[carbuff]

On my '88, I started with the side rails. The 2 mounting screws (each side) are on the OUTSIDE of the door opening. Open the door and there they are.:clap:

Then, you can remove the header (the part with the sun visors); two more longish screws.

The rear window surround requires removal of seats and courtesy lamp; and then the lower seatbelt anchors.

I might have pics of the process at home. Let me know if I should look.



DISCLAIMER: YMMV since Lotus changed stuff over time...:shrug:

 

[rkubara]

Thanks, its a good start! No need for a picture, yet.

 

[amanda11270]

I had my entire interior out, but I think one of the more difficult removal pieces was the frame of the rear window, for some reason I think it had something to do with removal of the seat belts if memory serves me correctly.

 

[Autocross7]

When I recovered mine, I did the individual parts. That way I can take the parts off without tearing up the liner should the need arise... I need to do it again as that was a decade ago... and I used a headliner material of the right color, but not very good quality...

Cameron

 

[89.5 Esprit SE]

The 95 S4 we have has some of the interior done in Alacantara........
Looks like sh...... IMO . In general it is a poor fabric to use as it doesn't wear or clean well. I would vote for a high quality vinyl any day.

Randy

 

[QuadCam]

Randy,

I had my sunroof recovered in a suede-like headliner and was plannning on doing the rest of the upper trim panels in the same manner.

Then, I saw a 91 SE and its piece were factory covered in leather (not the sunroof though)....and I realized that leather is the way to go. I guess that was an option on some Esprits. It's seems that most have the upper trim pieces and rear window frame down in the light gray headliner fabric, but a few were done in leather. the leather looks more "lotus like."

 

[89.5 Esprit SE]

Randy,

I had my sunroof recovered in a suede-like headliner and was plannning on doing the rest of the upper trim panels in the same manner.

Then, I saw a 91 SE and its piece were factory covered in leather (not the sunroof though)....and I realized that leather is the way to go. I guess that was an option on some Esprits. It's seems that most have the upper trim pieces and rear window frame down in the light gray headliner fabric, but a few were done in leather. the leather looks more "lotus like."

Actually all the Esprits we have had contact with are done in leather originally. Two '89s and a '90. Also the S4 we sold was done in leather.

As to the sunroof/headliner yes those were fabric. On my SE I took the headliner off, cleaned the fiberglass and painted it to match my exterior red. I think it looks good and adds a fraction of headroom.

Randy