Crashing Your Lotus!!!!!

[MELHUISHJAMES]

All, First a word of warning, trackday insurance, when you can get it doesnt count for anything. I in an attempt not to be hit by an idiot in a TVR put my elise into a bollard, writing my car off and now have no come back. So now Im looking for advice, the two cross members on my car, the chassis sections behind the fibre crash box, need replacing. I have found a second car with no rear but a perfect front, so am looking to graft in these sections. Has anyone done this before? Please dont mail back negatives or rip me apart, Im pretty down about it all and have had enough smug comments from grease monkeys this week. If you have any positive advice or experience of this please answer me, if your in the market to do this sort of thing, then definitely mail me..advice please

[adrianr]

Not a lot positive to add - sounds like a really bad day. However, I'd like to know what trackday insurance you had that wasn't any good, just in case it's mine. AdrianR

[slammer]

Had an "off" last year when I was out with the Scottish Elises on a road run (bloody P Zeros:-( ) ended up sliding into an armco and demolishing the front clam front struts/anti rollbar etc, but thought I had got away without any damage to the chassis...sods law when it was examined a crack was found in one of the members you are talking about, however after a chat with Lotus they said the structure should be sound if it was welded properly. The car was back on the road 4 months later (no thanks to 1 months wait for a second hand clam and 2 months wait for a new antiroll bar). My little excursion doesn't seem to have effected the cars handling/poise etc. so I would imagine there is hope for you... goodluck with the repairs and sorry I couldnt be of any help. Scott

[melhuishjames]

Slammer, do you mean the front cross members of your car are now tig welded rather than bonded? I thought this was differcult because of the high gade alloy used, could you let me know who did it and where? Ive spoken to two "specialists" and theyve refused to touch it as the glueing is to much effort, no one previously has suggested welding. details details please, I actually have a new front end from a second car I just need to find a method of reattaching it, I hate to ask but how much did it cost? Cheers James, you can use the forum or mail me at [e-mail]

[slammer]

Welded, yes, but you have to remember it was only a crack! total repair bill was around 3,500, not including the windscreen which I claimed off the insurance (long story) Welding was done by someone Specialist Cars in Aberdeen brought in, Ill try and find the number and post it...

[drf]

Hi, When I crashed mine an acident investigator came and looked at the damage to make sure the repair garage wasn't over charging. He said to me that he's have a few Elises rebonded rather than welded. I'll find his number and email it to you. or try www.harlequinmotors.co.uk who fixed mine better than it was new from lotus. Sounds like it must of been a large bollard that you hit.

[StuM]

Sorry didn't mean to rain on your parade. Try calling the Lotus Service Centre on 01603 814100. They have seen most things before and can make an informed suggestion.