Thanks Tony. Sad news that no chassis tubs will be available for repairs in the future. S1's I can understand, as they stopped production 20+ yrs ago.... but S3 Elise & Exige / Evoras too ! I don't know why Lotus can't keep parts activity going to support the cars out there, like other manufactures do - isn't that business too ?
Interesting...for an original Elan, there are body and chassis options. It is sad that Lotus did not think of asking their classic network or Team Lotus to take up the supply side.
Indeed there is Andrew. Panel wise, copies can be made but the tub is very specialist and set up costs would be huge versus volume. I have heard that Classic Team Lotus have bought a long time Lotus specialist, Paul Marty sports cars. I’m hoping that may help with heritage model parts supply. Many of the specialists did want to remain as authorised repairers but Lotus declined the offer.
Thanks Johnny, my pleasure! It should last indefinitely if looked after. as far as the front suspension area goes, if it is not exhibiting any corrosion then a good inspection periodically will keep it that way.
As far as I know the answer is no but knowing Lotus that may change. It would need a significant investment for an outside party to take over manufacture of the tubs on all models. I don't think the return on them would be economical.
Lotus did mention it was willing to sell the equipment to a third party . As for manufacturing they could sell them as kits ala Lotus seven as long as the drillings are accurate alignment would also be I would think .
![The Lotus Elise story you've never heard ! [Making the Nichols N1A - Ep 2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/42RuCSZUy-Y/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you. The more I learn about the Elise the better. I never get sick of learning.
Love these videos and I think they will age well as people become more interested in Lotus. Eagerly awaiting Exige videos!
Thanks Tony. Sad news that no chassis tubs will be available for repairs in the future. S1's I can understand, as they stopped production 20+ yrs ago.... but S3 Elise & Exige / Evoras too ! I don't know why Lotus can't keep parts activity going to support the cars out there, like other manufactures do - isn't that business too ?
It is a bit of a shocker. I wonder if that will apply to other replacement parts. I feel a little less comfortable in my brand new Elise now.
Thanks Tony! Just subscribed!
Interesting...for an original Elan, there are body and chassis options.
It is sad that Lotus did not think of asking their classic network or Team Lotus to take up the supply side.
Indeed there is Andrew. Panel wise, copies can be made but the tub is very specialist and set up costs would be huge versus volume. I have heard that Classic Team Lotus have bought a long time Lotus specialist, Paul Marty sports cars. I’m hoping that may help with heritage model parts supply.
Many of the specialists did want to remain as authorised repairers but Lotus declined the offer.
@@lotuscarguru3656 "declined the offer" is one way of putting it.
Lotus guide to making money: Make your cars so proprietary that you essentially have to buy a whole new car if you dent it.
Trouble is though if you write off your Elise, Exige or Evora, they are not made anymore!
Stellar wealth of information . Thank you . Any ideas on how long the chassis will last on an S1 and especially those front suspension pickups .
Thanks Johnny, my pleasure! It should last indefinitely if looked after. as far as the front suspension area goes, if it is not exhibiting any corrosion then a good inspection periodically will keep it that way.
Are they not considering selling the jigs to an external company so as to resolve this issue ala Lotus 7 ?
As far as I know the answer is no but knowing Lotus that may change. It would need a significant investment for an outside party to take over manufacture of the tubs on all models. I don't think the return on them would be economical.
Lotus did mention it was willing to sell the equipment to a third party . As for manufacturing they could sell them as kits ala Lotus seven as long as the drillings are accurate alignment would also be I would think .
@@johnnystoka6625 I hope something is offered but don’t hold your breath! 😉
What is the current "suitable adhesive" for the tub? And thanks for the videos!
Hi Andrew, Thanks for the comment, send me an email at the lotusguru56@gmail.com and I'll send you the bulletin that lists it.
Are you sure about glue colour my first S1 was a 96 mmx ally engine cover and had red glue and my current 99 model has blue glue ??
Pretty sure but knowing Lotus they may have run different colours as tests. Majority were Green or Orange.
@@lotuscarguru3656 glue colour changes around 98MY cars from my experience.