Need to get rolling

Paul Stubbs · #1 (**permalink**) 10-26-2007, 06:49 PM

Hello everybody! I am hoping to join the throng of happy Elise owners ..

maybe you can help?
I have located an insurance fraud Elise at a salvage yard. At first glance it looks to be in sorry shape, but I am very tempted to give it a go. (The vehicle has a clear title.)
In trying to make this look like a theft, the fraudster removed the stereo and both right side wheels and tires. He also removed several other items but the salvage company has begun reassembling the car and has pretty much taken care of everything else. (And done a nice job)
There is body damage to the vehicle in a few places but nothing severe (?)
The front under-nose has a split.... Elise-nose-damage1.jpg there is a nick in the passenger side front fender ahead of the door ....Elise-door-damage1.jpg The rear undertray has some aluminium damage on the vertical "diffuser" and around the center-rear mounting bolts .... Elise-tail-damage1.jpg and the remaining wheels have heavy scratches on the inner spokes.... Elise-wheel-damage1.jpg
My questions are:

Would it be feasible for me to perform fibreglass repairs, or is the body some weird composite?
Can the wheels be mended? What can you do to aluminium wheels?
Is it possible to find 4 X 100 bolt pattern wheels that will fit the car, that are not exotic Elise wheels .. so I can wheel it onto the trailer?
And finally .. am I completely nuts for even contemplating buying a car like this? ...It is a January 2005 Elise with less than 4000 mile! .. and I can get it for sub $25000 ........ Please tell me it's alright!

**Robert@LotusofGreenwich** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-27-2007, 09:26 AM

Would it be feasible for me to perform fibreglass repairs, or is the body some weird composite?

For the front "wingettes", I would recommend that you simply buy OEM guards which cover these. They tend to get knocked up anyway and we sell the guards for a couple of hundred dollars painted. A lot of cars we take in trade either already have them or need them.

Can the wheels be mended? What can you do to aluminium wheels?

Yes. Take them to a shop or pick-up a copy of Autoweek and look in the classifieds section for a place that does restorations.

Is it possible to find 4 X 100 bolt pattern wheels that will fit the car, that are not exotic Elise wheels .. so I can wheel it onto the trailer?

Very odd bolt pattern. Slightly off from the more common sizes. Most dealers hsould have used wheels in stock. You'll need them later anyway. Another option is buying a set of wheels from a aftermarket supplier like www.blackwatchracing.com. These can be less expensive than the OEM units and provide you with a unique look.

And finally .. am I completely nuts for even contemplating buying a car like this? ...It is a January 2005 Elise with less than 4000 mile! .. and I can get it for sub $25000 ........ Please tell me it's alright!

Well the problem with a salvage car is that it will always be worth less than a clean title car. So you need to calculate the "savings" versus just buying a low mileage retail car. You may find that the difference isn't worth it as the cost of repairs will likely never be recovered. Remember a clean car from a dealer will run in the low $30's typically unless it's something special and around $30k for a private sell.

Paul Stubbs · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 08:09 PM

Thanks Robert,
Your information is greatly appreciated. I have bought the car and am hunting for wheels so I can roll it out of the warehouse onto a trailer. The car actually has a "clear title" so your comments about loss of value with a salvage title don't apply. I will definitely be following up with you on the nose pieces once I get the car ready to roll.
The search for wheels is quite a task! Blackwatch Racing certainly has a nice selection and I am also contemplating TireRack, as I have had such good sevice from them in the past. Can somebody explain to me the practical reason for changing to a smaller wheel diameter (15" and 16") instead of the normal 16" and 17" combination. I hear so much about "plus sizes" for tires, I am wondering if these smaller wheels are typically fitted with a larger profile tire, or do they keep a low profile and thus lower the overall ride height of the car? Surely ground clearance would become a major issue with the Elise. I also wonder about the wider wheel selection, up to an 8" rear. Tire rub a problem with these?
Would be glad to get some feedback from anybody.