26 replies to this topic

[flashp]

Right then, grinder out at the weekend then. How do the plastic parts come off? I've read something somewhere about some screws to remove and also velcro being involved somewhere?? BTW - Thanks to everyone for the pics and advice so far!

[Paulus H]

You can rip the plastic off with your bare hands. Well I did at the side of the road. You might have to prise it off with a screw driver depending on how much the glue neandethals of Norfolk were sloshing around when your car was being thrown together. Good luck, Paul

[Ouchie]

Right then, grinder out at the weekend then. How do the plastic parts come off? I've read something somewhere about some screws to remove and also velcro being involved somewhere??

BTW - Thanks to everyone for the pics and advice so far!

Rear panel uses a sort of velcro so pull/push it off, limited space doesn't help. This then exposes 3 nuts that hold the front pad on. You need 8mm spanner iirc, ratchet style would make it easier.

Edited by Ouchie, 24 March 2011 - 05:55 PM.

[Paulus H]

Ouchie is quite correct there are some awkward screws to undo. I would say that this would be very expensive to convert to std if you don't like it. Paul

[flashp]

Ouchie is quite correct there are some awkward screws to undo.

I would say that this would be very expensive to convert to std if you don't like it.

Paul

I have some ratchet spanners...thankfully! One of the best investments I've made.

I'm doing this for function over form, so I deffinitely hope it works out ok. I need to be able to run my seat all the way back to make life behind wheel more comfortable (and to stop elbowing Mrs!).

[MikeyVX]

Any tips on keeping the filings out of the car from the grinder?

I used an old sheet .
Only to be honest wouldn't recommend you do the same as the sparks from the grinder set it on fire.

As Vocky says, mask off/protect as much as you can as those grindings are pretty destructive.

MikeyVX, I've got what you want in the garage somewhere, I'll have a search tomorrow if you aren't fixed up yet

That sounds great thanks mate.

[flashp]

Well, they're out. Had an issue along the way though... Whilst cutting them out the debris was exiting the car to the right as I held the grinder up the right way and the window was sufficiently masked off and no damage occurred. HOWEVER...when tidying the cut edge up with a sander disc and holding the grinder upside down (thus making the debris come off the wheel to the left) it found it's way behind the masking some how. The damage is pretty minor and very difficult to see as it's behind the passenger seat. I scraped the surface with a razor blade which has left it smooth, but whether or not it will show up once the particles have rusted (if they're still there)remains to be seen. Just a tip for anyone considering doing this. Will I need a new screen in the end? Who knows... But I'm certain it won't be as easy to change a series 1 Elise As an aside, my new driving position is great which was the main objective.