usual problem is the quality of preparation, poor preparation leading to blisters and cracks in the gelcoat which lead to cracks in the paint. If it’s been stripped to the gelcoat and properly repainted, you’re lucky!
Where did the body number come from? Is it a number that’s handwritten on the inside of the body? I would be surprised if it matched the chassis number, Lotus numbers are a law unto themselves. I assume that the chassis number you are referring to is off the chassis plate. This is the usual reference. The physical chassis should have has been replaced anyway by now, almost all of them have with either a galvanised Lotus chassis or a Spyder equivalent.
Most reputable tyre shops should be able to do a geometry check, are you expecting problems? The standard geometry is not adjustable (except for toe-in) so any significant errors point to chassis or suspension wear/damage. Several Lotus specialists can help if you have problems. Racers modify the suspension with adjustable components.
I believe the body work was done very professionally, judging by the description of the work carried out. Hopefull all will be well for another 18+ years. Car is garaged so no sun fade. I have tried to attach a picture, but not sure if it has worked. Hope it comes out.
I got the body number from Mike Pomfret, as part of the info that he found for me. He didnt say where or how he found that number. I havent been able to trace this number on the car, at all. Yes, the chassis has been replaced with a galvanised lotus one.
Re, the geometry test, I will take it to a (reputable) tyre place and see if they can help me.
My 1969 LHD Elan +2 has the body number in the same location. It is difficult to read now as removing the old paint and repainting has taken its toll on the light imprint.
The body number is not the same as the chassis or unit number. I do not think it ever is.