Door beams which one

[Stephencl]

What's the difference between the door beams. From parts manual says changed m y 89. How can I find out which I need car reg April 89 Thank you.

[Pete Boole]

I thought there were just three types: Early "federal" on the early Elites; thinner, lighter ones for the later Elites and all Eclats; then the one for the Excel. A quick call to Lotusbits will tell you all you need to know!

Pete

[Stephencl]

The on line parts manual on here gives two different ones which changed in 89.
At a guess chances are mine will be the earlier on as registered April 98. Just not sure. Need one so will contact Lotus bits. One on car looked good but was patched with filler and painted, it has now snapped near hinge.

[Pete Boole]

I believe the Lotusbits Excel beams will fit all models of Excel.

Pete

[amarshall]

The parts manual states the VIN for all changes.

[Stephencl]

Unfortunately is doesn't give vin number.

Just says
Prior 89 M.Y

89 M.Y on

For door beam, door shell and a few other things.

Can you tell model year from vin number?

[amarshall]

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1679

[Stephencl]

Excellent link thank you, vin HD12710 so 88.

[barker_001]

On the subject of door beams, a couple of years ago a few people had problems with the angle of the tube that holds the hinge pin being welded on at the wrong angle on some of the remanufactured beams. Has anyone experienced this with recently purchased beams, or are all the ones out there now being made correctly?