Front clam protection kit - LotusTalk

2sporty · 05-19-2007, 11:05 PM

***NOT SELLING THESE ANY MORE, RAN OUT go to www.mcmaster.com if you'd like to buy the materials to make them yourself.***

I did not like the current solutions for front clam protection.

The ragnorak racing kit is $90, which is very expensive for coverage that is less than optimal. There is polyurethane in areas that don't need it and no polyurethane in areas that are commonly scraped. In fact, you can't even buy this kit anymore because it seems like the owner cannot be contacted.

link to ragnorak kit:
http://www.ragnorakracing.com/catalo...46/1857876.htm

The Lotus Polycarbonate piece, which costs $300 just does not look good in my opinion.

here's a link to it:
http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...5&postcount=20

So I went and found some 3M abrasion resistant polyurethane and made my own a while ago. The stuff has an adhesive backing. I bought a 1/8 inch thick big sheet, (24x24) which cost me about $150 after shipping (unfortunately, you can't get this stuff at your local hardware store). When I cut out the pieces, I tried to cover the parts that would most likely get scraped when going up and down driveways and speed bumps. Let's face it, nobody is going to scrape the clam as far back as the ragnorak kit goes!! So far, it has worked well and has saved me from one gas station driveway scrape. Of course, it's not going to help you if you ram into a parking curb or go down a driveway super fast. I've tried thinner pieces of rubber, but they did not work nearly as well because they were not hard enough and concrete just went right through it. This polyurethane piece is pretty much invisible unless you bend down and look.

If you want a set:
If you would like a set, I take paypal to prtrbr111@gmail.com or money order/cahsier's check. I can also take credit card through my website. They will be $45 + $5 shipping. Feel free to ask me any questions about the kit as well! I'm glad to contribute to the Elisetalk community.

2sporty · 05-19-2007, 11:34 PM

here's a good example of what this would have prevented:

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...99&postcount=1

Mr.C · 05-19-2007, 11:48 PM

I like that idea since I already have scrapes in exactly those areas, and your kit would have probably prevented those...
Do you have any pics of it installed?

raggedy1 · 05-20-2007, 05:35 PM

PM sent.

2sporty · 05-20-2007, 06:39 PM

Here are the pictures. Sorry I do not have a lift to take better pics!

The ones that I will be cutting for people (if anybody wants them) will be about an inch beefier (going to the back of the clam more). My own set is a little thinner, but it has worked perfectly for me.

raggedy1 · 05-20-2007, 07:56 PM

In your 2nd pic it looks like the front edge/corner extends beyond the body a little. Is that right????

2sporty · 05-20-2007, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raggedy1

In your 2nd pic it looks like the front edge/corner extends beyond the body a little. Is that right????

It sure does look like that in the pic, but it does not stick out like that in person. I guess it's just a deceptive picture. I think you can see from the first pic that it doesn't extend beyond the body

Mr.C · 05-21-2007, 12:04 AM

You have another PM

fpitas · 05-21-2007, 05:18 AM

Another PM sent.

ConeFusion · 05-21-2007, 12:08 PM

This looks like a good approach. I have some damage in that area right now, but if I ever get it fixed, I might have to get this.

Can these pieces be removed if there's ever a need for it?

xtn · 05-21-2007, 12:17 PM

Shouldn't we assume they WILL require replacing if you scape them?

I mean this isn't some miracle material that will slide over concrete without getting any marks, is it? The benefit is that these pieces will take the scraping instead of the clam. They are much easier and cheaper to replace once in a while instead of your clam. That's the whole point, right?

xtn

2sporty · 05-21-2007, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConeFusion

This looks like a good approach. I have some damage in that area right now, but if I ever get it fixed, I might have to get this.

Can these pieces be removed if there's ever a need for it?

Yes, I've removed one of the ones that I scraped and replaced it with another. The adhesive comes off easy and does not leave a mess. If anyone wants a replacement piece, I can cut one for relatively cheap.

