Have an Elise with a hardtop? Does it fit properly? - LotusTalk

Bane · 07-10-2008, 11:37 AM

So after several attempts to get my local dealer (Lotus of Scottsdale) to give me a solution for the ill-fitting hardtop I've decided to give up. I can't even get a price quote for the hardtop bracket from them when I supplied a part # so...

So I'm going to do what I've done for several other... ah... shortcomings our beloved cars have. I'm going to make my own with the help of Saikou Michi Co!

Since the cost of the OEM bracket is pretty outrageous ($185 wholesale + $200 labor?

) I'm thinking about selling these to fellow community members.

It will be made with the same care and attention to detail as the catch cans we recently released.

Please post here and vote on the poll if you'd be interested in such a product.

Thanks!

foosh · 07-10-2008, 11:50 AM

I'm interested in hearing more. How about a sketch?

benjh1028 · 07-10-2008, 12:06 PM

Bane,

If an authorized Lotus shop cannot get the hardtop adjusted correctly, Lotus will pay for the bracket + installation. Lotus of Atlanta fixed mine for free as this is a Lotus program. And mine was out of warranty. Have Lotus of Scottsdale make a call.

Ben

Bane · 07-10-2008, 12:06 PM

It will be very similar to the OEM fix for much less cost.

If noone is interested, I'm still going to make it and put it on my car

I just want to know if I should tell Saikou-kun to get ready to start making a new product..

Bane · 07-10-2008, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benjh1028

Bane,

If an authorized Lotus shop cannot get the hardtop adjusted correctly, Lotus will pay for the bracket + installation. Lotus of Atlanta fixed mine for free as this is a Lotus program. And mine was out of warranty. Have Lotus of Scottsdale make a call.

Ben

Already did and got shot down. I've asked 3 times now and they brought in different people to look at pictures, etc. and the answer was always the same (NO)

FIRME · 07-10-2008, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bane

Already did and got shot down. I've asked 3 times now and they brought in different people to look at pictures, etc. and the answer was always the same (NO)

Bane,

Is your car a 2005 model? If so, I can see why Lotus won't do it as this wasn't available in that year.

Shouldn't be hard to fabricate, good luck

benjh1028 · 07-10-2008, 01:17 PM

I'll see if I can get the name of the corporate Lotus guy who authorized it. The part makes all the difference in the world.

Ben

FIRME · 07-10-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benjh1028

I'll see if I can get the name of the corporate Lotus guy who authorized it. The part makes all the difference in the world.

Ben

Mike Fisher handles east coast and Dave Simkin handles the west coast but, if he already shot it down 3 times, Mike won't be able to do much...senority, Dave has been with Lotus for 20+ years.

Rice_Patrol · 07-13-2008, 05:44 AM

I'd buy it. Let me know when its available.

daysineuropa · 10-18-2008, 10:00 PM

Did you ever make these? Can you make more and if so, what is cost?
Cheers,
Mark

Slipstreamer · 11-09-2008, 01:43 PM

Me too.

Bane · 11-26-2008, 08:25 AM

Hey guys, sorry I've been extremely busy and haven't had time to make the bracket with Saikou Michi company. I'm going to see if PPE Engineering is interested in manufacturing these brackets for us. Please stay posted!

jpryor27 · 06-23-2009, 09:59 PM

Bane, any update on this?

Bane · 06-29-2009, 12:21 PM

The bracket has been fabricated and will be fitted this Wednesday... We'll make any last minute adjustments to the design and then offer it up to the community.

Sorry I've been really busy with other things. My car has been sitting unused in the garage for the majority of the year

the1sen · 06-29-2009, 02:21 PM

According to my mechanic, Lotus says the rear panel behind the roof should be adjusted to clear up any discrepancies in height for the 05-06 model.

I am hoping to do it shortly. I will post before and after pics if interested.

As for the sound... I placed a thin strip of the cloth side of Velcro across the back seal on the bottom of the roof and I have zero sound issues any longer.

Bane, how will this new part attach to the roof itself without built in fasteners?

Bane · 06-29-2009, 02:32 PM

That's not possible unless you plan on bending your sail panel into the same shape as the bulging roof

The difference can be made up by adjusting the panel if the top isn't warped. Lotus denies this issue and said the tops don't warp but you can see in the poll that some cars really do suffer from this issue.

We plan on inserting the proper sized helicoils into the top to fasten it down. I'll have some pictures on Wednesday.

