Author Topic: Spyder spaceframe chassis - radius arms?  (Read 133 times)

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Offline Robidy

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Spyder spaceframe chassis - radius arms?
« on: Friday,April 12, 2024, 10:29:31 AM »
After additional spelunking under the car, I am almost positive the chassis is a goner.

While evaluating a replacement, I decided that I would prefer to keep the original design for the rear suspension, which leads me to the question whether the Spyder space frame chassis has mounting points for the original rear suspension doodads.


Offline BDA

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Re: Spyder spaceframe chassis - radius arms?
« Reply #1 on: Friday,April 12, 2024, 10:56:36 AM »
I think a Spyder space frame should accommodate all the stock Lotus bits but looking at a picture of one, I'm not sure. Spyder sells a more "conventional" frame that is different in that it gives enhanced access to key parts such as the u-joint for the steering column. I believe this is what they call their "stress skinned original type Spyder frame." I have one of those that I bought from Dave Bean back in the '80s and it definitely accepts all the stock Lotus bits.
Spyder frame webpage: https://www.spydercars.co.uk/lotus-europa-chassis-wheels/

Another option could be one from Europa Engineering or Lotus Supplies. They sell a conventional type as well as a spaceframe type and also one with bonded panels.
Lotus Supplies webpage: https://www.lotus-supplies.com/part-category/chassis/

SJ Sportscars sells what appear to be "conventional" frames: https://www.sjsportscars.com/

Kelvedon also appears to seel the "conventional" frames: https://kelvedonlotus.co.uk/product-category/lotus-europa-s1-tc/body-parts-panels-lotus-europa-s1-tc/

I would check r.d. enterprises (https://www.rdent.com/) and Dave Bean (209.754.5802)


« Last Edit: Friday,April 12, 2024, 11:19:57 AM by BDA »

Offline Robidy

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Re: Spyder spaceframe chassis - radius arms?
« Reply #2 on: Friday,April 12, 2024, 01:08:51 PM »
Thanks for the response.

I have contacted both RD Enterprises and David Bean. Neither have anything in-hand or on the way. 

I have communicated with Lotus Supplies and they have a powder-coated conventional chassis in stock.   It is $1865 (USD)  more expensive than Spyder's non-spaceframe chassis.

Just mulling over the options at this stage.  I think I'm going to have to learn how to weld.

Offline BDA

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Re: Spyder spaceframe chassis - radius arms?
« Reply #3 on: Friday,April 12, 2024, 01:32:52 PM »
Coming across the pond will surely be a substantial part of the cost. Occasionally frames show up for sale. Richard (at Europa Engineering) makes good frames but the Spyder one is a real quality unit. I'd save my nickels and dimes for one of those (and the shipping).

On the other hand, learning to weld and use a sheet metal brake are valuable skills! Learn something new and build a frame foe less than it would cost to buy one - get paid twice!

Offline jbcollier

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Re: Spyder spaceframe chassis - radius arms?
« Reply #4 on: Friday,April 12, 2024, 06:20:35 PM »
You could post a wanted ad on this site (and other Lotus sites).  I found a very good one that way — thanks again Dan!