Top Body Panel Removal for Elise?

[vincesf]

Does anyone know how to remove the top body panel on an Elise? I want to clean some wax build up in the seam between the top panel and the side panel of the roll cage, and thought it might be easier to remove the top panel.
vincesf

[kmt63]

if you are talking about the hard top?that is removable.do a search on how to remove hard top.or look in the uber post.

[lotusport]

Originally Posted by kmt63

if you are talking about the hard top?that is removable.do a search on how to remove hard top.or look in the uber post.

Sounds to me as if he's referring to the roll bar cover over the rear window.

vincesf, if that's what you're talking about, use a soft toothbrush with some -- get this -- wax on it. The fresh wax will carry away the old dried wax and the toothbrush will not leave enough to cause trouble polishing the fresh wax off. Just use a cotton terrycloth rag before the fresh wax dries and it will be as clean as new.

FWIW, I never use wax of any kind on my car. I always put on a fresh coat of RejeX and freshen it with some Slick from Detailer's Paradise. For the RejeX, go to any aircraft supply place such as Aircraft Spruce or SkyGeek.com.

The RejeX leaves a finish that looks like glass. It has a much higher index of refraction that any wax product -- and it leaves no white residue.

[vincesf]

Yes, I was trying to reference the body panel above the built in rollbar. It must not easily come off as noone offered advice on taking it off, so I shall try the brush technic. Also, it was not me who put wax on the car, as I use Klasse, it appears to be some protective coating of white build-up.

Thanks,
vincesf

[Appleseed]

Is that rejeX stuff the same kind of thing as the "ICE" polish my dad has me using?

[lotusport]

Originally Posted by Appleseed

Is that rejeX stuff the same kind of thing as the "ICE" polish my dad has me using?

Looks like a similar idea. RejeX is an aircraft market item and is a very high-quality product. I've used Turtle Wax Black Chrome (when it was still made) on the plastic slats on the Elise to very good effect, so I generally think well of Turtle Wax products.

Without trying them side-by-side, there's no way to tell if ICE will match the glass-like shine of properly applied RejeX. RejeX has the benefit of being a protectant as well as an attractive finish that sheds almost anything easily. I've found that you cannot get dry-transfer decals (such as our "Elise" stickers) to stick on a surface that has RejeX on it. Bugs and bird crap wipe off with a damp rag and leave no staining or residue. Every ribbon I've won at concours has been with the car presented with a RejeX finish.

An added bonus is when someone asks what I use to get such a perfect finish and I answer "RejeX." The looks on their faces -- priceless!

[E_Swift]

Originally Posted by vincesf

Yes, I was trying to reference the body panel above the built in rollbar. It must not easily come off as noone offered advice on taking it off, so I shall try the brush technic. Also, it was not me who put wax on the car, as I use Klasse, it appears to be some protective coating of white build-up.

Thanks,
vincesf

It isn't difficult to remove, by any stretch, but it can be a big pain.

Pretty sure that I had to remove the plastic panel behind the seats, which means removing the seats in all likelyhood. There are a few fasteners underneath there. There are also two fastener near the ends of the rearward pointing 'wings' on this panel. Basically, you have to remove nuts that attach the panel to the rear clam. These can be very difficult to access through the engine compartment. Best way is to remove the rear wheels and wheel skirts and get at them that way.

[kmt63]

the few times that i have had the roll bar cover off.i went in through the side vent area.you will need to remove the plastic grill.there are two 8 mm nuts on each side.they are a stretch to reach them.then on the inside you have to remove the inside roll bar trim piece.then you will see two 10 mm bolt heads.remove those and its off.

edit,i just remembered that you will have to peel the weatherstrip from the roll bar cover too.also need to remove the rear hard top locking tabs before the roll bar cover can be removed.

[macdady2424]

Yeah, what the last two post said. When I had helped someone take theirs off, you need to reach thru the side vents or thru the rear wheel liners to remove some nuts holding it down. Then you need to remove the plastic liner behind you seats (can do with seats in car, but tricky) to access a bunch more screws to remove to remove the roll bar cover. It's so not worth it just to remove wax. At that point, you might as well take your rear clam off and clean the inside of that too.

[macdady2424]

Plus, youll mess up the weater stripping some as it won't stick on the same as it was. It's just a total PITA!

[knucklehead]

If the OP is talking about the roll bar cover. I just replaced mine with a CF cover. I did not need to remove the plastic behind the seats. I found that going through the wheel well was better than the side grills. I can't see why you would want to go through any of this to remove wax. Unless you are planning on a concourse.

[vincesf]

Thanks, and it appears that I will not be taking off the top panel, rather I shall clean the area as suggested.
vincesf