Elise S1 Headlights

[85S3NA]

As well as some problems with my Esprit S3 suspension, I'm having some issues with my Elise S1 Headlights - the issue became apparent as I was cleaning the car the other day - one of the headlights moved backwards into the clam shell as I dried the car off - by looking under the bonnet, past the radiator and onto the back of the headlights, both sides headlight mounting brackets appear to have corroded away, and are in need of replacing.

Has anyone else experienced this issue ?? - does anyone have any pointers / tips about how to go about the process of replacing the mounting brackets ?? Is this a clam shell off job, or is there another way to do this ?? Also, does anyone know of any specialist suppliers who might sell galvanised headlamp mounting brackets ??

Apologies in advance for the deluge of questions, but thanks in advance to any help anyone can provide.

[Bonce]

Yikes hard luck, that sounds like it would be a bitch of a job to do without taking the clam off, but I don't know for sure.

For the parts, try Geary at www.eliseparts.com and failing that Owen at www.race-speed.com stocks the full Lotus parts list.

Edit: Cheers Cuzza, and you need to add an S on your URL

>> Edited by Bonce on Thursday 23 October 15:54

[cuzza]

Looking at www.elisepart.com (Bonce you need to remove the ,) they have the bracket which is apparently unavailable from Lotus seperately.

It also says it needs bonding to the clamshell so look like it's a clam off job - if you get the bits yourself you could take it to a specialist if yoiu don't fancy it.

[85S3NA]

Thanks for this, the parts on www.eliseparts.com/ look like the way to go - although I think I'll get a specialist to help out as this looks a bit tricky (unless anyone has some detailed pointers as to the step by step approach)- also, might be an opportunity to put new headlights on the car as the mirrored headlight backgrounds have corroded slightly too.

[nipper]

I've had both of mine done using the Eliseparts brackets which are powder coated for a little extra resilience. Got a local bodyshop to do the work. It's not a clam off job, removing the front wheels and wheel arch liners will give enough access (see here: www.ziplockk.com/driving/headlamps/index.shtml)

Recommend replacing the headlights at the same time for the very reason you described.

[DanC]

I have exactly the same problem right now, could you please let me know how you get the job done and give me a rough idea of cost.

Cheers DC

[85S3NA]

DC - Will do - it will be a few weeks before I have this done (need to pick my Esprit up first), but as soon as it's done I'll share costs and learnings with you

[nipper]

Headlamp and bracket from EliseParts, about £60. I had one done by Orchard Dealerships and one done by a local body shop. Both cost about £75.

[gregmund]

nipper said:

It's not a clam off job, removing the front wheels and wheel arch liners will give enough access.

Nipper is right - I did mine myself - using the eliseparts kit, which comes with instructions. Removing the wheel arch liners is reasonably straightforward, but requires a little force to pop the out once you've removed the screws. From memory the nearside was a little more difficult as there is a fuse box mounted on the top.

The scary bit, once you've removed the headlight is ripping off the corroded old brackets which are bonded to the clam shell . Once you've cleared all the old crap off, it is a messy (but kinda fun) job to bond the new brackets on. You do have to then leave to bond for a good amount of time.

I also fitted new light units & then some perspex covers which make the car look & keep the water out too.