Elise S1 roof repairs

[supervillan]

Hi

Can anyone recommend anywhere that can repair the upholstery of my Elise S1 soft top? The stitching has come apart on the leading edge and at the back where one of the support struts has come away.

I was recommended Mitchell & James in Waterlooville but they seem to have disappeared, the phone number for them doesn't work. I live in Hampshire.

Thanks

Mike

[junks]

Any Lotus dealer would be able to get that done although it does seem to take them a while!

[Incredible Sulk]

As Junks said. Although if your roof is really shagged you could think about buying a new one. I've just bought one from EliseParts. It's supposed to be 'better than the original' in that it is made from mohair, but it looks just like the original to me.

[jhunter]

I've gone with the refurb option for my soft top, the stitching was coming away around the header rail, and the rail itself was cracked but as the fabric was fine I decided against a new hood.

As Junks said, all the dealers can help - I took mine to Bell & Colvill who have quoted about £80 including the postage up to Lotus and said it will take around 6-8 weeks to complete, (apparently there are quite a few soft tops in the queue!)

The refurb includes replacing the header rail, replacing all the stitching and the elastic straps the roof tails tuck under.

I hope this helps,

Jack

Edited by jhunter on Sunday 17th January 19:30

[400SE Dave]

When I had an S1 the front rail was broke and it started the stitching coming lose. I took it to Chris Neils in Cheshire who sent it to Lotus for the refurb. I got in back in 2 weeks and it cost a bit under £80. The fabric was in good nick before it went but it looked like new when it came back. HTH

[DCor]

A word of warning - get it looked at sooner rather than later !
My S1 also had the stitching starting to come apart at the header rail but I decided to leave it until the winter to get the roof refurbished. The roof had other ideas and at a trackday chose to come adrift complete;y at about 100mph on a main straight resulting in its' complete destruction !! Luckily the car survived unscathed. That evening I ordered a new roof from Eliseparts.....

[jhunter]

Lotus are doing well with the soft top refurbs - I got a call from Bell & Colvill today saying it was done and back with them. It's taken just under two weeks - much better than the estimated 6-8 I was told to expect when I dropped it off!

[supervillan]

thanks for the tips guys. I don't think there's a main dealer in Hants but I'll see if I can speak to Lotus direct.

[lee111s]

Lotus won't take it direct, I tried this when I got mine done last year. Dealer only unfortunately. Mine only took about 10 days and cost about 85 quid. Came back almost brand new

[Bill K 111]

I live in Gosport and we are awash with boat builders, chandlers, boatyards etc. I had exactly the same problem. I took it to a sailmakers (in Clarence Yard) and the chap also ran a second set of stitches around most of the current ones. £5 I think. I gave him a tenner and was still chuffed.

[Incredible Sulk]

Bill K 111 said:

I live in Gosport and we are awash with boat builders, chandlers, boatyards etc. I had exactly the same problem. I took it to a sailmakers (in Clarence Yard) and the chap also ran a second set of stitches around most of the current ones. £5 I think. I gave him a tenner and was still chuffed.

Just out of interest, who did you use?

[Bill K 111]

Cant remember the name. Next time I go past I'll make a note. Good chap running it.

[supervillan]

That would be outstanding Bill. I live in Gosport too. I've seen a couple of Elise's around here from time to time - which is yours?

[Incredible Sulk]

Bill K 111 said:

Cant remember the name. Next time I go past I'll make a note. Good chap running it.

Reason I asked is that I used to use a place called Coastal Covers to get stuff made up for the boat (which was for a while berthed at Haslar). They were in Clarence Yard, on the right as you go through the gates.

They were pretty good, and made all sorts of one off stuff for me including a sprayhood, which is I suppose the nautical equivalent of a soft top.

The owner was looking to retire a few years ago, and I just wondered if they were still going..............

Edited by Incredible Sulk on Friday 22 January 10:03

[Bill K 111]

Yep...bingo. Coastal Covers is the one.

Coastal Covers
We're listed under Sail Makers
Tel: [phone]
Unit 20, Cooperage Green, Royal Clarence Yard, Weevil Lane, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 1AX

[Bill K 111]

Supervillian, I'm a BRG S1 111S. I wonder if you're the silver S1 always parked opposite the White Hart?

[supervillan]

Cheers Bill. That's me. I live nearby. I have the elise in a rented garage in bridgemary now. I shall check out Clarence Yard sometime this week. PM me if you fancy a mini-convoy sometime.

Mike

[Darren42]

Just read the stream and thanks for the info.
I too live in Gosport and didn't even think of sail makers to repair my s1 roof.
I've got a blue one Nd have seen another identical one around and a yellow
Always flash you guys and even forget when I'm in my other car
And so get a few strange looks

[Captain Muppet]

Three year thread bump!

I repaired my S1 roof with a needle and thread, it took about three hours sat in front of the TV to do the front edge and the seam at the back.