Lotus Elise Service Notes page 30

Lotus Service Notes
Section TDM
from wheels and tyres.
Upholstery Cleaning
Cloth Upholstery: Normal cleaning consists of an occasional light wipe over with a cloth dampened in a mild
soap and water solution; it is important that the cloth is only dampened, not soaked. Alternatively, a proprietary
upholstery cleaner may be used.
Leather Upholstery: The leather should be wiped over occasionally with a cloth dampened in warm soapy
water. Use a mild, non-caustic toilet soap or soap flakes. Repeat the operation using a fresh cloth and water
only, but avoid flooding the leather. Finish by drying and polishing with a soft dry cloth. The manufacturers of
the leather do not recommend the use of any hide 'food', and prohibit the use of petrol or detergents, furniture
creams and polishes.
Senotex Coated Trim: Some areas of the interior, including the scuttle and rear bulkhead are finished with a
grey, textured 'Senotex' coating. Stains may be removed using a proprietary upholstery cleaner and a soft
bristle brush. Finish by wiping over with a dry soft cloth.
Seat Belts Cleaning
The seat belts should be sponged with warm water and allowed to air dry naturally. Do not use chemical
cleaners and never attempt to bleach or dye the webbing.
BM.4 - ACCIDENT DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
The repair method to be employed in the rectification of accident damage to composite panels, is to be
assessed reletive to the particular panel and its method of attachment:
Bolt-on Panels: - Front Clamshell;
- Rear Clamshell;
- Door Shells;
- Front Services Compartment Lid. (Note that the engine cover lid is aluminium)
These panels are secured by threaded fasteners and are easily removed for access to the back of any
damaged area for repair by conventional composite techniques. Instructions for the removal and refitment of
the front and rear clamshells and doors, are contained in section BN.
Bonded-or, Panels: - Windscreen Frame;
- LH & RH Sill Panels;
- Front Crash Structure;
- Rear Bulkhead & Capping Rail.
These panels are bonded to the chassis or to other panels using a flexible polyurethane adhesive which
must be cut before the panel may be removed. In some cases, it may be necessary to partially remove another
panel before the subject panel can be released. It is not generally economic to attempt to remove a bonded
panel intact for later re-fitment.
The integrity of the front crash structure is crucial to the safety of the car in a frontal collision, and it is
recommended not to attempt any major repair of this component. The damaged structure should be cut from
the front of the chassis, and a new assembly bonded into position.
The sill panels include the 'A' and 'B' posts, and involve much labour time to replace. Localised repairs
should be performed whenever possible, although access to the inside of the panels is not freely available.
The shape and positioning of the windscreen frame is crucial to the fit of the windscreen and sealing of
the soft top roof, such that structural repairs should not generally be considered.
Note that if damage is such as to require replacement of the chassis, replacement chassis assemblies are
provided already jig assembled with the bonded body panels of rear bulkhead and capping rail, sills, wind-
screen frame and front crash structure.
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