Bumping your post, congrats on the car, by now you've no doubt scraped the clam
Lotus says if you damage the chassis, it cannot or should not be repaired. A total chassis replacement is needed, so Lotus says.
The aluminum is fairly thin, welding it well is difficult, hence the glue holding it together.
If you hit a curb a pull any part of the suspension away from the frame, you pretty much have totalled it.
In practical terms, there are folks who are rebuilding these things, adding support and welds where Lotus says not to. I would say one would really need to know how to evaluate the car, and either is very, very competent as a mechanic or has access to top talent.
Also, even when repairs are technically possible, it can often be impratical when looking at the cost of parts, especially new clams.
With the market so soft for these cars, I personally would never buy a salvage rebuild at any price. Good low mileage, well treated cars can be had very reasonably.
Linear Mode
