Rusty grilles - what options?

The Oily Bits S2 Specific Topics
1

My 2005 front grilles are fast losing their very thin coat of black paint and becomimg rusty. Is there a stainless version available or should I just get the Hammerite out?

2

Brush off the loose crap with a brass(?) brush and carefully paint on some POR15 / Chassis coat black. Looks fine now…apart from all the stone chips.

3

Thanks - that’s the weekend sorted then…

4

[image]http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t116/21TonyK/grille.jpg[/image]

I sprayed with smooth satin hammerite. Hours work and the grilles look like new.

5

[image]http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t116/21TonyK/grille.jpg[/image]

I think you may have given Lotus’s Marketing Dept. an idea for the next “special edition” to celebrate… their tree saving feats in developing bio fuel engines.

6

Has anyone tried a warrenty claim for rusty grills ?

7

How bad an idea would it be to remove them?

8

How bad an idea would it be to remove them?

IMHO… similar to using a nuclear device to remove a pimple. Aren’t they held in with something akin to sikoflex and it would be a clam off job anyway (wouldn’t it?)

9

I would recommend having the grills powder coated - although that’s really only a practical option if the front clam’s coming off.

For you S2 guys, it’s a good excuse to get braided brake hoses fitted at the same time though .

SJW - no harm in trying a warranty claim, but I wouldn’t hold your breath on achieving a satifactory outcome - best of luck though.

10

I had mine painted under warranty last year, my car was out of the warranty period as well (04) very common problem, it is a clam off job to do it properly, lotus would not pay for that, but did agree to pay for the paint and a couple of hrs in the body shop.

11

I got the rear grilles replaced on my old Elise out of warranty without to much difficulty, so IMO Lotus should cough up

12

Maybe. I may have shot myself in the foot, though. The heater failed on the last day of warranty (31st July) and was replaced, so whilst the clam was off I took the opportunity to fit braided hoses. However I completely forgot about the rusty grilles (dealer should have noticed?)and I’m not too keen on having the clam removed again.

Perhaps the POR15/Hammerite route is the best option, although I’ve now found a US manufacturer of stainless items - not cheap though.

13

You could always try your local wire and mesh suppliers.

I know Patterson Ryan in Newcatle can pretty much make you anything in a variety of different style of meshes provding they have a drawing or template to go from.

14

The grilles are bonded on and require the clam off to change (apparently). I got mine replaced under warranty while the clam was off replacing the heater! I also got a new rear diffuser because the paint was flaking off at the same time!

Matt