S1 Eclat front spoiler query

[DavidOliver]

While working in the front grill area check out texts on the devlopment of the Elite spoiler, a vital piece of aerodynamics for body control.
Many were knocked off and not replaced, with disastrous results.
Well worth getting it right.

Dave the cog.

[AndrewWebber]

Hi Photo's from 1978 built Elite with front under-grill replaced around 4 years ago. I can't vouch for how 'original / factory' all this is but knowing that it was supplied and fitted by Miles Wilkins I would expect it to be.

Andy

[soldave]

Hi Photo's from 1978 built Elite with front under-grill replaced around 4 years ago. I can't vouch for how 'original / factory' all this is but knowing that it was supplied and fitted by Miles Wilkins I would expect it to be.

Andy

Super helpful, thanks. I was thinking the grille would go flush so you couldn't get to the screws from outside but that looks much nicer to fit!

[Pete Boole]

Soldave - Yes I think the grill is fitted inside the aperture hence why I'm making mine slightly differently so it can be fitted from the outside.

Pete

[AndrewWebber]

From the photo it looks as though mine might have been bent a bit i.e. a 'gap' grows between it and the opening in the grp towards the top, so that it can be fitted with the tabs on the outside ?

[Ridgenet74]

Pete, Tony, Andy - Thanks to you all for taking the time to provide all the information and pictures, massively helpful!

I'm going to trim down my existing grille with tin snips and securely fit the spoiler as per Andy's pics. Whilst I'm at it I'll take another look at the plywood panels as they don't look much like Pete's - I think I'll need to try replacing them.
Which I guess leads me onto the next question - how hard is it to do this?!

[Excel SA]

I don't have an Elite, so don't really know what I'm talking about, but wouldn't that grill look better if it was flipped so that the tabs with the screws were on the inside, behind the grill? It would close up the various gaps as well???

Neil

[Pete Boole]

That's why I think they were fitted from the inside originally. When I make mine it will have tabs in a different place so the grill can be fitted from the outside but the tabs will still be inside. The tabs will have captive nuts.

Pete

[AndrewWebber]

Yes, I think we can conclude it has been fitted 'inside out' to avoid having to access the rear. If ever I have the radiator etc. out I could swop it around in the meantime it is 'out of sight out of mind'......at least it was until I got under to take the photo!