The Lotus Grand Tourers

Hello All.
I need to replace the front near side wing due to the previous owner trying to insert a tree where a tree don't go.

It is just the top that is damaged right on the corner so I only need the small wing not the complete section.

I was wondering if there are any techy articles on how to cut the old part out and how to fix the new one in.

Thanks in advance.

It might be a lot simpler to replace the whole bit.
Try Mike Taylor for a price.

Not too sure how strong the bonding of a section would be, or would you fibre glass the section it.

Hi Telboy

Do you have any photos of the extent of the damage?

Pete

This one?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0170101225

Hello Steve C
Yes mate that is the one. So you see my problem.

Any advice.

Tenks

Sorry, I've not got any hands-on experience of fibreglass repairs. I have looked into that specific hole on your car and it didn't look too bad to my untrained eye!

I would *imagine* cutting a small section from a scrap shell would be enough and that the fibreglass (new and old) could be ground back to provide a key and new mat & gel applied to fix the section in place. Access through the headlamp pod recess shouldn't be too bad.

Hopefully someone with some real experience will be along to help soon!

looking at the pictures you shouldn't need a replacement panel, the hole looks small enough to glass over, it shouldn't be too hard a job for someone who knows what they are doing.

if you do go for a corner or front repair section be sure to ask for non wide body...

ive not seen another excel go like that so be sure to take the waistband trim off and see where elese has gone, also look around the engine bay seems, front chasis mounts, "A" pillar and foot wells

Steve is right - it's not worth buying a repair section as the work involved would be no less. It looks like a fairly easy repair job with basic materials available from your local supplier.
There are several good books available on the subject. Just mess around with the materials for a while before you do the car - it's easier than it sounds. (Read the chapter on safety before you start though!). I'm no expert, but if you live anywhere near Nottingham I could give you a crash course on the basics!

Pete

Glass fibre work, is really easy and very satisfying, I have a beginner's guide, I'll try to scan it, but e-mail me, with address, I'll send you a photocopy.


Important things are:

You should ideally remove enough material around the damage, and "feather" the edges on the top and bottom. This gives really good adhesion to the new stuff.

Get your material from a "proper" GRP specialist, discuss with them, what you need, (forget Halfords).

The catalyst on Lotus Grp, uses MEKP, not more modern(so-called) benzyl peroxide.

Don't use this MEKP GRP 'cos it won't go off for ages.

To get a good shape initially, support under the repair with polyester film or melamine board. GRP does'nt stick to this.

You can buy tissue from very thin to v. coarse.

Discuss this with the grp man.

Buy resin by the litre, buy cheap brushes and chuck afterwards.

There's lots more, but nothing is more satisfying, and remember, if you screw up, you can grind it away and do it again!!!!

Just a thought, I seem to be picking up a few "chemist" references, what seems to be the preffered occupation for Excel owners?

I was a photosensitive coatings chemist for years, before someone decided that I was too old at 48. I do H & S stuff now

Excellent site here with lots of info on how to do it.

http://www.fibreglast.com/

John