A&Q about Lotus
Q:
So, I went over to Specialty this afternoon, and they already had the front clam and crash structure removed! They must have started the job before the insurance company got there, lol. The parts have all been ordered, so SCC is at the mercy of Lotus for now. Removing the crash sructure is a bit of a job, since not only is it bolted and rivited on, but glued as well. Here are day #2 pictures:
A:
Alan...
thanks for the pics. I think. A little disturbing... a bout of nausea came over me. But the job looks nice and clean, so that's all good. From the side it actually looks kinda cool, with the front wheels protruding beyond the nose... like something totally futuristic.
Think I can drive it like that?
Again, thanx for posting. I owe you big time.
Luke
A:
Originally Posted by swistun
Alan...
thanks for the pics. I think. A little disturbing... a bout of nausea came over me.
Pretty funny hearing this from a surgeon!
Originally Posted by swistun
But the job looks nice and clean, so that's all good. From the side it actually looks kinda cool, with the front wheels protruding beyond the nose... like something totally futuristic.
Think I can drive it like that?
Again, thanx for posting. I owe you big time.
Luke
Probably wouldn't run too long without the oil coolers/coolant, lol. Does look kinda cool, and yes, a very clean job. I know they'll further clean it up before attaching the new crash structure. I'm excited to see the job progress. Hope Lotus gets the parts over there soon!
One question, don't know if they spoke to you about it yet, but do you want to go with Starshield, or Sticker City's film? Both have their advantages. Starshield is OEM, but IMO tends to yellow quicker. I'd be curious to hear feedback on this in general from forum members...
I have Sticker City's film on and it's stayed remarkably clear.
A:
Originally Posted by swistun
I'll finish my obligation (2 more years) somewhere in San Diego, hopefully.
Semper Fi
Luke
Ah, well. It'd be fun to have you here in Portsmouth. I don't have any Elise folks to play with out here.
A:
Originally Posted by WhitePlume
Ah, well. It'd be fun to have you here in Portsmouth. I don't have any Elise folks to play with out here.
I interviewed at Portsmouth and Bethesda, but chose NMCSD in the end. Is there anywhere to drive an Elise in Portsmouth? I remember the hospital there being really impressive, but the 100 square miles surrounding it pretty much scared me off... What are you doing now (other than perfecting Elise skills)?
Back on topic, though - this just came up: did anyone ever have an outcoming bump on their clam after having it replaced? sorta like an anti-ding? Apparently I have one, after Newport European replaced my rear clam after fixing the rear window. The suspicion is, they bumped the clam from the inside out on something (like the corner of the battery) which caused the bump. Anyone else with a similar experience? I would think the clam would stress-crack rather than ding out...
luke
A:
Originally Posted by swistun
I interviewed at Portsmouth and Bethesda, but chose NMCSD in the end. Is there anywhere to drive an Elise in Portsmouth? I remember the hospital there being really impressive, but the 100 square miles surrounding it pretty much scared me off... What are you doing now (other than perfecting Elise skills)?
Back on topic, though - this just came up: did anyone ever have an outcoming bump on their clam after having it replaced? sorta like an anti-ding? Apparently I have one, after Newport European replaced my rear clam after fixing the rear window. The suspicion is, they bumped the clam from the inside out on something (like the corner of the battery) which caused the bump. Anyone else with a similar experience? I would think the clam would stress-crack rather than ding out...
luke
Steve just took a look at it. It's not a battery, your first suspicion is correct: it's a bolt that backed out - he sees it poking into the inside of the clam. Steve thinks it from overtightening, and then backing out. I'll see if I can get pics if I can get up there before it gets dark.
EDIT: It's a bolt that goes from the rocker panel to the rear clam. One of the bolts that holds the rear clam on.
A:
ha... I was hoping that it's just overtightened, and backing it out will solve the problem (flatten the dimple). If they already backed it out that means the clam has a permanent dimple and the only way to perfect the damage now is to file down the dimple and repaint...?
That sucks... I don't suppose you tried just gently pushing it back in with your thumb? just kidding. Technically Newport European is responsible for that one, that window was a warranty repair done at their shop.
luke
A:
Originally Posted by swistun
ha... I was hoping that it's just overtightened, and backing it out will solve the problem (flatten the dimple). If they already backed it out that means the clam has a permanent dimple and the only way to perfect the damage now is to file down the dimple and repaint...?
That sucks... I don't suppose you tried just gently pushing it back in with your thumb? just kidding. Technically Newport European is responsible for that one, that window was a warranty repair done at their shop.
luke
I haven't been over there to see it in person today, but my guess is that it probably won't just go away by retightening the bolt, which means yes, refinishing. All just supposition at this point. Certainly a bit of a bummer. Give Specialty a call and speak to Steve when you have a moment for the official report. If I do get up there today, I'll try to get a pic and a firsthand look.
