Need New Frame for 64 Elan - LotusTalk

jkolb · 12-17-2008, 06:48 AM

As I recounted in another thread, my frame is trash, and I need a new frame. Looking for a TTR or Spyder and would like suggestions. I know that Ray at RD has TTR, and Dave Bean may also carry them. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if anyone has an excellent frame sitting in the garage for a project that is stalled, please let me know. I don't think my letter to Santa is going to yield results on this one.

Jerry

lotus69f2 · 12-29-2008, 11:58 AM

For what it is worth, I have been following the prices of Elans quite closely and those that have been restored but have non-Lotus replacement chassis and other non-original conversions, like CV joints instead of donuts do not have as good a value on the collector market. Lotus replacement chassis do not seem to affect the value and the increased cost over Spyder can be recouped easily at the time of sale. I assume you are not restoring for resale, but it may be a factor you would want to take into account.

Kyle

khamai · 12-29-2008, 12:51 PM

First, welcome to LotusTalk Kyle!!!! Good to see you here!!!

Jerry,
My take...

1) A Lotus replacement chassis (galvanized) is more attractive to Elan purchaser/collector who wants something as original as possible. It's a good choice for the street as well.

2) Spyder chassis is stronger and stiffer. An excellent solution for someone who tracks/races/autoXs and/or drives on the street. Not so attractive to the Elan collector. Like CVs it is a mod that going away from the time-period.

Cheers,
Kiyoshi

LesAlbin · 12-29-2008, 03:32 PM

Seems the question is whether you intend to drive the car or sell it. If you plan to sell it go with the original Lotus stuff. If you plan to drive it Spyder makes the most sense. I buy cars to drive so I would much prefer the Spyder chasis and CV joints, but everyone has their own priorities.

DeanG · 12-29-2008, 05:50 PM

Go for an original frame and rubber donuts. If you can smoothly pull away from a standing stop or accelerate from low RPM it feels great. Screw it up and the car does the Elan shuffle you know its time to practice (i.e., drive it more often). Remember driving a Lotus is a rewarding experience and a Lotus rewards good driving.

evotell · 12-29-2008, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkolb

As I recounted in another thread, my frame is trash, and I need a new frame. Looking for a TTR or Spyder and would like suggestions. I know that Ray at RD has TTR, and Dave Bean may also carry them. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if anyone has an excellent frame sitting in the garage for a project that is stalled, please let me know. I don't think my letter to Santa is going to yield results on this one.

Jerry

Call my friend: David Saville Peck
Chemainus, Vancouver Island

1-250-246-9922
super7cars@shaw.ca

He has a new one sat on his garage floor

12-17-2008, 06:48 AM	#1 (permalink)
jkolb Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bend, OR/Austin, TX Posts: 374	Need New Frame for 64 Elan As I recounted in another thread, my frame is trash, and I need a new frame. Looking for a TTR or Spyder and would like suggestions. I know that Ray at RD has TTR, and Dave Bean may also carry them. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone has an excellent frame sitting in the garage for a project that is stalled, please let me know. I don't think my letter to Santa is going to yield results on this one. Jerry __________________ 2007 Laser Blue Exige S 1965 Elan (26r clone) vintage race car 2005 Audi S4

12-29-2008, 12:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
khamai Plain ol' Lotus-nut Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 3,562	First, welcome to LotusTalk Kyle!!!! Good to see you here!!! Jerry, My take... 1) A Lotus replacement chassis (galvanized) is more attractive to Elan purchaser/collector who wants something as original as possible. It's a good choice for the street as well. 2) Spyder chassis is stronger and stiffer. An excellent solution for someone who tracks/races/autoXs and/or drives on the street. Not so attractive to the Elan collector. Like CVs it is a mod that going away from the time-period. Cheers, Kiyoshi __________________ life is better behind the wheel of a Lotus...

12-29-2008, 03:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
LesAlbin Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 29	Seems the question is whether you intend to drive the car or sell it. If you plan to sell it go with the original Lotus stuff. If you plan to drive it Spyder makes the most sense. I buy cars to drive so I would much prefer the Spyder chasis and CV joints, but everyone has their own priorities. __________________ O5 Elise Full Lotus Sport Ohlins Suspension Upgrade

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12-29-2008, 11:58 AM	#2 (permalink)
lotus69f2 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Bethel, PA Posts: 482	For what it is worth, I have been following the prices of Elans quite closely and those that have been restored but have non-Lotus replacement chassis and other non-original conversions, like CV joints instead of donuts do not have as good a value on the collector market. Lotus replacement chassis do not seem to affect the value and the increased cost over Spyder can be recouped easily at the time of sale. I assume you are not restoring for resale, but it may be a factor you would want to take into account. Kyle

12-29-2008, 05:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
DeanG Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 720	Go for an original frame and rubber donuts. If you can smoothly pull away from a standing stop or accelerate from low RPM it feels great. Screw it up and the car does the Elan shuffle you know its time to practice (i.e., drive it more often). Remember driving a Lotus is a rewarding experience and a Lotus rewards good driving.

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