Lotus Esprit Series, Workshop Manual

Page: 41 / 362

BODY
Page
B13
Before cutting the parts or ordering replacement sections, the proposed
method of repair, positioning of joint lines, etc. should be ascertained.
Determine a method for the correct positioning of replacement sections before
cutting away damoged parts check on any prominent features from which measurements
can be made and scribe these clearly on t o the panels which are to be left intact.
Use masking tape or chalk t o define the lines on which i t
i s
proposed t o cut the
study these lines
y
t o see that:
(a)
any damoged or slightly damaged panel which would be useful i n the
aligning o f another major panel w i l l not be removed or,
(b)
on single skinned areas i n particular the proposed outline traverses
longitudinal, lateral and definition points t o assist easy
up o f the new panel i n a l l three places.
When repairs have been carried out i n the v i c i n i t y o f the front wheelarches, ensure
the tyres do not foul the front lower flange when the wheels ore on full lock.
the wheelarch area t o a de
p
th o f i n
(3
mm) using material, or
i t s equivalent
in
consistency, to prevent crazing caused by small stones etc.,
up by
the wheels.
POSITIONING
REPLACEMENT PANELS
(a)
Line up surface (e.g. undetry or floor area) using long wooden
beams bolted t o undamaged area.
Line up main contours wing sections) using s p lints and
into position with f l a t or curved steel straps.
BOBBINS
(METAL
INSERTS)
Considerable use i s made of die-cast metal inserts, which ore oval i n configuration
and commonly known as 'bobbins'
are designed t o carry loads i n most directions and offer the advantage
o f accurately located i n the mountings.
Two basic forms are employed as follows:
Large (structural) bobbins
-
w i t h
3/8
i n or
7/16
i n holes (plain or threaded).
(semi-structural) bobbins
-
w i t h
i n or
5/16
i n holes or threaded).
The following advice is given on with
ESPRIT