2sporty · 05-21-2007, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtn

Shouldn't we assume they WILL require replacing if you scape them?

I mean this isn't some miracle material that will slide over concrete without getting any marks, is it? The benefit is that these pieces will take the scraping instead of the clam. They are much easier and cheaper to replace once in a while instead of your clam. That's the whole point, right?

xtn

Xtn, you are completely correct. The material has a high abrasion resistance. However, if it is a big scrape, it will probably be best to replace the piece with a new one. I can make replacement pieces for really cheap if anyone needs.

knucklehead · 05-21-2007, 02:09 PM

I was going to do something very similar to this. I had seen a Black Elise at Newport that had done something similar and it seemed to do the trick. Nice job.

Jacob

dukenyc · 05-23-2007, 10:10 AM

Are these still available?

2sporty · 05-23-2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukenyc

Are these still available?

Yep, I will be shipping some out on Friday. Let me know if you'd like to get a set.

2sporty · 05-27-2007, 11:13 AM

If anybody had scraped up one piece and needs replacements, they will be just $9 each + $3 shipping.

raggedy1 · 05-27-2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2sporty

If anybody had scraped up one piece and needs replacements, they will be just $9 each + $3 shipping.

Can I get 3 replacements for $27.00 plus $9.00 shipping?

cbfischer · 05-27-2007, 12:47 PM

PM sent

Mr.C · 05-29-2007, 10:42 PM

My kit came in today...

It looks very functional and is perfect to give me that extra peace-of-mind when going up driveways or over speed bumps.
Not that you don't have to be careful anymore, but at least you know that the first thing you'll scrape is not the couple $1000 front clam but a piece of vinyl which is cheap and easy to replace!

Thanks 2SPORTY for the great idea!

05-19-2007, 11:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
2sporty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CA Posts: 266	Front clam protection kit *NOT SELLING THESE ANY MORE, RAN OUT go to www.mcmaster.com if you'd like to buy the materials to make them yourself.* I did not like the current solutions for front clam protection. The ragnorak racing kit is $90, which is very expensive for coverage that is less than optimal. There is polyurethane in areas that don't need it and no polyurethane in areas that are commonly scraped. In fact, you can't even buy this kit anymore because it seems like the owner cannot be contacted. link to ragnorak kit: http://www.ragnorakracing.com/catalo...46/1857876.htm The Lotus Polycarbonate piece, which costs $300 just does not look good in my opinion. here's a link to it: http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...5&postcount=20 So I went and found some 3M abrasion resistant polyurethane and made my own a while ago. The stuff has an adhesive backing. I bought a 1/8 inch thick big sheet, (24x24) which cost me about $150 after shipping (unfortunately, you can't get this stuff at your local hardware store). When I cut out the pieces, I tried to cover the parts that would most likely get scraped when going up and down driveways and speed bumps. Let's face it, nobody is going to scrape the clam as far back as the ragnorak kit goes!! So far, it has worked well and has saved me from one gas station driveway scrape. Of course, it's not going to help you if you ram into a parking curb or go down a driveway super fast. I've tried thinner pieces of rubber, but they did not work nearly as well because they were not hard enough and concrete just went right through it. This polyurethane piece is pretty much invisible unless you bend down and look. If you want a set: If you would like a set, I take paypal to prtrbr111@gmail.com or money order/cahsier's check. I can also take credit card through my website. They will be $45 + $5 shipping. Feel free to ask me any questions about the kit as well! I'm glad to contribute to the Elisetalk community. Attached Images Last edited by 2sporty : 02-29-2008 at 08:35 PM.