Slipstreamer · 06-29-2009, 02:40 PM

I'm still in. Looking forward to it.

Bane · 07-01-2009, 06:30 PM

Bracket is installed and works GREAT.

I can't believe how much quieter the car is on the freeway now... it's actually like a normal car

Oh yeah, it's also stopped creaking going over speed bumps. The dog chew toy noise was rather annoying.

Price is still TBD as this part is fairly elaborate. Lotus can't seem to make anything straightforward and easy to design for

RoadDad · 07-01-2009, 08:36 PM

Bane · 07-01-2009, 10:00 PM

Special thanks to RoadDad and especially Scrumpot for helping out with this project!

Our solution is very robust... it whipped my hardtop into shape faster than a drill Sergeant at boot camp

View Poll Results: Does your hardtop fit properly?
No, it has a bulge and lots of wind noise... i want a fix!	21	14.79%
No, it didn't fit but Lotus fixed it for free	2	1.41%
Yes, fits fine.	108	76.06%
whachu talkin' bout willus...	11	7.75%
Voters: 142. You may not vote on this poll

07-10-2008, 11:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bane . Join Date: May 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 2,960 Images: 4	Have an Elise with a hardtop? Does it fit properly? So after several attempts to get my local dealer (Lotus of Scottsdale) to give me a solution for the ill-fitting hardtop I've decided to give up. I can't even get a price quote for the hardtop bracket from them when I supplied a part # so... So I'm going to do what I've done for several other... ah... shortcomings our beloved cars have. I'm going to make my own with the help of Saikou Michi Co! Since the cost of the OEM bracket is pretty outrageous ($185 wholesale + $200 labor? ) I'm thinking about selling these to fellow community members. It will be made with the same care and attention to detail as the catch cans we recently released. Please post here and vote on the poll if you'd be interested in such a product. Thanks! __________________ $599 PPE header (INFO) 2007 BMW 335i - Mostly stock un-Official LotusTalk Stealth Bulb provider *6* sets in stock!

07-10-2008, 12:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
Bane . Join Date: May 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 2,960 Images: 4	It will be very similar to the OEM fix for much less cost. If noone is interested, I'm still going to make it and put it on my car I just want to know if I should tell Saikou-kun to get ready to start making a new product.. __________________ $599 PPE header (INFO) 2007 BMW 335i - Mostly stock un-Official LotusTalk Stealth Bulb provider *6* sets in stock!

07-13-2008, 05:44 AM	#9 (permalink)
Rice_Patrol Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Murrieta, ca Posts: 86	I'd buy it. Let me know when its available. __________________ 2005 KG Lotus Elise HT , Ohlins, CF seat, Schroth harnesses, fire system, elec killswitch, Black SSR's, HID's, driving lights, and Russel Carr's signature(bet yours doesn't have that), more to come soon!!! Now burt to the ground. 01 BMW M5, 02 BMW M3 :sold:, 02 Camaro Z28, 02 Silverado 2500 HD 8.1L, 98 BMW 740il, 76 BMW 535iR,70 Chevelle, 03 TL1000R

10-18-2008, 10:00 PM	#10 (permalink)
daysineuropa Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Malibou Lake, CA Posts: 179	Did you ever make these? Can you make more and if so, what is cost? Cheers, Mark __________________ 2007 Elise - BRG (Full Ventureshield front by SCC, LSS wheels, polycarbonate chin guards, V1 on Mr.C bracket, LETSLA and Janspeed Stage II). 2005 Volvo XC-70 (Beagle carrier) 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Coupe

07-10-2008, 11:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
foosh AR #0369 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 804 Images: 4	I'm interested in hearing more. How about a sketch?

07-10-2008, 12:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
benjh1028 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta (Kennesaw), GA Posts: 289	Bane, If an authorized Lotus shop cannot get the hardtop adjusted correctly, Lotus will pay for the bracket + installation. Lotus of Atlanta fixed mine for free as this is a Lotus program. And mine was out of warranty. Have Lotus of Scottsdale make a call. Ben

07-10-2008, 01:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
benjh1028 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta (Kennesaw), GA Posts: 289	I'll see if I can get the name of the corporate Lotus guy who authorized it. The part makes all the difference in the world. Ben

11-09-2008, 01:43 PM	#11 (permalink)
Slipstreamer Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 204	Me too. __________________ '05 ELISE Storm Titanium LSS/TP/HT/Dual Oil Coolers/Starshield/Raptor Racing exhaust XP111 (LBH)/BWR 7/8" Anti Roll Bar "Smooth is fast, but fast is quicker"

11-26-2008, 08:25 AM	#12 (permalink)
Bane . Join Date: May 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 2,960 Images: 4	Hey guys, sorry I've been extremely busy and haven't had time to make the bracket with Saikou Michi company. I'm going to see if PPE Engineering is interested in manufacturing these brackets for us. Please stay posted! __________________ $599 PPE header (INFO) 2007 BMW 335i - Mostly stock un-Official LotusTalk Stealth Bulb provider *6* sets in stock!

