Lotus 2004 ELISE Service Notes page 28

Lotus Service Notes
enced in handling this type of fabric as discoloration and degradation of the special protective inner layer may
result. The application of wax finishes, dressings or preservatives will cause stains which are difficult to remove
and therefore should be avoided.
Paintwork Polishing
Eventually some loss of gloss, and an accumulation of traffic film, will occur. At this stage, after normal
washing, the application of a good quality liquid polish will restore the original lustre of the paint film. Higher
gloss of the paint finish, and added protection against contamination, can be obtained by the use of a wax
polish; however, this can only be used successfully on a clean surface, from which the previous application has
been removed with white spirit or a liquid polish cleaner.
Ventilation
Water lying on the paint surface for a lengthy period will eventually penetrate the paint film. Although the
effects will not be visible immediately, a deterioration in the protective properties of the paint film will ultimately
result. It is not recommended to store a wet car in a poorly ventilated garage. If good ventilation cannot be
provided, storage outside on a hard standing or under a carport is to be preferred.
BQ.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:
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
these panels are contained in section BR.
Bonded-on Panels:
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 rec-
ommended 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 shape and positioning of the windscreen
frame is crucial to the fit of the windscreen and sealing of the soft top roof, such that the only repairs which
should be considered for this panel are cosmetic and superficial; any structural damage should entail panel
replacement.
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 surface of some parts of the panels is
not freely available.
Note that if damage is such as to require replacement of the chassis, replacement chassis assemblies are
provided only as a 'partial body assembly' which includes jig bonded front crash structure, windscreen frame,
side sills and rear bulkhead. The roof hoop and rear subframe are also included, as are the pipes, hoses and
cables routed through the sills.
sn_bq_cyclone.indd 5
- Front Clamshell;
- Rear Clamshell;
- Door Shells;
- Front Body Access Panels;
- Engine Cover Lid;
- Door Hinge Cover Panels;
- Rear Window Shroud;
- Hard Top Roof.
- Windscreen Frame;
- LH & RH Sill Panels;
- Front Crash Structure;
- Rear Bulkhead
Section BQ
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