Many of you know that if the Aluminum chassis on the Lotus is damaged where the dampers are mounted, it can be fatal for the car. But there is another area that is also vulnerable that can be overlooked. Recently, we received a car from a client who bought this car rebuilt with a salvage title.
This 2006 Elise had both swaybar mount areas bent and damaged. If you look closely, you can see that the metal has begun to tear - on both sides. The shop that built it simply bent the metal back and bolted the swaybars on. We think this leaves the metal fatigued and not nearly strong enough. This area is most likely deflecting when driven hard.
Our plan is to bolt on some steel plate to reinforce this area so that the swaybar can be securely fixed and not deflect. It won't be as pretty or as light but it will be effective. Our fix will be overkill but we would rather be over built than under.
The take away is to make sure that you inspect the chassis thoroughly. The swaybar mounts are a vulnerable area as well. But luckily it is an area that can be 'rebuilt' or reinforced in a manner that allows the car to handle properly.
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