06-23-2009, 09:59 PM	#13 (permalink)
jpryor27 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cicero, NY Posts: 178	Bane, any update on this? __________________ '06 Elise - Laser Blue, LSS, TP, TC, Starshield. Mods: Stage 2, LETSLA, Manly MM, Exige Seats, Bollocks, De-Snorkeled, Viper's AC Mod, Alpine PDX/JL Stealthbox, 35% Tint, Color Matched Tunnel/AC Surround, Switchblade Fob. To Do List: Mesh, S/C (Someday) A twirling visual overload, explosions of terror and beauty. Colors of fear and pain within clash into unanything.

06-29-2009, 12:21 PM	#14 (permalink)
Bane . Join Date: May 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 2,960 Images: 4	The bracket has been fabricated and will be fitted this Wednesday... We'll make any last minute adjustments to the design and then offer it up to the community. Sorry I've been really busy with other things. My car has been sitting unused in the garage for the majority of the year __________________ $599 PPE header (INFO) 2007 BMW 335i - Mostly stock un-Official LotusTalk Stealth Bulb provider *6* sets in stock!

06-29-2009, 02:21 PM	#15 (permalink)
the1sen The Azteks are coming! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: In The Ghetto... Ghetto of Phoenix AZ Posts: 1,566	According to my mechanic, Lotus says the rear panel behind the roof should be adjusted to clear up any discrepancies in height for the 05-06 model. I am hoping to do it shortly. I will post before and after pics if interested. As for the sound... I placed a thin strip of the cloth side of Velcro across the back seal on the bottom of the roof and I have zero sound issues any longer. Bane, how will this new part attach to the roof itself without built in fasteners? __________________ The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. F The System - ChuforiaGraffix.com SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

06-29-2009, 02:32 PM	#16 (permalink)
Bane . Join Date: May 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 2,960 Images: 4	That's not possible unless you plan on bending your sail panel into the same shape as the bulging roof The difference can be made up by adjusting the panel if the top isn't warped. Lotus denies this issue and said the tops don't warp but you can see in the poll that some cars really do suffer from this issue. We plan on inserting the proper sized helicoils into the top to fasten it down. I'll have some pictures on Wednesday. __________________ $599 PPE header (INFO) 2007 BMW 335i - Mostly stock un-Official LotusTalk Stealth Bulb provider *6* sets in stock!

06-29-2009, 02:40 PM	#17 (permalink)
Slipstreamer Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 204	I'm still in. Looking forward to it. __________________ '05 ELISE Storm Titanium LSS/TP/HT/Dual Oil Coolers/Starshield/Raptor Racing exhaust XP111 (LBH)/BWR 7/8" Anti Roll Bar "Smooth is fast, but fast is quicker"

07-01-2009, 08:36 PM	#19 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,040	__________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy

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07-01-2009, 06:30 PM	#18 (permalink)
Bane . Join Date: May 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 2,960 Images: 4	Bracket is installed and works GREAT. I can't believe how much quieter the car is on the freeway now... it's actually like a normal car Oh yeah, it's also stopped creaking going over speed bumps. The dog chew toy noise was rather annoying. Price is still TBD as this part is fairly elaborate. Lotus can't seem to make anything straightforward and easy to design for __________________ $599 PPE header (INFO) 2007 BMW 335i - Mostly stock un-Official LotusTalk Stealth Bulb provider *6* sets in stock!

07-01-2009, 10:00 PM	#20 (permalink)
Bane . Join Date: May 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 2,960 Images: 4	Special thanks to RoadDad and especially Scrumpot for helping out with this project! Our solution is very robust... it whipped my hardtop into shape faster than a drill Sergeant at boot camp __________________ $599 PPE header (INFO) 2007 BMW 335i - Mostly stock un-Official LotusTalk Stealth Bulb provider *6* sets in stock!