The Lotus Grand Tourers

Qwertyco wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 04, 2021 22:22

Johnwindwood wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 04, 2021 19:15

The locking part (Which is what I think you need) looks incredibly similar to those fitted to the Rover P6 2000, 2200, 3500.
http://shop.roverp6cars.com/DOOR-CHECK- ... ENGER-SIDE

Both left and right are out of stock on that site, but it's a good starting point, many thanks.

Give Mark a ring and mention my name-I strongly suspect he will be able to help-he's an old friend. I had P6s for 20 odd years.

Made a bit of progress, had this delivered today, from a guy on a friendly Rover P6 forum:

Is it the same? It looks identical.

Pete

Same.
Lotus sourced them from the P6, but used their own design 'cranked' arm to suit the Eclat/Elite/early Excel. Also used on the Elan +2 apparently.

I'm working on a repair to my broken cranked arm now.
More to follow . . . . .

Which bit of the arm is damaged?

Pete

The 'T' shape piece which fits in the slot, it's now an 'L' shape!
You can just see it in the pic in the first post.
I'm machining a new one from a 10.9 grade bolt, then just weld it back in place.
The broken bit came out nice and cleanly.

Also the door pivot hole is worn, so I've drilled it out and fitted a brass bush taking it back to 8mm diameter.
Machined a new stainless steel pivot bolt as well.
Pics to follow . . . .

Sounds like you're making a good job of it!

Pete

Qwertyco, I sent you a PM about where you obtained the catches. I need a couple for my Elite restoration.

TAR wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 22, 2021 21:06

Qwertyco, I sent you a PM about where you obtained the catches. I need a couple for my Elite restoration.

I think you’ll find the info at the top of this page

TAR wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 22, 2021 21:06

Qwertyco, I sent you a PM about where you obtained the catches. I need a couple for my Elite restoration.

Replied.

Well, for the first time in 30 years, the Excel has a working drivers door strap, first time I've ever experienced the door staying open by itself!

New 'T' piece turned from a grade 10.9 wheel bolt, welded into the arm:


Cut back and sandblasted:




Brass bushed hinge pin end:




Zinc Plated:


Etch primed, 3 coats of satin black, and fitted:




The front bolt is an absolute tvvatt to get at.
It was missing when I removed the strap assembly, perhaps it was never fitted!

Luckily the door mirror is currently off the car and I managed to reach the bolt head through the mirror cable
hole in the top of the door with a small 1/4" 10mm socket and extension bar, otherwise I suspect there's very little chance of getting a spanner to it.

Next job: Replace front door ashtrays with 3D printed tweeter holder/covers, and replace the front speakers, again!
Oh, and fit the refurbished door mirror!

Brilliant job! Well done.

Pete

Not that it matters, but I think that top, front hinge bolt is in the wrong way around and the head should be on the outside and the nut on the inside. Then you should be able to get a ring spanner on it and a socket on the nut (with a struggle).

TrevorK wrote: ↑

Mon May 10, 2021 22:29

Not that it matters, but I think that top, front hinge bolt is in the wrong way around and the head should be on the outside and the nut on the inside. Then you should be able to get a ring spanner on it and a socket on the nut (with a struggle).

That's the way it came from the factory as far as I know.

The bolt I had a problem with is the M6 front one on the door strap itself.
You need child size hands with extra wrist joints to reach it!