Lotus 2004 Eleven Service Notes page 42

Lotus Service Notes
- The front access panels, engine cover lid, door hinge panels, door and roof inners and rear window shroud
are produced from Low Pressure Sheet Moulding Compound (LPSMC), whereby flat sheets of composite
material are formed using heated, chrome steel surfaced moulds to produce panels with a nominal thick-
ness of 2.5 mm.
- A third process is used for the cabin rear bulkhead, bootbox and radiator mounting panel where the panel
surface is not primarily visible. These panels are produced by a Polyurethane Structural Reaction Injec-
tion Moulding (PU SRIM) process.
- Body panels unique to the Exige model, including front and rear clamshells, door hinge cover panels and
tailgate panel, are 'hand lay' composite mouldings with a nominal thickness of 2.5 mm.
Whichever production process applies, conventional composite repair techniques can be used to rectify
structural or surface damage whenever repairs can be determined as being more economic than panel replace-
ment.
BQ.3 - BODYCARE
The acrylic enamel paint finish of the Elise is extremely resistant to all normal forms of atmospheric attack.
Following the simple maintenance procedure summarised below will help retain the gloss, colour and protective
properties of the paint throughout the life of the vehicle. However, car finishes are not immune to damage, and
amongst the more common causes of deterioration are:
- Atmospheric contaminants; dust, soot, ash, and acidic or alkaline aerosol mist can chemically attack
paint.
- Abrasion; blowing sand and dust, or a dirty washing cloth.
- Tree sap and insect fluids; can form a water-insoluble polymer that adheres to the paint.
- Bird excrement; highly acidic or alkaline, they can chemically etch the paint. Wash off immediately.
- Leaves; contain tannic acid which can stain light finishes.
- Impact damage; granite chippings thrown up from poor or recently dressed road surfaces can subject the
body to severe localised impact, and result in paint chips, especially around the vulnerable frontal panels.
Do not follow other vehicles too closely in such circumstances.
Washing
Lotus recommends that the car be hand washed, using the following instructions:
Many contaminants are water soluble and can be removed before any harm occurs by thorough washing
with plenty of lukewarm water, together with a proprietary car wash additive (household detergent and washing
up liquid can contain corrosive salts, and will remove wax and accelerate oxidation). Frequent washing is the
best safeguard against both seen and invisible contaminants. Wash in the shade, and use a cotton chenille
wash mitt or a sponge rinsed frequently to minimise entrapment of dirt particles. Use a straight back and forth
washing motion to avoid swirled micro scratches, and rinse thoroughly.
In order to minimise degradation from road salt, the underside of the chassis should be rinsed with clean
water as soon as possible after driving on treated roads. Many fuel filling stations offer pressure washing facili-
ties ideal for this purpose, but to not use on the painted bodywork or soft top roof.
Soft Top Roof:
1. Careful vacuuming of the soft top before washing may be helpful in removing excess dust and other foreign
particles.
2. Wash in partial shade rather than strong sunlight, and wet the whole car before tackling the soft top.
3. Using only clean lukewarm water and a sponge (a chamois or cloth will leave lint, and a brush may abrade
the threads) wash the entire top uniformly. Do NOT use a detergent, which may affect the waterproofing
properties of the material.
4. Rinse the whole car to remove all soap from the fabric and to prevent streaking on the car bodywork.
5. Remove surface water with a sponge and allow to air dry in direct sunlight. Ensure that the roof is fully dry
before stowing, as prolonged stowage of a wet or damp roof will promote rotting of the fabric.
Keeping the soft top clean by regular washing will enhance the life and maintain the appearance of the
roof, and facilitate subsequent cleaning. The use of stronger cleansers should be left to professionals experi-
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Section BQ