[Vinniec4]

Cant find Lotus Elise wheel center caps. HELP!

How do I remove the plastic side vents on my Elise? I ran over wet road paint the other night and coated the side of my car in white. I was less than thrilled (ready to pummel the DMV president) to say the least. Having extensive experience in professional auto detailing I was able to get the paint off and not destroy my paint job in the process, but the plastic vent (gills) still has some on it because I can't fit my hand in to properly access it. Any help is appreciated! Thanks

 

[Vinniec4]

I ran over wet road paint the other day and coated the entire side of my car in white paint. I was less than thrilled when I saw the damage, to say the least. Having an extensive background in professional auto detailing I was able to remove the white paint from my car without destroying my cars paint job, but the plastic side vent still has some white paint on it because I can't fit my hand in enough to access it. The only way to access it is by taking the plastic gill off the car, removing the remaining white road paint, and then re-installing the gill.
Can anybody explain how to remove the gill? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Vinniec4]

Here is a pic of what I'm talking about.

 

[R4Racin]

There is a screw that I access from inside the clam (I have a tilt) to remove them. I think my mechanic is able to remove them (to charge the A/C) without tilting the clam.
GL

 

[Aedo]

I don't remember exactly but was easy to get out... have a look at the parts diagram for location of all screws:

 

[R4Racin]

That diagram is probably VERY helpful for the side grill removal. Good idea.

I thought it funny how it shows the rear deck grill mounting (or lack thereof).

 

[Corvus13]

You can get it out by accessing the bolts by removing the wheel arch liner. Then it's a straight shot in and you can see the bolts. Somewhere on LT there is a thread about replacing the earlier slats with the 2011 and later grill ones that has some good pics. And...found it. Here ya go.

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f259/2011-side-intake-grill-installed-my-2005-diy-102626/


Corvus

 

[LiveToDrive]

Remove wheel liner. There's 2 screws holding the vent. Bottom is held by a little slot...just lift it out.