Interior Exterior
Q:
i noticed that the nuts don't screw on my hand when putting the lid bone together, has this happened to anyone else
A:
On order. Nobody has mentioned how much easier it will be to stow the roof in a hurry with this gadget.
Well done!
A:
i noticed that the nuts don't screw on my hand when putting the lid bone together, has this happened to anyone else
The nuts are 6mm locknuts and can't be tightened by hand. Use a 10mm socket.
A:
I installed mine over the weekend. I have to say, the picture perspective made it a little difficult for me to get it right first. In fact, I had the second "piece" up on the left side instead of the right and I also put the nuts facing the wrong way. It still worked but one end of the nut did scrape a little paint when I closed it the first time. I fixed it by removing the nuts and re-attaching while the lidbone was on the car (I just used my head as a prop). Really had to make sure not to loose any of the little washers or nuts/bolts. Ok, it works great like everyone says.
But, here's my catch. I now have driven with it a couple times and when I come to idle and then stop, I do notice a rattle. I have each of the lock nuts loose enough and not tight. Thats kind of how they said to do it. There is a tiny bit of play - not really something you can see much of. I tried to make it so that it would play without tightening too much. When I tighteneed it too much, it didn't move much so I didn't think that was a good idea. Well, now I don't know what is causing the rattle. I suspect it is the back part resting on the engine. It seems like it is not "off" the engine but resting on it when the lid is closed. Any ideas how to fix? I don't think I have any other part upside down (otherwise it wouldn't work).
The other, more general question - is this thing going to need to be removed for engine work?
A:
I never worked with self locking nuts before. The Lid bone is sweet and really puts a nice touch to the car
A:
I don't have one yet so can't comment for sure on where it's rattling, but you could try installing a spring washer at each joint. From the pics that shaggy posted, I'm not seeing anything like that in the design. I'm not sure what would work best in this case, but I'd start by looking at belleville washers and wave washers, though if all else fails a simple split lock washer might do. You'd be looking for something that will keep a force applied to the joints, while still allowing them to rotate.
Just a theory at this point...as I mentioned, I don't have one myself yet!
A:
I honestly don't know what the rattle could be coming from either, since every version that we tested, including the final version, do not seem to rattle. Or if it does, the rattling sound is dulled by all the other rattling sounds in my car.
The LIDbone should NOT be resting on the engine. There should be atleast a cm of clearance between the two.
I would again just check to make sure it is installed properly. I was hoping the drawings would help the install...if anyone is having troubles please let me know so I can modify the installation instructions.
A:
As Matt said, the normal method for not having things rattly loose and still allow sliding rotation, is to use a wave washer. I have not seen the lidbone yet, so I can't comment otherwise. If I was having a rattle, I would put a video camera inside the compartment and drive.
A:
The LIDbone should NOT be resting on the engine. There should be atleast a cm of clearance between the two.
I actually just noticed this on Sunday, meant to email but forgot about it. Theres a gray mark on the plastic piece (that says "Lotus") on top of the valve cover, it looks like its from the top section of the lidbone just barely resting on it. I'm not too worried about it though, I'll have that piece painted before too long and afterwards I can just run a small slip of foam up that edge of the support.
I'll try and grab a photo later tonight to better illustrate what I'm talking about.
A:
I'm pretty sure the rattle isn't from the nuts and washers but from the device hitting the engine. I don't have a video camera small enough to fit in the engine. I suppose I could put a still camera in there with a timer and delay and close the engine.
I do have to say though that this thing is worth getting. I didn't get the bootie as I just leave a bag in the trunk to hold things that might move around but next to that, the LidBone and a drink holder seem like virtual necessities (for us lazy Americans!).
Scott
A:
You can see it thru the vents with the engine lid closed. It looks like it was designed to contact the plastic cover (see the angled flat section that contacts?).
A bit of foam tape would solve this.
A:
It does'nt touch on my car Darn Lotus variability.
A:
It touches on my car and is rubbing a little paint away.
Another issue with the Lidbone: its right above a very hot engine. After a spirited drive don't attempt to touch it.
A:
Another issue with the Lidbone: its right above a very hot engine. After a spirited drive don't attempt to touch it.
Good point, but being aluminum, it should cool off pretty quickly, right? If the engine cover is open, at least?
A:
I figured I'd post a picture of the lidbone installed in my Elise. It was incredibly easy to install.
Seriously... always carry a towel.
Edit to add, I just got back in from a spirited drive so went out and tested it. Yes, it is pretty hot. But the thermal mass of the alum is pretty low so it was not a big deal to nudge it for closing. On the other hand, it acted differently when opening. It would not open correctly without some help, getting past that last little bit. I think the thermal expansion affected it. I guess I could loosen the nuts, but I think I will go in a different direction for other reasons. I am going to put some high-temp teflon washers in the assembly for lubrication and wear points.
A:
Edit to add, I just got back in from a spirited drive so went out and tested it. Yes, it is pretty hot. But the thermal mass of the alum is pretty low so it was not a big deal to nudge it for closing. On the other hand, it acted differently when opening. It would not open correctly without some help, getting past that last little bit. I think the thermal expansion affected it. I guess I could loosen the nuts, but I think I will go in a different direction for other reasons. I am going to put some high-temp teflon washers in the assembly for lubrication and wear points.
Which side were you lifting the cover on? With my car it won't lock into place easily at all if my hand is holding the right side of the cover, but if I hold the left it works perfectly.
er, Or was it just not wanting to move as easily?
A:
I installed mine last weekend. Easy - It's a slick addition to the car.
A:
I polished mine.. the joints move nice and smoothly
A:
Which side were you lifting the cover on? With my car it won't lock into place easily at all if my hand is holding the right side of the cover, but if I hold the left it works perfectly.
er, Or was it just not wanting to move as easily?
Not sure what is going on. When I raise the lid, the bracket just stops in a mostly vertical position, it does not "fall" into the locked position. Does not matter where I raise it. I tried loosening up the fasteners, but it did not help. I will take another look at in the daylight tomorrow.