Elise: My process of adding Exige side scoops

[lotusforsale]

Will,

Thanks for posting this, and for the detail. I just now finished the install on my car largely following your documentation. The only thing I did really differently was to use actual rivets for all the brackets.

And my scoops were already painted, so I covered the painted surfaces completely with blue painter's tape while handling/fitting.

I have to say, even though I measured 4 times (at least) and test fit a half dozen times (at least) before drilling holes into the body for the lower bracket, it took awhile to bring myself to drill that first hole.

[Whiskey]

AWESOME! Glad to know the documentation helped. I'd like to see how you aligned the back of the scoop. Can you post closer pics of the final installation? I haven't taken the scoops off to inspect my self tapping screws. You may be right about using rivets everywhere.

[kmt63]

could some measurements be added to those bracket drawings?they are good for seeing how it is done but you dont know how far apart the bends are.also some angles for the one bracket.

kevin

[Whiskey]

Concerning the kmt63's post:
The angles on the front brackets are easy. About a 4" piece bent about 90* then about 45*. The rear is a bit different, and is best lined up and measured against the car and duct itself. Once you have a small 6"x2" piece of metal in hand, it will become apparent that you have to place one end of the metal under the original duct and against the car. Mark the angle and position of the first bend, then whack it in a vise as my instructions stated. The next bend will be whatever it takes to make the metal reach the hole in the duct. Cut off the excess metal after fitment. The brackets are function over form under the scoop.

New photos! :
Once again, I was tired of waiting for a solution from somebody else and went ahead and installed mesh for the front end. It required a front end removal (thanks sandsmuseum.com), touch-up paint (thanks again Chuck), filler (thanks bondo), and mesh w/adhesive (thanks eliseparts.com).

Eliseparts.com, who has updated their website, supplied the mesh that matches my Exige side ducts. Elise Parts - *>**>*S2 Grill Replacement Set
I believe the price was much more when I ordered, but I am just happy to be done installing. Also, some of the extra fiberglass has to be cut to make the mesh fit properly. It is cut to a tight standard, so you have to lightly cut and sand side openings of the clam to make it work. It was easy to do with a roto-zip (dremel type tool).

I filled the small center factory holes with, gasp, bondo, then sanded, then used some touch up paint. I did the same with the bottom little notches from the fins on the oil cooler ports. They look ok, but are slightly darker at certain angles, so it may not look "factory" to the paint and finish guys out there testing density. I don't think many will notice, but you can see the subtle variation in the mesh photos if you know where to look. I think the starshield is more distracting to the lines than the former holes.

Taking the front end off is a bit time consuming, but its was worth it. I knew bad weather was on the way last week and spent a few evenings, progressing through the whole thing. The right tools make the job easier and I know that I spent some time cussing at a few of the nuts. Also, make sure to cover the radiator or you will bump and dent it while removing the front clam. I noticed that the mesh looks a bit glossy in the picture, but it is identical to the other exige mesh and was pictured at the "golden hour" of direct sunlight.

Any questions of comments?

[kmt63]

thanks for the info wiskey.i had checked back a few times and didnt see any updates.well now im adding my side scoops to my car.i am trying to come up with a bracket that you do not have to drill the clam to install.i have a template that looks like it will work.so in another 8 to 10 hours i should have something that will work.so you used the front panel countersunk washers?i cant believe the price of the exige washers.at lotus garage they are 110 bucks for one.the front panel pieces should be the same.

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by kmt63

thanks for the info wiskey.i had checked back a few times and didnt see any updates.well now im adding my side scoops to my car.i am trying to come up with a bracket that you do not have to drill the clam to install.i have a template that looks like it will work.so in another 8 to 10 hours i should have something that will work.so you used the front panel countersunk washers?i cant believe the price of the exige washers.at lotus garage they are 110 bucks for one.the front panel pieces should be the same.

Did your custom lower bracket work out? Post a pic if you can.

I purchased my washers, bolts, and speed nuts from Chuck Risen. He had a good source at the time and I don't remember spending anything like $110. Also, I believe some of the prices are misquoted on lotus garage.

Seriously, make sure you get the scoops covered with a clear bra.

[kmt63]

so far the lower bracket is looking good.its in card stock right now.just about ready to move to aluminum.i looked on lotus garage for the front access panel stepped washers.they are 2 bucks a piece.looks like the same part as the exige side scoop washers.so i will get those.or use a dzuz 1/4 turn fastener for them.i think the head on them is about the same for drag.plus much faster to remove them.the hole size is very close the 1/4 turn hole size.the scoop is slightly larger.

[kmt63]

oh yea i am doing clear bra on the entry of the scoop and the body on the inside and in front of the scoop on the door.is that enough coverage to stop the stone chips?