Chapman Strut: SPRING & Top Mount Assembly
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- Опубликовано: 5 июн 2024
- Rebuilding the Elan +2 struts Part 3
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I believe your new upper "Lotocone" mounts are the same replacement part that I received. They are not the same as the originals that were on my S2. The lower concave surface that left marks on the spring seat dome is smaller diameter and thus sits higher, raising the bolt flanges 13mm above where the originals' were. It appears your original mount was on the lower center of the video screen. If it has the larger concave bell that sits lower on the dome, your rear ride height will now be 13mm higher than before. If you are using re-rated springs, your resulting ride height will be part of our adventures in Lotus world.
The raised seating position of the new mount also creates a larger space between upper spring seat and Lotocone flanges, obviating the need for the thin-headed bolts. You can now use a crow's foot wrench (perhaps thinned a bit) on regular headed bolts which would have fouled the spring seat before. Folks using small 2 1/4" diameter springs can use ordinary socket wrenches. The previous procedure was to install the Lotocone on the frame w/the bolts, slightly compress the springs with ratcheting tie-down straps, arrange all components onto the strut, engage the strut to the control arm with the thru-bolts, then raise the arm + strut with a floor/trolley jack. Fun!
There are some assembly moves that aren't relevant if you use the new mounts as-is, pre-assemble as modern struts are, and accept the altered ride height. I found the threads on my strut rods protruded insufficiently and had to machine the upper end of the mount's inner steel sleeve. It was just possible to gain full thread engagement that way without cutting into the mount's rubber. Your strut rod appears to have a sufficiently longer threaded section.
My very reputable US supplier told me they haven't noticed or heard of any fitting problems and used them on their S1. I've had a new spare mount and the original on the spring seats, side-by-side. They are different. I did find one archived mention of this on the Elan forum we all enjoy and he machined, too. I also used a less-than-simple way to restore previous ride height. I'll find out if it was worth the effort sometime soon, I hope.
Keep up the good work. It's both informative and inspiring! "rohanhodges" and "olivernaylor" are well-known enthusiasts and highly respected contributors. Thank you, to all.
Thanks for the insight and glad you like the videos.
I also prefer to reuse the orginal round strut securing nut rather than the hexagonal securing nut
The alloy spacer is supposed to be crimped onto the shock tube to stop it rattling around. As far as I am aware the spacer plastic washer is supposed to go on top to protect the aeon rubber spring. This alloy spacer was a Lotus afterthought on later +2 so not a well documented assembly anywhere.
Phew that’s why I haven’t got them as not a late +2 thanks
Thanks Rohan, Yea I think I prefer the original arrangement too but the new SPAX damper inserts come with a hex nut inboard of the outer tube and there is no recesses to crimp the spacer to.
Interested to see what ride height you get with those springs. New ones seem to ride very high
Hi Oliver, I'm looking for sum advise on tyre choice. The Elan is almost on the road and I need to start thinking about some new boots. Like you I do intend to do track days so though you may be able to give me an insight into the tyres you've used and would recommend? Ian
@@ianj3663 tough one, you can spend a lot on modern ‘period’ Michelins or Pirelli’s. I hear they are very good.
The only thing I can say for sure is avoid rainsports. They are too soft and you lose all the ‘directness’ of an elan. I run Falken sinceras. They’re cheap, don’t have bags of grip but have great feel