Lotus Europa Community

Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: Runningwild on Thursday,June 23, 2016, 04:11:47 AM

Title: Chassis repair
Post by: Runningwild on Thursday,June 23, 2016, 04:11:47 AM

I've got the chassis media blasted and now I have to fix the cracks. What gauge steel did lotus use?  Have cracks in the front T and one by the rear shock mount.

Title: Re: Chassis repair
Post by: Gearbox on Thursday,June 23, 2016, 08:04:43 AM

On mine I found that it was 18 ga and 16 ga, or 0.047" to 0.06".  Since you are doing this, you should consider doing the 26R mods, relatively simple and makes the chassis much more rigid.  I think I have 3D CAD drawings of the parts and can send you 2D PDF's to trace and cut out the parts if you like.  They are all flat pieces, so should be easy to make.  Let me know, Thanks Allan

Note:  Just realized that this was the Europa Forum and not LotusElan.net opps, never mind.

Title: Re: Chassis repair
Post by: Grumblebuns on Thursday,June 23, 2016, 01:01:08 PM

I can confirm that the several points that I checked with a sheet metal gauge front and rear are 16 gauge steel. The fit was very tight due to corrosion.

Title: Re: Chassis repair
Post by: jbcollier on Sunday,June 26, 2016, 03:34:39 PM

Common places for cracks to develop.  Photos?

Title: Re: Chassis repair
Post by: Gearbox on Sunday,June 26, 2016, 07:18:53 PM

On the two Europas I had restored, both TCS, the main problem areas was at the "Y" and the trailing arm mount areas. 

Title: Re: Chassis repair
Post by: Runningwild on Tuesday,June 28, 2016, 04:00:42 AM

Small crack in the front T.  Same on the other side

Title: Re: Chassis repair
Post by: jbcollier on Tuesday,June 28, 2016, 10:10:51 AM

That crack looks more than a little rusty.  Have a good poke about with a sharp ice pick.