A:
Originally Posted by Serebo1
One question, don't know if they spoke to you about it yet, but do you want to go with Starshield, or Sticker City's film? Both have their advantages. Starshield is OEM, but IMO tends to yellow quicker. I'd be curious to hear feedback on this in general from forum members...
I have Sticker City's film on and it's stayed remarkably clear.
If you have polarized glasses, the SC film looks funny on Mikester's car in the wrong light.
How long of UV exposure does the Starshield take to yellow? The only time my car is outside without a cover is when I am driving it or at the track.
A:
Originally Posted by CALtd
If you have polarized glasses, the SC film looks funny on Mikester's car in the wrong light.
How long of UV exposure does the Starshield take to yellow? The only time my car is outside without a cover is when I am driving it or at the track.
The Starshield on my car, purchased about a year ago, had yellowed significantly after ~7 months. It is my DD. They replaced it under warranty, that is, the pieces I hadn't already replaced with SC's film.
A:
Can Sticker City do a clear bra on the headlight units? How about the access panels? How about covering the whole top of the front clam?
edit: Nevermind, yes they can. I looked at the website.
A:
Originally Posted by swistun
Can Sticker City do a clear bra on the headlight units? How about the access panels? How about covering the whole top of the front clam?
edit: Nevermind, yes they can. I looked at the website.
Just left CJ (IBCJ) who has his entire front clam done by Sticker City. It's a great uniform look. Talk to Andy over there - he's an Elise owner and general all around good guy.
A:
Originally Posted by swistun
I interviewed at Portsmouth and Bethesda, but chose NMCSD in the end. Is there anywhere to drive an Elise in Portsmouth? I remember the hospital there being really impressive, but the 100 square miles surrounding it pretty much scared me off... What are you doing now (other than perfecting Elise skills)?
Back on topic, though - this just came up: did anyone ever have an outcoming bump on their clam after having it replaced? sorta like an anti-ding? Apparently I have one, after Newport European replaced my rear clam after fixing the rear window. The suspicion is, they bumped the clam from the inside out on something (like the corner of the battery) which caused the bump. Anyone else with a similar experience? I would think the clam would stress-crack rather than ding out...
luke
I think Alan may be on the right track with his assessment. Here's more detail here's my theory.
Where is the bump? Post a pic.
If it's near the rear wheel fender area behind the side grills I bet you I know what happened. When removing the rear clam I believe you have to remove the plastic grills too. There are two DIFFERENT length bolts that hold the grill in place. I bet they swapped bolts when putting it back together, realized their mistake before punching a hole in the clam.
In any case I don't think it's over tightening. Someone goofed and used a longer bolt that caused the bump, backed the long bolt out and put the correct one back in.
A:
I don't know anything firsthand about SC's film installations but I've been around a lot of highline cars with film and a lot of Elises/Exiges.
I'd recommend a custom installation over the Starshield. *Every* custom installation I've seen looks better than the Starshield and if you decide to R&R the rocker and rear pieces too, they're flat enough that you can do them yourself.
The only drawback is originality. The Starshield actually has nickel-sized Lotus logos in it at the corners of the film. This may or may not be a concern to you.
A:
Originally Posted by codymac
I don't know anything firsthand about SC's film installations but I've been around a lot of highline cars with film and a lot of Elises/Exiges.
I'd recommend a custom installation over the Starshield. *Every* custom installation I've seen looks better than the Starshield and if you decide to R&R the rocker and rear pieces too, they're flat enough that you can do them yourself.
The only drawback is originality. The Starshield actually has nickel-sized Lotus logos in it at the corners of the film. This may or may not be a concern to you.
"Originality" concerns me only as it relates to warranty. If the custom shops guarantee their work for at least as long ast the original one, I'm fine with that.
thanx for the advice!! I'll look at some real cars with these shields on when I get out there...
luke
A:
Originally Posted by TTP
I think Alan may be on the right track with his assessment. Here's more detail here's my theory.
Where is the bump? Post a pic.
We're all patiently waiting for Alan to post a pic... I don't want to overwhelm the man, he's been more than generous already. Thanx for the input, TTP!
luke
A:
Sorry about the car, but for what it is worth, I dig the Magnolia interior.
A:
Originally Posted by Slag
Sorry about the car, but for what it is worth, I dig the Magnolia interior.
It is a nice combo with the GG
A:
Originally Posted by swistun
We're all patiently waiting for Alan to post a pic... I don't want to overwhelm the man, he's been more than generous already. Thanx for the input, TTP!
luke
Not overwhelming me at all! Pics first thing Monday...
A:
Originally Posted by codymac
The Starshield actually has nickel-sized Lotus logos in it at the corners of the film. This may or may not be a concern to you.
I just noticed these today when detailing my car. I thought it was kind of a neat detail!