paint problems

Hi

I have a problem with the paint on the doors of my S1 Elise. It's bubbling up and the best way to describe it is that it looks like braille. Has anyone else had this problem and if so what have you done to rectify this?

i have spoken to some fibre glass specialists and they say it has occured because the panels were left in a damp environment when it was made. The car is a 2000 W reg so a fairly late one. Obviously Lotus only give a 6 year anti corrosion warrenty (if thats what this could be called) but i feel this should really be dealt with by them.

Any feedback would be much appreicated.

Thanks

Mike

Mike,
I'm not sure what you can do about it with Lotus themselves due to the age of your car, I guess you will have to sort it out yourself, but if you do then I suggest you contact Option 1 bodywork specialists. We have received some really good feedback about them, excellent work and really good service.
Cheers, Tim.

It's called micro-blistering and it is normally caused by moisture trapped in the paint or fibreglass, are you sure the doors haven't been painted since the car left the factory?

The only solution is to strip the paint back to the gel coat and then repaint, if you simply sand back the blisters and then repaint over the existing paint the blisters will eventually come back.

It's a ten year old car you can't really expect Lotus to correct it at this stage.

I second Option 1 they do some superb work.

TimS wrote:Mike,
I'm not sure what you can do about it with Lotus themselves due to the age of your car, I guess you will have to sort it out yourself, but if you do then I suggest you contact Option 1 bodywork specialists. We have received some really good feedback about them, excellent work and really good service.
Cheers, Tim.

Yes give Frank a call at Option 1
As a LDC member you should get a little discount,
Have a look at this link from the web site.
http://www.lotusdriversclubonline.org/recommendations-f39/option1-sportscars-t497.htm

Eddie King.

A7ESK wrote:

TimS wrote:Mike,
I'm not sure what you can do about it with Lotus themselves due to the age of your car, I guess you will have to sort it out yourself, but if you do then I suggest you contact Option 1 bodywork specialists. We have received some really good feedback about them, excellent work and really good service.
Cheers, Tim.

Yes give Frank a call at Option 1
As a LDC member you should get a little discount,
Have a look at this link from the web site.
http://www.lotusdriversclubonline.org/recommendations-f39/option1-sportscars-t497.htm

Thanks for finding the link Eddie.
From personal experience with Option1 last year the service I got was second to non and I'd like to think they would treat all of their customers the same. Not sure if you will get anything out of Lotus themselves for this one but if not arrange to go and see Frank for some advice and a quote.

Not Cheap, but Good. Call Frank @ Option 1
CAM

On the subject of paint.

In the course of my business I come into contact with a wide variety of firms. We have recently insured a paintshop who specialise in quality paint jobs. They undertake work for a number of race teams and they have comprehensive knowledge of fiberglass vehicles. They also specialise in custom paint jobs and have won awards for their work.

For anyone over in the Lincoln Area they may be worth a look.

NB Racepaints
Unit1 Graham Saul Garages
Station Road
North Hykegham
Lincs
LN6 9AT

Contact Neil; on 07974 205583

I have no connection to them other than I was impressed by the quality of their work.