16 replies to this topic

[JamesC]

Following some advice I requested earlier I now have the upper front wishbones of the car. However, It would apepar I have a bit of a problem. I am under the assumption that both side are supposed to be symetrical? Below is a picture of the removed wishbones:



The wishbone on the right appears to be bent. Am I correct in thinking it should be parallel to the one on the left? I guess if it is bent I need to get the bottom one off an assess whether that needs replacing as well, any second hand parts available?

[JG]

yep, thats knackered. There are indeed symetrical. The only ones are interchangeable though (by fliping them) are the top rear wishbones. Thats had quite a shock. I've never seen a bent front shock. Unlike the rear, there is nothing for the front to hit, so i guess thats had an accident.

[JG]

Elise parts do a good range of replacements, which come bushed and ball jointed.

[Mike (Cliffie)]

Fuggered old son. Needs a newie.

[JamesC]

yep, thats knackered.

There are indeed symetrical. The only ones are interchangeable though (by fliping them) are the top rear wishbones.

Thats had quite a shock. I've never seen a bent front shock. Unlike the rear, there is nothing for the front to hit, so i guess thats had an accident.

To be honest I have a feeling it as as well, there doesnt appear to be any creasing damage to the wishbone mounting locations, but the headlight on the drivers side does have a date sticker that makes it newer than the car. Everyhthing seems straight besides the wishbone. When I last had the GEO set only this corner required any real adjustment. Just hope I dont unearth anything else too serious.....

[JamesC]

Elise parts do a good range of replacements, which come bushed and ball jointed.

Just had a look on there, seems a new one might be the way to go, unless a cheap second hand one comes up, I have new bushes ready to fit and these are all going for blasting and coating anyway.

[Bumblebee]

Do all the headlights have a date on them?

[Mike (Cliffie)]

Do all the headlights have a date on them?

Originally, yes but it is only a paper sticker; mine have long fallen off.

[vocky]

just buy genuine lotus Europa wishbones, quite reasonable prices compared to vauxhall

http://www.deroure.c...&SMO=0&ST=&SC=0

upper = £138 +vat, you might be able to get a discount if you go to a friendly lotus dealer

http://www.deroure.c...SC=0&PBID=48617

http://www.deroure.c...SC=0&PBID=48618

Edited by vocky, 15 November 2012 - 10:00 PM.

[CocoPops]

Most parts are dated. Plastics/fibreglass often have date grids to show manufactured date.

[JG]

My brand new headlights delivered August and September 2012 are dated 2009 and 2010

[techieboy]

My brand new headlights delivered August and September 2012 are dated 2009 and 2010

Surprised you didn't reject them and ask for a matching pair.

[JG]

I'd have probably got one from 2008 Anyway, the second came in a roundabout sort of a way and beggars can't be choosers, and they are identical

[Nev]

The wishbones are designed to be sacrificial on impact and are made from thin guage metal for this (and other reasons). You will find they can bend a lot before the hard points get damaged, so with such minimal looking damage I would be most surprised if you had any mounting point damage.

Edited by Nev, 16 November 2012 - 11:09 AM.

[JamesC]

Am I right to assume N/A are the same as Turbo wishbones?

[siztenboots]

different but even from the factory you get odd unmatched pairs , ie. NA with one turbo lower wishbone , depends what they had in stock try junks as he had some brand new upper rear wishbones with balljoints and bushing all done for very good price

[JG]

Am I right to assume N/A are the same as Turbo wishbones?

Fronts are

Rears tops are

Rear lower wishbones are slightly different. Though early turbos has the same as the NA. they are all interchangeable between NA and Turbo