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Elite too Excel Re-body
Posted: Mon May 24, 2010 17:46
by jaabarth
I'm in the States and I'd like to refit my Federal '76 Elite with an Excel body. Can anyone confirm whether this is feasible and if so, and aside from the obvious steering swap, how much trouble are we talking about. Thanks.
Re: Elite too Excel Re-body
Posted: Mon May 24, 2010 17:58
by Lotus-e-Clan
Crikey!
You fancy the exact opposite to me.
I'd prefer an Elite with the more reliable Excel SE running gear!
The Elite represents the purer 70's design and has gained an increased following over here in the past couple of years.

Re: Elite too Excel Re-body
Posted: Mon May 24, 2010 18:36
by jaabarth
To Lotus-e-clan: Funny you should say that...I have an Elite body I'm needing to get rid of....maybe we can work a deal....
Re: Elite too Excel Re-body
Posted: Mon May 24, 2010 22:46
by Lotus-e-Clan
No way Hosé...my Excel is a minter!
You need to pursue the lower end of the market.....there's plenty to choose from at the moment, unfortunately.

Re: Elite too Excel Re-body
Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 05:37
by jaabarth
To Peter K
I understand....I'd do the same! The question still stands though: will the excel body drop onto the elite chassis? Anybody? Thanks. (sorry for the delay in responding....computer down for a few)
Re: Elite too Excel Re-body
Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 07:34
by tonypoll
I've heard somewhere - not sure where - that you'll only need to make a small adjustement to the body around the rear suspension. Try asking Lotusbits - they would know.
Re: Elite too Excel Re-body
Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2010 10:15
by bash
check this site.
Its an elite body ( that gets heavily modified ) onto an excel chassis, but you will be able to see that the two bodies are not too disimilar underneath. Im sure the V8 will interest our readers across the pond too.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lotus_exce ... otostream/
Bash
Re: Elite too Excel Re-body
Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 05:50
by jaabarth
Lotusbits...good tip. Thanks.
Re: Elite too Excel Re-body
Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 17:01
by hodders
I've heard somewhere - not sure where - that you'll only need to make a small adjustement to the body around the rear suspension. Try asking Lotusbits - they would know.
You're probably thinking of this interesting presentation by Mike Taylor which is tucked away on the Lotusbits pages and has a description of the Excel-body-on-Elite-chassis on page 13:
http://www.lotusbits.com/improving_your_lotus.pdf