Boot floor R&R
Discussion
dr.hess said:
Tim et.al.,
I have seen you recommend removing the boot floor/bulkhead when R&R'ing the turbo or manifold. Any secrets to that? Do you just undo every bolt inside the boot and pull or what? Is it also glued down? Thanks.
Dr.Hess
89 non-SE
Doc,
The boot floor isn't supposed to be anything but bolted in although I have seen one '88 which was glued by a shoddy body repair shop when fixing the rear with something like Liquid Nails. Took several hours using scrapers and putty knives to work it loose.
Assuming this isn't the case with yours, unbolt the floor, disconnect any harnesses leading into the ignition box and it will just lift out. improves access about 500%.
Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE
Dr. Hess,
Sorry about the slow reply, but the club was out for a good day in the twisty roads... I'm just getting back.
Yeah, pull the edge of the carpet back all around the perimeter of the boot floor and remove the bolts... plus the Allen-drive screws in the top corners of the bulkhead wall.
There should be a pliable sealant in the joint, but not a structural adhesive. You should be able to separate the joint with a slow pull starting at the top of the bulkhead, one side at a time. If it doesn't want to let go without over-stressing the fiberglass, then use a putty knife to slice the sealant.
Most wire connections that need to be removed are pretty obvious, but lift the floor panel gently will looking for anything attached.
Large cable bundles exit the right side of the relay box and go through the side wall of the engine bay. If you were removing the floor entirely, you would have to disconnect them. However, if you are just working on the turbo/ manifold or removing the transaxle, you can pull out enough cable slack to allow the boot floor to be pivoted around... left side forward... and set on top of the engine.
If you wish to remove the boot floor completely, then remove the trim panels at the right rear quarter window to gain access to the area above the fuel tank. Find the other end of the cables and unplug the connectors. No need to mark the connectors since they are all different shapes so each only has one mate.
When you put the floor back in, seal it with a bead of RTV. That's not critical to the structure, but water may enter the boot if you don't. If the car doesn't see rain, then that's not an issue.
Have fun with the turbo & manifold. Go slow removing nuts n bolts, and use lots of penetrating oil.
Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
>> Edited by Esprit2 on Monday 18th October 05:32
Sorry about the slow reply, but the club was out for a good day in the twisty roads... I'm just getting back.
Yeah, pull the edge of the carpet back all around the perimeter of the boot floor and remove the bolts... plus the Allen-drive screws in the top corners of the bulkhead wall.
There should be a pliable sealant in the joint, but not a structural adhesive. You should be able to separate the joint with a slow pull starting at the top of the bulkhead, one side at a time. If it doesn't want to let go without over-stressing the fiberglass, then use a putty knife to slice the sealant.
Most wire connections that need to be removed are pretty obvious, but lift the floor panel gently will looking for anything attached.
Large cable bundles exit the right side of the relay box and go through the side wall of the engine bay. If you were removing the floor entirely, you would have to disconnect them. However, if you are just working on the turbo/ manifold or removing the transaxle, you can pull out enough cable slack to allow the boot floor to be pivoted around... left side forward... and set on top of the engine.
If you wish to remove the boot floor completely, then remove the trim panels at the right rear quarter window to gain access to the area above the fuel tank. Find the other end of the cables and unplug the connectors. No need to mark the connectors since they are all different shapes so each only has one mate.
When you put the floor back in, seal it with a bead of RTV. That's not critical to the structure, but water may enter the boot if you don't. If the car doesn't see rain, then that's not an issue.
Have fun with the turbo & manifold. Go slow removing nuts n bolts, and use lots of penetrating oil.
Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
>> Edited by Esprit2 on Monday 18th October 05:32
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