05-20-2007, 05:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
raggedy1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: belmont Posts: 3,822	PM sent. __________________ It's Delux son, Delux. It's not that hard. http://itsdeluxson.com/

05-20-2007, 06:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
2sporty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CA Posts: 266	Pics on the car Here are the pictures. Sorry I do not have a lift to take better pics! The ones that I will be cutting for people (if anybody wants them) will be about an inch beefier (going to the back of the clam more). My own set is a little thinner, but it has worked perfectly for me. Attached Images

05-20-2007, 07:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
raggedy1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: belmont Posts: 3,822	In your 2nd pic it looks like the front edge/corner extends beyond the body a little. Is that right???? __________________ It's Delux son, Delux. It's not that hard. http://itsdeluxson.com/

05-21-2007, 05:18 AM	#9 (permalink)
fpitas User, Registered Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 1,827	Another PM sent. __________________ Francis 2006 Chrome Orange Elise: LSD/TC, Nitron SAs with 425/650 springs, BWR 7/8" Front Bar, Eliseparts bumpsteer kit, VF Stage 2, 2bular Header + Sport Cat + 8x24 GT3 Muffler, ECU Tune by Jermaine, Smaay's fuel rail, ACT XT clutch, Saikou Michi dual catch can, Moroso pan, Manly's mount inserts & FF Engine Damper 2000 Black Integra Type R: - 213,000 miles...running again!

05-19-2007, 11:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
2sporty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CA Posts: 266	here's a good example of what this would have prevented: http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...99&postcount=1

05-19-2007, 11:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mr.C German Reimport Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Stuttgart, Germany Posts: 622	I like that idea since I already have scrapes in exactly those areas, and your kit would have probably prevented those... Do you have any pics of it installed?

05-21-2007, 12:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
Mr.C German Reimport Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Stuttgart, Germany Posts: 622	You have another PM

05-21-2007, 12:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
ConeFusion Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,579	This looks like a good approach. I have some damage in that area right now, but if I ever get it fixed, I might have to get this. Can these pieces be removed if there's ever a need for it? __________________ Reto 2005 Lotus Elise (yellow, sport pack), #94 SS 2005 Nissan Xterra (LSV)

05-21-2007, 12:17 PM	#11 (permalink)
xtn McLareghini Bugatterrari Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 6,845	Shouldn't we assume they WILL require replacing if you scape them? I mean this isn't some miracle material that will slide over concrete without getting any marks, is it? The benefit is that these pieces will take the scraping instead of the clam. They are much easier and cheaper to replace once in a while instead of your clam. That's the whole point, right? xtn __________________ 2006 McLareghini Bugatterrari, Storm Titanium... <mods> installed: air horn, Scroth 4-point ASM harnesses, Sector111 halon extinguisher and mounting bracket, Von Hep exhaust and rear panel delete, Pagid brake pads, red Volks CE28n wheels, Toyo RA-1 tires, Nitron SA coilovers, Sector111 (WorksBell) quick-disconnect steering wheel kit. awaiting installation: Scroth "pull-up" lap belts, Sector111 RTD Brace, Tony's heater bypass mod, and dropped steering rack mounting plates. </mods>

05-21-2007, 02:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
knucklehead TWRD & Blip advertising Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Marina del Rey, CA Posts: 3,835	I was going to do something very similar to this. I had seen a Black Elise at Newport that had done something similar and it seemed to do the trick. Nice job. Jacob

05-23-2007, 10:10 AM	#15 (permalink)
dukenyc Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 240	Are these still available?

05-27-2007, 11:13 AM	#17 (permalink)
2sporty Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CA Posts: 266	If anybody had scraped up one piece and needs replacements, they will be just $9 each + $3 shipping.

05-27-2007, 12:47 PM	#19 (permalink)
cbfischer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 93	PM sent __________________ 2006 Elise, LSS - Seattle, WA

05-29-2007, 10:42 PM	#20 (permalink)
Mr.C German Reimport Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Stuttgart, Germany Posts: 622	My kit came in today... It looks very functional and is perfect to give me that extra peace-of-mind when going up driveways or over speed bumps. Not that you don't have to be careful anymore, but at least you know that the first thing you'll scrape is not the couple $1000 front clam but a piece of vinyl which is cheap and easy to replace! Thanks 2SPORTY for the great idea!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode