Another abuse to my 2 weeks old Elise - LotusTalk

samberken · 08-24-2004, 06:05 AM

I clipped the license plate on my first day after the delivery and I did it again.

After fueling at a nearby gas station, the bottom of the front fender caught some metal on the ground (steep downhill exit) while I was leaving the station. I heard the sound of contact and thought it was just a scratch. After I got home then I realized the damage. I went back to the station and found the piece of Fiberglass sitting on the ground.

I wonder if I can just tape back the piece back to the body. However, there will still be a small hole. I wonder if it will cause any long term rusting or damage to the radiator or other part in the front?

Thanks for your advice

Bert

samberken · 08-24-2004, 06:06 AM

The piece that I found

Surferjer · 08-24-2004, 06:07 AM

Ouch! i did tis one, too, but not as bad and not all the way through. Life with and Elise....

Johnny B · 08-24-2004, 06:41 AM

Isn't Lotus going to make a "scuff guard" available?

samberken · 08-24-2004, 06:54 AM

I was going to get that but at this time, the only dealer installed option available is the star shield.

I will be getting the guard, driving light and the HID bulb

Bert

Stan · 08-24-2004, 07:14 AM

>>>However, there will still be a small hole. I wonder if it will cause any long term rusting or damage to the radiator or other part in the front? <<<

No effect there in terms of radiator rust or whatever..

This looks like you can repair the damage pretty easily. I've been running around in lowered street cars for years...if an area looks iffy, I don't even bother trying. So I completely avoid certain gas stations, for example. It helps a lot if you slow down and take things at an angle too. For driveways a bit of the sakrete or concrete patch can help a great deal where the driveway meets the road, or at the entrance to a garage. What you do is make a transition area. In my old house with a circular driveway, I could use only one of the sides for a lowered BMW. Once you learn a few habits it helps out a great deal.

BTW what is this scuff protector thing mentioned above? Any pics available?

Randy Chase · 08-24-2004, 07:42 AM

The scuff guard is coming.

NtflBlueLiz · 08-24-2004, 07:43 AM

I remember for the boster they have a stainless metal piece called the boomerang to protect the front lower lip. It might be something for sector 111 to look at.

mikester · 08-24-2004, 08:09 AM

you might be able to have that area "re-glassed", to keep water etc. from getting in there. I think this is important for the long-term viability of the body panels.

rtking · 08-24-2004, 08:11 AM

OUCH! That sucks.

But thankfully it's on the underside and not readily visible. Maybe the aforementioned scuff guard will hide that hole when installed...

Bob

Ancient Wedgie · 08-24-2004, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Randy Chase
The scuff guard is coming.

Sproing 2004?

BarryB · 08-24-2004, 09:23 AM

Oh, my, goodness. This thread made me shiver. I want that scuff guard now, and don't even have my elise yet!

Barry

MattG · 08-24-2004, 09:39 AM

I doubt the scuff guard could be designed to prevent damage like that - it looks like the impact was very close to the lower front edge of the clam. The scuff guard would have to extend do, and wrap up around, that edge to protect it. Additionally, it just prevents damage from mild scrapes...the clam underneath may still crack if the deflection is too great.

Arno · 08-24-2004, 11:02 AM

Also...

With enough front damage like this at a certain moment you start lose rigidity in the front clam as the 'box shape' is damaged.

Treat any sound of 'contact' *very* seriously on the Elise. It gets expensive very rapidly.

Many people in europe mount their license plate a little lower than the front 'ears' on the S2, so if they hear any scraping it will first be the number plate instead of the clam and they can still stop rightaway..

Mounting your license plate with industrial strength velcro is usually a good idea. The plate will come off at impact, but should allow you to stop as you hear it scrape and prevent damaging the clam.

Bye, Arno.

MattG · 08-24-2004, 11:14 AM

Arno, that's a great idea!

Steve W · 08-24-2004, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Arno
Also...

With enough front damage like this at a certain moment you start lose rigidity in the front clam as the 'box shape' is damaged.

Treat any sound of 'contact' *very* seriously on the Elise. It gets expensive very rapidly.

Many people in europe mount their license plate a little lower than the front 'ears' on the S2, so if they hear any scraping it will first be the number plate instead of the clam and they can still stop rightaway..

Mounting your license plate with industrial strength velcro is usually a good idea. The plate will come off at impact, but should allow you to stop as you hear it scrape and prevent damaging the clam.

Bye, Arno.

Great idea. And that insustrial strength velcro is powerful stuff. I've fashioned a strap inside the the trunk to stop the roof rolling around. Works well.

Highlander · 08-24-2004, 01:22 PM

Looks like something like this may help:

bumper protector

It's an aluminum protector that is wrapped in front with black rubber. It runs along the underside of the bumper on my s2k and does an excellent job of taking those kind of scrapes instead of the bumper.

samberken · 08-24-2004, 01:56 PM

Thanks guys. a lot ofgood advice. This is my first low profile car and I guess I am learning slowly by mistake. will look at the guard and reglass the lip.

Arno, would an insustrial strength velco withstand 90+mph drag?

bert

europa73 · 08-24-2004, 02:02 PM

How much does the scuff guard weigh?

TimMullen · 08-24-2004, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve W
Great idea. And that industrial strength Velcro is powerful stuff. I've fashioned a strap inside the the trunk to stop the roof rolling around. Works well.

More details! And Picture if possible. I haven't tackled this task yet, but I've been kicking it around some ideas for a while...

08-24-2004, 06:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
samberken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 77	Another abuse to my 2 weeks old Elise I clipped the license plate on my first day after the delivery and I did it again. After fueling at a nearby gas station, the bottom of the front fender caught some metal on the ground (steep downhill exit) while I was leaving the station. I heard the sound of contact and thought it was just a scratch. After I got home then I realized the damage. I went back to the station and found the piece of Fiberglass sitting on the ground. I wonder if I can just tape back the piece back to the body. However, there will still be a small hole. I wonder if it will cause any long term rusting or damage to the radiator or other part in the front? Thanks for your advice Bert Attached Images

08-24-2004, 06:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
samberken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 77	The piece that I found Attached Images

08-24-2004, 06:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
Surferjer No more cone damage! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Exton, PA Posts: 8,877	Ouch! i did tis one, too, but not as bad and not all the way through. Life with and Elise.... __________________ Jer-2005 Elise (retired from autox) 1993 MR2 autox car 2002 Ford Excursion DIESEL 4 X 4 1993 Miata (throwout bearing or clutch failure) 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16 Lemons car (needs new head) 1984 Chevy Citation Lemons car (needs a motor)

08-24-2004, 06:41 AM	#4 (permalink)
Johnny B No, it's not a Ford Lotus Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,622	Isn't Lotus going to make a "scuff guard" available? __________________

08-24-2004, 07:14 AM	#6 (permalink)
Stan - Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 6,927	>>>However, there will still be a small hole. I wonder if it will cause any long term rusting or damage to the radiator or other part in the front? <<< No effect there in terms of radiator rust or whatever.. This looks like you can repair the damage pretty easily. I've been running around in lowered street cars for years...if an area looks iffy, I don't even bother trying. So I completely avoid certain gas stations, for example. It helps a lot if you slow down and take things at an angle too. For driveways a bit of the sakrete or concrete patch can help a great deal where the driveway meets the road, or at the entrance to a garage. What you do is make a transition area. In my old house with a circular driveway, I could use only one of the sides for a lowered BMW. Once you learn a few habits it helps out a great deal. BTW what is this scuff protector thing mentioned above? Any pics available? Last edited by Stan : 08-24-2004 at 07:21 AM.

