11
July 1, 2023 Forum membership reaches 1,465 !!
This Community became 11 years old in April 2023.
What usually happens is that the pin seizes in the door bush and so when you open the door the pin moves at the same time and the sliding surfaces are between the aluminium bushes in the body (lower sill, upper door aperture). This is what causes the wear and doors to drop.
My first shot would be to sit inside the car, hold the pin with mole grips and try to open the door. If it moves the mole grips as well, then use the leverage of the door whilst holding the grips to get the pin rotating while the door is stationary. That'll be the best way to get the release fluid where it's needed and any marks from the grips can be filed off before you start to drop the pin out.
Brian
Hi
Small update, I had to stop stripping the car down as the DVLA wanted to inspect it as part of me registering the car here in the UK. Probably because the US title had the model listed as "Champion" and not Europa. Anyways, thats done now so hopefully will get my new age correct reg number in a couple of weeks, and can start taking things apart again now. The car has to be basically complete for the inspection.
Secondly Lotus Supplies got back to me about the Europa seat cover kits, so I have ordered a pair for the TC in black with no perforations. Hopefully copying the old foams will not be too difficult! The s/n's are stamped on the frame just before the shock mount.
Dakazman
Bernie, show them the S/N markings on the frame and the door inscriptions of the s/n'S