2003 Top Storage

[jbrookstone]

I guess it's an "in" joke by Lotus. The manual clearly shows how to store the removable top (of my 2003 Esprit) in the boot (rear trunk). But.... the 2003 boot has a blower on the drivers side that gets in the way. I've tried several times, and no way could I get the fiberglass top in without bending and mutilating it and the surrounding parts. Is there a trick I'm, missing? If so ... how is this magic trick ("The Disappearing Top" done?

Next question... my Esprit came with an extra rubber seal for the top - I was told that it was for use with the glass top (which I have). In checking it out, it appears to be about 4mm taller than the one already installed. When I use the glass top with the current rubber seal, it squeeks like crazy ("The sound of Cheeeeeep!". So... I presume I install the thicker seal to stop the squeek. Right???? Then, can I still use the fiberglass top with the new, thicker seal? Or is this a no-go/no-fit situation?

Any help is appreciated.

Best Regards,

Jay Brookstone

[teigan]

the glass top is heavier, so the extra sponge allows for the added compression. yes it can be used with the fiberglas top, and yes it'll still be a "cheep" joke. if you want the noise to go away, get in your time machine and kick the good for nothing lotus engineer in the ass. the lid should have been smaller in girth and had an overlapping seal.

[deecee]

Didn't you get the Lotus Factory Approved Saw, Duct Tape and Crazy Glue Kit that came with the car?

[jbrookstone]

Many thanks to Gonzalo, who demonstrated the "Disappearing Top" trick today at the El Camino car meet in Woodland Hills, California. There still seems too be too little clearance to stow the top "in bag", but without the bag I can now get the glass or fiberglass top into the boot, leaving a surprising amount of space for "soft" items. And the top sits in the boot resting on soft surfaces, so does not rattle or scratch.

I've also installed the thicker (about 3mm) rubber seal for the glass top, which went in with no problems and fit perfectly. No more cheap squeeks from the glass top - its now solid and secure. The fiberglass top is now very snug when installed - maybe too snug, but the glass top leaves more headroom and gives a much more open feel to the cockpit, so I think I'll leave that on permanently.

Didn't need duct tape after all...

Jay