2 q's: throttle cable, VIN plate

[cej]

Hi, I need some help

First of all, how difficult is it to replace the throttle cable ? Mine just broke
I can see it's routed the same way as the handbrake cable or so it seems.
Can I just attach the new cable to the old and use that to pull it through (either from underneath the dash or from under the car ? If not how much do I need to take apart to get it out/the new one in ?

Second: There's supposed to be a VIN plate somewhere in the right rear section. This should be stamped into the chassis.
But I can't seem to find it. Any hints ? A picture would be nice
I won't be able to get it through our bi-annually inspection unless there a VIN plate with the VIN stamped into it.

[cej]

ok, I found the VIN. Well hidden behind the rear wheel.

And found out how to replace the throttle cable. Fortunately it was routed with the handbrake cable.
I got the center tunnel off that sits in fron of the gear lever. And the gear lever cover, but that damn gear knob won't come off So I can't get the gear lever cover all the way off.
And how do I get the handbrake cover off ? Can't seem to get the handle to come off

[minidiva]

Hey cej

If you're having trouble getting your knob off (ahem), have a look to see if there is an allen key / hex key screw recessed into the back of it. It may well be totally different on the S1, but on my S2 Exige, the gear knob was loose when I got the car and it just needed tightening up with an allen key.

[shangani]

The handbrake cover - do you mean the handle of the handbrake? in which case use a small allen key to loosen a grub screw on the underside of the handle at the end near the handbrake release button (pull up the handbrake and look underneath)

[shangani]

Sorry - forgot about the gear knob - usually screws off the end of the gear stick (anticlockwise) - you tape up the knob to avoid scratching it and grab it with vice grips and screw it off. There is another type though on some cars (often a leather topped knob) - some of them have a lotus badge on top that is glued on. Under this is an allen key bolt - undo this and presto.

[cej]

couldn't find any allen key in the gear knob.Guess I just have to put a bit more force to it then .I can hear it now.. *SNAP*

What I meant was that I wanted to get the handbrake handle off so I could pull the handbrake cover up. I'll try and have a look and see if I can find that screw. Thanks for the help

[shangani]

Well I suppose you could always saw off the gearknob and then put in a shortshifter kit.

Though that seems a tad extreme. Frustrating these cars aren't they? Good luck.