WTB: Engine deck/cover

[lotusfanatic]

Hello all,

does anyone have an engine deck/cover for a S1 Europa? (if I can't find one, I will need to look at buying a new panel)
(Further, are there any differences to the later S2 cars or not?)

Thanks

Mark

[4129R]

The number of vent holes seems to be the only difference.

TC & TCS only have 2.

S1 & S2 might have two pairs.

[jbcollier]

Original S1 rear covers are stiffer and heavier than the S2 ones.  Otherwise the same and you can stiffen up S2 ones.

[Grumblebuns]

One of the POs of my S1 added a shit load of resin and cloth to my S1 rear cover. I swear it weighs at least 20 lbs, may be more. That thing is heavy and thick.

[4129R]

Otherwise the same and you can stiffen up S2 ones.

The Banks gas strut kit stiffens up the engine cover nicely with the cross brace about mid cover.

[jbcollier]

I suppose making the whole thing thicker is one way but I'd just use weatherstripping foam as a form to make an "X" shaped reinforcement using fibreglass and epoxy: light, cheap and effective.  Just make sure it is in the "right" shape before adding the reinforcement!

[lotusfanatic]

Thanks for the replies,

it's a shame to have to replace it at all, however it has been severely damaged whilst on its travels to the UK from the US.
There are two pieces missing from it (torn off to gain access to see what was inside?)   
The first piece missing is the right hand/forward corner (running into the right hand forward vent hole) and the second is around 8" of the entire rear lip/trailing edge!!   
A skilled GRP person may be able to repair it with the necessary parts from another panel but a replacement, new or used, would seem the more sensible and quickest way forward?!
I like the idea of bracing the panel with an "X" of foam as they do seem to be excessively flexible - although my current panel is more flexible than most as it is "super lightweight!" 

Mark

[4129R]

One of my cars had no keys and a locked front cover.

I had by chance a selection of keys. 4th try and it opened. There's lucky for you.

[lotusfanatic]

One of my cars had no keys and a locked front cover.

I had by chance a selection of keys. 4th try and it opened. There's lucky for you.

that is lucky! - modern car keys wouldn't give you the same odds!