08-24-2004, 06:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
samberken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 77	I was going to get that but at this time, the only dealer installed option available is the star shield. I will be getting the guard, driving light and the HID bulb Bert

08-24-2004, 07:42 AM	#7 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,172 Images: 761	The scuff guard is coming. __________________ [b]* V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S [/b] We have been feeling the buzz since 2002 2006 Noble M400. Getrag tranny, Quaiffe LSD, Hinged clams. Duratec dual turbo V6. Hoosier 315-18 tires. 2350 pounds. Over 500hp. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. [color=orange]Monaco Orange. [/color]Wing. Black leather/Alcantara with orange stitching. The street car. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). [color=orange]Chrome Orange. [/color] Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle. [color=blue]“Busy at times off the forum and scary* actually off the Internets. So I may not see your pm or emails for a while"[/color]

08-24-2004, 07:43 AM	#8 (permalink)
NtflBlueLiz Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 1,198	I remember for the boster they have a stainless metal piece called the boomerang to protect the front lower lip. It might be something for sector 111 to look at. __________________ 2005 Nightfall Blue

08-24-2004, 08:09 AM	#9 (permalink)
mikester Registered Shmoozer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: So Cal Posts: 4,596	you might be able to have that area "re-glassed", to keep water etc. from getting in there. I think this is important for the long-term viability of the body panels. __________________ Covered in Brandy and Lard

08-24-2004, 08:11 AM	#10 (permalink)
rtking Former Elise Owner Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 999	OUCH! That sucks. But thankfully it's on the underside and not readily visible. Maybe the aforementioned scuff guard will hide that hole when installed... Bob __________________ Gone: Ardent Red/Biscuit Elise Current: 2004 Nissan Murano SL AWD 2004 Ducati ST3 2002 Mercedes C230 Coupe 1987 Mazda RX-7 1984 Mustang SVO

08-24-2004, 09:23 AM	#12 (permalink)
BarryB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Santa Monica, CA Posts: 91	Oh, my, goodness. This thread made me shiver. I want that scuff guard now, and don't even have my elise yet! Barry __________________ Don't be afraid to buy the best.

08-24-2004, 09:39 AM	#13 (permalink)
MattG insert clever title here Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Living above the clouds in Colorado Posts: 7,676 Images: 11	I doubt the scuff guard could be designed to prevent damage like that - it looks like the impact was very close to the lower front edge of the clam. The scuff guard would have to extend do, and wrap up around, that edge to protect it. Additionally, it just prevents damage from mild scrapes...the clam underneath may still crack if the deflection is too great. __________________ '05 Elise, Magnetic Blue / Biscuit / Hardtop / http://eliseinfo.com Radar detector mounting brackets for sale here

08-24-2004, 11:02 AM	#14 (permalink)
Arno Nerd on wheels Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,044	Also... With enough front damage like this at a certain moment you start lose rigidity in the front clam as the 'box shape' is damaged. Treat any sound of 'contact' very seriously on the Elise. It gets expensive very rapidly. Many people in europe mount their license plate a little lower than the front 'ears' on the S2, so if they hear any scraping it will first be the number plate instead of the clam and they can still stop rightaway.. Mounting your license plate with industrial strength velcro is usually a good idea. The plate will come off at impact, but should allow you to stop as you hear it scrape and prevent damaging the clam. Bye, Arno.

08-24-2004, 11:14 AM	#15 (permalink)
MattG insert clever title here Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Living above the clouds in Colorado Posts: 7,676 Images: 11	Arno, that's a great idea! __________________ '05 Elise, Magnetic Blue / Biscuit / Hardtop / http://eliseinfo.com Radar detector mounting brackets for sale here

08-24-2004, 01:22 PM	#17 (permalink)
Highlander No Elise for me! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 179	Looks like something like this may help: bumper protector It's an aluminum protector that is wrapped in front with black rubber. It runs along the underside of the bumper on my s2k and does an excellent job of taking those kind of scrapes instead of the bumper. __________________ '02 Honda S2000 Elise ordered 1/13/2005, expected mid June, arrived unexpectedly on 4/29, I had to pass...

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08-24-2004, 01:56 PM	#18 (permalink)
samberken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 77	Thanks guys. a lot ofgood advice. This is my first low profile car and I guess I am learning slowly by mistake. will look at the guard and reglass the lip. Arno, would an insustrial strength velco withstand 90+mph drag? bert

08-24-2004, 02:02 PM	#19 (permalink)
europa73 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new york Posts: 169	How much does the scuff guard weigh? __________________ 73 Citroen DS21 Pallas Eurospec(sold) 73 Europa Twin Cam 05 Elise AS/Red Int/LSS/TP/HT 92 Saab 900 (beater)