Water Shield

[Dazza_22]

Upon rooting around in the driver's side wheel arch I have come to the realisation that the water shield and access grommet that give access to the steering column are completely missing. The below picture is from the service notes and shows the parts that are missing.



I have asked around and it seems that the water shield is obsolete and no longer available. (I'm still waiting on a reply from lotusbits) My question is: Can anyone do me a favour and post a pic of the water shield as I would like to get an idea of what the panel looks like and it's construction etc. so I can get an idea of what I should be dealing with?

Any help would be great.

Daryl

[amarshall]

It's a bit of ali. plate with a big hole in it for the rubber bung.





The main purpose seems to be to give access so the UJ can be greased occasionally - but that's easy enough using spray grease from above when the airfilter & half the airbox is off.

Unless going for concours points, I'd be very tempted to replace it with a complete sheet and not worry about the bung.

[Pete Boole]

I'm pretty sure mine is made of plastic - a small moulding with a drain at the bottom (89MY) - I'll take a look tomorrow.

Pete

[amarshall]

According to the Parts Manual, it's officially "Body Trim" anyway! (original part was an A075, then moved to A089 in the '85 MY. Grommet (bung) is X026 so shared with Elan S1/S2 (amongst others).

[Pete Boole]

Had a look today - mine's made from plastic (89MY) - it's a small moulded section.

Pete

[Dazza_22]

Thanks for the info guys. Now I just have to figure out some way of replicating that panel. I'm still waiting on a reply from Lotusbits but this is not uncommon. In my experience his customer service is rather poor and I have not received replies from emails I have sent him about parts inquiries in the past.

[chrisw2811]

With workload and rallying, I don't think Mike and his guys get much time to check email but if you telephone them you should get through.

[Hawaiis0]

I'm still waiting on a reply from Lotusbits but this is not uncommon. In my experience his customer service is rather poor and I have not received replies from emails I have sent him about parts inquiries in the past.

I don't suppose you have tried talking? I find the phone best, and have had excellent service and support every time.

[Hawaiis0]

Edit to Dazza

Just seen your location and apologise for my tongue in cheek remark. I pass nearby LB quiet frequently so will enquire about the panel on your behalf whilst you wait for official channels to reply.

[Hawaiis0]

I take it your car is RHD?

[Dazza_22]

Thanks Hawaiis0. Yeah it can be a bit tricky talking on the phone. (not to mention expensive!)

If you are willing to check LB on my behalf, that would be fantastic. And, yes, my car is right hand drive. It's actually a British car that the previous owner brought over with him to Oz.

[Hawaiis0]

Ok, next going to LB Sat 21st June.

[Dazza_22]

Thanks. That sounds great.

[Hawaiis0]

Dazza

LB will find out a shield for me - with bung . Mike is on holiday or in jail hence no email reply. (Sorry Mike)

Let me know what you want to do.

Stu

PM sent

[Hawaiis0]

Finally got to the PO. Shipment on the way.