LotusTalk - The Lotus Cars Community - View Single Post - STAGE 2 Install How-To w/pics

waydui · 03-26-2007, 11:01 AM

I finally finished putting the whole thing together, including the black powder-coated diffuser panel and Sector 111 "boomerang" tow hook.

Powder-coating was $50.

I bought the Exige diffuser edging (silicone split tubing) to get the black color. The Elise tubing is silver. Silicone is a PITA to glue/bond to powder-coated metal. I ended up using Loctite "superglue".

I also used some garden sprinkler system hose, which I split with a razor blade and snapped onto the edge of the diffuser. Much easier to work with, but a little thicker, and heavier, too.

The tow hook was simple to install. I bought some additional hardware: spacers, lock washers and longer bolts to attach the piece.

To keep the tow hook "tongue" from bouncing off the diffuser, I bought a pack of industrial strength Velcro patches. I put them all around the contact area on the tongue. Turns out that powder-coated metal is a "Low Surface Energy" (LSE) substrate, so I got some LSE adhesive and built an insert spacer with LSE adhesive on each side and put it between the diffuser and the Velcro pieces. Everything stays put now.

I like the new look and the Stage II is really a great-sounding exhaust!

Regards,
Wayne

03-26-2007, 11:01 AM	#17 (permalink)
waydui GR8 SCAPE Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Kirtland, Ohio Posts: 1,182	STAGE 2 INSTALL - UPDATE I finally finished putting the whole thing together, including the black powder-coated diffuser panel and Sector 111 "boomerang" tow hook. Powder-coating was $50. I bought the Exige diffuser edging (silicone split tubing) to get the black color. The Elise tubing is silver. Silicone is a PITA to glue/bond to powder-coated metal. I ended up using Loctite "superglue". I also used some garden sprinkler system hose, which I split with a razor blade and snapped onto the edge of the diffuser. Much easier to work with, but a little thicker, and heavier, too. The tow hook was simple to install. I bought some additional hardware: spacers, lock washers and longer bolts to attach the piece. To keep the tow hook "tongue" from bouncing off the diffuser, I bought a pack of industrial strength Velcro patches. I put them all around the contact area on the tongue. Turns out that powder-coated metal is a "Low Surface Energy" (LSE) substrate, so I got some LSE adhesive and built an insert spacer with LSE adhesive on each side and put it between the diffuser and the Velcro pieces. Everything stays put now. I like the new look and the Stage II is really a great-sounding exhaust! Regards, Wayne Attached Images __________________ _______________________ '05 Elise Magnetic Blue, Black, Touring, Hard Top, Star Shield, Stage II Exhaust, Arqray decat pipe, S2 Front Splitter (UK), Sector 111 Rear Tow Hook, Driving Lights, De-Snorkled, K&N Air Filter, Shift-I System, LSS Dampers & Springs, Sector 111 V-Bar, Schroth Profi II 5 point harness, Exige S Probax seats, 1/4 turn undertray screws, Stealth bulbs, BWR SC with PES tune, Innovative engine mounts, SS brake lines.