door window frame

Hi Elan folks

I am foolhardy enough to be about to embark on an elan sprint restoration. My project car is more or less complete. However crucially it is missing a drivers door frame (it is RHD). I know this item will be difficult to source. Does anyone have any ideas as to where I can direct my search. I have just joined this club and look forward to picking the brains of you guys from time to time. Thank you.

Hello and welcome, there are certainly some Elan gurus online who I'm sure will try to help you.

Hi Slowsprinter,

how strange having a frame missing!
Yes they are not easy to find, there was somebody remanufacturing them but at crazy prices & I no longer have any contact details.
It would be worth your while contacting Sue at "Mick Miller" she may have a used one
www.mickmillerlotus.com
Tel. 01728 603307
Paul Matty Sportscars is also a good address.
parts@paulmattysportscars.co.uk
Tel. 01527 835656
Elan parts do crop up on evil bay but prices can go through the roof if there are enough idiots bidding.

Good luck with your project.
John

Thank very much for the welcome, chaps. I agree it is unusual to have a window frame missing! Basically the lotus was put upside down in a field some 20 years ago, it was then a FHC. A new chassis and body (DHC) was purchased for it and all the bits that could be salvaged were. The car has not moved a wheel since but one day I intend to change that.

The drivers window was a casualty of the crash, so now I need to source one which I think may be problematic. The other thing that may be a problem is the body shell, something was dropped on the windscreen frame and has broken it at each end. How difficult will this be to fix up?

I am grateful that I found such a good site as this to feed on all your hard won experience. I have never restored a car before but I am full of enthusiasm having loved the lotus elan since a boy.
Regards
Ian

The Windscreen Frame is a very weak area but is easy to repair with a little Glasssfibre repair knowledge.
When refitting the Windscreen to my Elan I was aware of how flexible this area is without the Glass.
I've seen recommendations for strengthening this area & bonding in some suitably formed Steel Rod is something that some owners have done.

Oh, by the way, some owners on LotusElan.net may be able to help you out in finding a frame.
It's rare that they put anything up for sale but when the questions asked it's amazing what turns up

Cheers
John