I had to smile when I saw this interchange. There are some people who are interested in making changes, either smaller or larger. And there are many (most?) others who maintain the car is perfectly satisfactory the way it is. It is very enjoyable to see a well maintained perfectly stock and period correct car. And it is also interesting to look at various modifications, talk to the owners, and understand the reasons and results behind the modifications.
I have been on both sides of this issue during the years. For years, I enjoyed the convenience of electric windows, a working heater, etc.
But as to a spreadsheet that can be used to model some aspects of changes that can be made, look at:
lotuselan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15596
While the weight savings of the windows by themselves may not turn your car into a pocket rocket, there are many, many opportunities to save weight here and there that eventually add up to something respectable.
Gary Anderson may be our resident guru on weight savings, since he has gotten his car into the 1200 lb range at one time.
It is too bad we do not have a section on weight saving techniques where everybody who has added lightness can write up what they did, even with pictures and part numbers. There may be conflicts between some techniques, but it would make for interesting reading.
Gary set up another user group devoted to Elan modifications
autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/elanmods/
It would be nice to have that site organized like LotusElan.net, with different areas in which to post.
And, tongue in cheek, when you install the light weight windows, do not forget to remove the rain gutters and mount the windows flush to the body and windshield to minimize aerodynamic drag.
David
1968 36/7988