Hard Top Rubber Bumper / Bump Stop

[Thomasio]

My Exige has only 7,000 miles, but I have noticed that the little rubber bump stops that mate with the hard top have both worn. One is worn so bad that it fell out.

I noticed because the hard top was beginning to chatter over big bumps in the road. The top was actually contacting the part that the rubber bumper fits into.

5 questions: 1) are these available on the open market? 2) will Lotus warranty this? 3) why is this happening? (The top is carefully fitted per the manual) 4) is there a better replacement part? 5) has this happened to you?




Thanks a bunch,

Thomas

[MattG]

Lotus has generally been good about warranting odd bits and pieces like this, though you can expect to have to wait a month or so for them to be shipped over. Of course, in your case they might reject your warranty claim as your photo shows you've removed the roof from your Exige.

[Thomasio]

> "in your case they might reject your warranty claim as your photo shows you've removed the roof from your Exige."
__________________

I assume that you are joking, but maybe not? Before I even purchased the Exige, I asked if the top was removable. "Yes, just like the Elise." It is structurally identical to the Elise hard top which is of course removable.

Thomas

[LARRY]

Yes, warranty. Lotus are the good guys.

[MattG]

Originally Posted by Thomasio

> "in your case they might reject your warranty claim as your photo shows you've removed the roof from your Exige."
__________________

I assume that you are joking, but maybe not? Before I even purchased the Exige, I asked if the top was removable. "Yes, just like the Elise." It is structurally identical to the Elise hard top which is of course removable.

Thomas

Not joking, but I AM underinformed. I'm under the impression that the roof on the Exige is advertised as being fixed and not removable, and that there's text somewhere saying your warranty will be void if it's removed. Sticker, manual, I'm not sure where. However, I did some more searching around here and it seems like it's not such a big deal - there MIGHT be warranty issues, but it's not likely. Here's the best quote I found, from a Lotus employee in the UK (source):

I hope you do not find my comments too negative, because you are in for a
real treat when you start driving your Exige, but I have to make you aware
of the facts, also I have to state that removing the hard top does not void
the limited vehicle warranty, but Lotus Cars USA always reserves the right
not to accept claims for adjustments or repairs that can be proved to be
directly caused by unauthorized modifications. Although it is highly
unlikely to have warranty issues arise of any major consequence due to
removing the roof it is obviously my duty to make you aware of it so that
you can make any decisions about modifications based on all the facts and
the consequences that they may have.

More threads on this subject:
http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18776
http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21176
http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22013

In your case, it's best to just show up to the dealer with the top on, show them where you think it's chattering, and avoid any questions about whether you've taken the top off. They could possibly claim that repeated removal of the top caused those pads to wear, and if top removal is not something they endorse, then...

[Thomasio]

I appreciate the input.

Back to the original question(s), has anyone else had this problem (Elise or Exige)?

Thomas

[buzzy]

My Elise doesn't have that bump stop thing.

[xtn]

My Exige owner's manual illustrates the process for removing and reinstalling the top. They would be hard pressed to defend the "no top removal" claim when it's right in the manual that came with the car.

[habendanio]

My elise doesn't have the bump stops. Is it rubber, felt or something else?
I may experiment with the Idea that it may help with some rattle problems??