Bonded Screen

[Bryan Boyle]

I have a 73 TCS and will have to do some windscreen work in the spring once it warms up.  After reading these entries, I’m not sure if I have a bonded windscreen or the older version.  How do I tell the difference between the two?
Seperately, I can find replacement instructions in the S1/S2 manual but nothing in the Special addendum.  Do those instructions apply to both windscreen installations? 

All Europas manufactured after 1/1/1970 were bonded windscreens.  Same technique for the post 1/1/70 S2 as for the TC/S (or the other way around).
The supplement is just that...it's the instructions for things that are different.  If not listed in the supplement, follow the S1/2 manual.  Section B.38 in the workshop manual: "Commencing at Chassis No. 7001010001R, all cars delivered where the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations are in force have been fitted with direct glazed windscreen (windshield). "

[Footer]

Thanks Bryan, helpful information.

[bill]

Hi guys
Further to my post is there a top and bottom interior trim available to cover the crash pad and top of screen
If so who supplies them

Again regards Bill

[Triton]

Pretty sure  that I saw a bottom interior trim on SJ sportcars  web site.

[Bryan Boyle]

Hi guys
Further to my post is there a top and bottom interior trim available to cover the crash pad and top of screen
If so who supplies them

Again regards Bill

There is a plastic push-in trim to finish off the bottom in the parts manual that's also mentioned in the TC/S supplement, but nothing in the S1/2 manual or parts list. 

What I did, and this is up to you to consider or not, was a number of things:

1. I painted the lower flange with black enamel when I removed the crash pad, as well as anything I thought would/could possibly be exposed.
2. I bought a roll of black door edge moulding, you know, the type you put on the door edge to keep from dinging the car next to you?  I tried the truck size, but it was a bit too big, the normal car size was fine. 
3. Since I was replacing the headliner at the same time, I used a length of the edge moulding to finish off the front where the headliner was wrapped around the windshield flange.  This did 2 things: finished off the appearance and also fixed the edge in place.  The thickness of the mastic would make up for the minimal thickness of the moulding in the flange channel. 
4. I redid the A pillars with black leather.  Had some scraps of Connolly from my turboesprit interior renovation...it worked out ok.
5. I was careful when I trimmed the backing of the new crashpad/eyebrow so it followed the contour of the lower windshield.  Left the vinyl cover long, used another length of edge moulding to finish the front edge of the crashpad.
6. As part of the windshield install...I used the black windshield primer to prime a 1" border all around the windshield.  When the windshield was installed, you could not see the lower opening flange, the front of the crashpad (and edge moulding trim) or any other exposed body work. 

Take a look at:
http://www.lotuseuropa.us/0693r/photos/index.php/2007/10-13-07-Headliner
and
http://www.lotuseuropa.us/0693r/photos/index.php/2007/10-14-07-Dash
and
http://www.lotuseuropa.us/0693r/photos/index.php/2007/10-27-07-Windshield

to see what I'm talking about....if you're interested.

[Martin57]

Are there any recommended fitters in the UK? I've got a new dash pad to fit some time and I'm not sure yet whether the windscreen will need removing first.

[4129R]

Which crash pad, foam or plastic?

[Bryan Boyle]

Are there any recommended fitters in the UK? I've got a new dash pad to fit some time and I'm not sure yet whether the windscreen will need removing first.

Easier (and more fraught with the chance to crack the glass..been there, done that, both saving the windscreen and breaking it...) to do it with the glass out.  Removing the defrost vent trim screws is almost impossible (not totally, but almost) with the screen in...it has been done, but not the easiest...and you have to trim the forward edge of almost every repop eyebrow currently available to match the body.  Every body is just slightly different to require trim, fit, rinse and repeat until you are satisfied.

I've fond it is easier if you do remove...but know the risks going in. 

[Martin57]

Which crash pad, foam or plastic?

The plastic one with vinyl cover from Europa Engineering (Banks). See https://www.lotus-supplies.com/parts/interiors/trimmed-item/crash-pad-kit-s2-tc-crash-pad-and-black-vinyl-cover/

[4129R]

Which crash pad, foam or plastic?

The plastic one with vinyl cover from Europa Engineering (Banks). See https://www.lotus-supplies.com/parts/interiors/trimmed-item/crash-pad-kit-s2-tc-crash-pad-and-black-vinyl-cover/

Good luck trimming the foam, and fitting the vinyl cover to give a tight finish.

[Footer]

Great set of pictures Brian.  When I do my windscreen/windshield soon they will prove to be very helpful. 

[Bryan Boyle]

Great set of pictures Brian.  When I do my windscreen/windshield soon they will prove to be very helpful. 

Glad I could be of some assistance.

[Martin57]

Which crash pad, foam or plastic?

The plastic one with vinyl cover from Europa Engineering (Banks). See https://www.lotus-supplies.com/parts/interiors/trimmed-item/crash-pad-kit-s2-tc-crash-pad-and-black-vinyl-cover/

Good luck trimming the foam, and fitting the vinyl cover to give a tight finish.

Ah, so there should be foam under the vinyl? Sorry, not having the original parts on my car for guidance I do need to ask some dumb questions sometimes. I do have some 1/4" thick foam to use on the upholstery (if needed), would this be suitable to cover the crash pad?

[4129R]

Good luck trimming the foam, and fitting the vinyl cover to give a tight finish.
Ah, so there should be foam under the vinyl? Sorry, not having the original parts on my car for guidance I do need to ask some dumb questions sometimes. I do have some 1/4" thick foam to use on the upholstery (if needed), would this be suitable to cover the crash pad?

The crashpad is made from expanded foam and is made bigger and needs trimming to fit. Much patience is needed in both fitting the pad and then fitting the vinyl cover to make it look good.

If it is any consolation, the hollow plastic alternative is also a real pig to fit.

[Bryan Boyle]

Good luck trimming the foam, and fitting the vinyl cover to give a tight finish.
Ah, so there should be foam under the vinyl? Sorry, not having the original parts on my car for guidance I do need to ask some dumb questions sometimes. I do have some 1/4" thick foam to use on the upholstery (if needed), would this be suitable to cover the crash pad?

The crashpad is made from expanded foam and is made bigger and needs trimming to fit. Much patience is needed in both fitting the pad and then fitting the vinyl cover to make it look good.

If it is any consolation, the hollow plastic alternative is also a real pig to fit.

Agreed.  Dremel tool to cut, orbital sander to fine tune.  Fit, measure, cut proud of the mark, sand (400 grit works ok) to the line, fit, remeasure, sand some more...iterative process.  It WILL come out better than what the factory did, even though those folk probably did it multiple times a day. 

Him: "I work at Lotus!"
You: "What do you do there?"
Him: "I trim the dashboard crashpad to fit."

Although, I think most folks there on the floor did multiple jobs, just like most of the parts in these beasts.