23 replies to this topic

[NAP1]

After much research I have finally taken the plunge and bought my VX a boot rack. I know you can fit the kitchen sink and a large dog behind the seats but I am planning some camping/touring trips and a wee bit more space would be lovely. I did plenty of research and the one I have gone for is advertised as fitting an S1 and S2 Elise, however I understand from looking on SELOC its not wise to fit to an S2 as the clam is really thin. Well the rack arrived yesterday and I have just built it and it sits on 4 rubber sucker feet that fit nicely to the rear deck but fit on the boot lid/body seem at the front but will get some smaller suckers for the front. There is also an adjustable clamp that fits nicely around the boot lid with protective plastic strips. I will upload some photo's later this week when I can do a shot in the day light (and clean my car as its disgusting at present) but all in all it looks like a good solution. I know some people think it will damage the lid where it bolts on but there are plenty of S1's out there with no problems and I believe some VX owners have a discontinued rack from Germany that bolts on with 4 brackets. I will report back on how it goes.

Edited by NAP1, 13 January 2009 - 06:05 PM.

[timmyp]

Hi mate, no flaming from me! Sounds like you've got the same as I've got, I know it's not really fitting in the spirit of the VX, but it meant I could go camping to the Nurburgring, Spa etc. without any hassle which more than makes up for it. My one's only temporary, has rubber suckers and hooks under the bootlid, I got rid of the little plastic bits that stop it scratching the clam and replaced it with some foam and gaffer tape, much better. Did 2 trips to Europe this year (once to the 'ring, once to the Swiss pass & back via the belgian GP in september - roof off all the way for both ) Probably about 2500 miles in total with the rack on with no problems, just check the tightening nuts on the holding down hooks are tight every time you stop for fuel as they can work loose, although as long as you put the suction cups on in the dry there shouldn't be a problem even if that happens. Bootlid is plenty strong enough for it, no worries, once it's taken off there's no evidence whatsoever that you have one. Pictured just outside Calais: [attachment=20574:DSCN3985.JPG] Alright it looks a bit with the rack on, but when you get there you can take it off and use it as a camping table Like I said if it means I can take the VX to the european race tracks then it's an acceptable means to an end!

Edited by timmyp, 13 January 2009 - 07:03 PM.

[dapimp]

(Wearing a beany hat so he can't be identified)

Can you post up a link, I do a lot of camping in the summer as my gf is a DoE coordinator. If I could go in the VX I would be very happy, might be worth the drive then!!

Thanks.

Edited by dapimp, 13 January 2009 - 07:21 PM.

[NAP1]

Just type "elise boot rack" into ebay. Timmyp I am so pleased to hear that its ok to use. Yours looks just like mine. I figured the nuts would work loose so I was going to get the ones with the plastic bits inside to stop them working loose.

[VIX]

Do beware the adverse handling effects of an empty boot rack.

[jneill]

You'll be towing a caravan next.

[vexed]

interesting to see another photo, could you fit a bike frame onto it? Has anyone heard of these damaging a VX? This could be just the thing to persuade me I can get back into a VX without a backup shed this time, would you mind letting us know roughly how much?

[John Boy]

Now I may be the only one here, but I think that a VX loaded up with kit likes that looks cool. Shows commitment to the cause!

[james141]

I guess if it means a VX gets used where it normally wouldnt then its a good thing

[fishboy]

[attachment=20574:DSCN3985.JPG]

If you squint hard enough it could look like a rear spoiler. Lol.

Yeah would be good to know if you can get a bike on there. How much and where did you get it from?

[fishboy]

also would the turbo spoiler affect fitting this? Looks to me that one of the suckers is right at the back of the clam

[VIX]

There was a bike rack for the Elise. Don't know if anyone tried it on their VX. http://www.uniquerack.com/ or Google Lotus bike rack.

[fishboy]

There was a bike rack for the Elise. Don't know if anyone tried it on their VX. http://www.uniquerack.com/ or Google Lotus bike rack.

$1500 dollars. I'd prefer to buy a shed with that. Looks cool though.

[techieboy]

Geary at EliseParts now does a boot rack for the S1 which looks like it might just fit a VX. There's also somebody on SELOC who has designed a much cheaper rear cycle rack for the Elise. No idea if that would fit a VX but might be adaptable or he might be tempted to produce a VX specific one if there was sufficient interest.

[dapimp]

I look forward to seeing some up close photos mate! Thanks.

[timmyp]

also would the turbo spoiler affect fitting this? Looks to me that one of the suckers is right at the back of the clam

You can vary the position without too much problem, I've put it so close to the back as this is an upward slope, the idea being that if it does slide back slightly, the upward slope will compress the cups more and mean more resistance (yes I'm an engineer ) You could move it forward on the turbo a bit, but if you go too far you'll be getting close to the boot lid heat grilles (2 feet go on the clam, 2 on the boot lid), so might be worth a measure before you buy one.

My one is THIS ONE but I think it's the same company as the one on ebay. I don't see how it would damage the clam, you don't pump out the suction cups so they're not that strong, they're really sticky rubber so they'd definitely yield before the clam does. The only other thing is that there are 2 hooks which you have to put under the bootlid, makes it a bit of a squeeze to shut but no damage as long as you're careful, as said above, nylock nuts or repeated checking are a good idea for these. When we went away we had all the heavy stuff on the rack, clothes etc. and no problems.

Edited by timmyp, 14 January 2009 - 01:02 PM.

[John Boy]

There was a bike rack for the Elise. Don't know if anyone tried it on their VX. http://www.uniquerack.com/ or Google Lotus bike rack.

This rack keeps getting mentioned when carrying bikes comes up. Has anybody actually bought one yet? I ask because its looks awful, bodywork requires cutting and costs a fortune. There must be a better way.

As you can tell, this is a topic very close to my heart.

[techieboy]

Here's the SELOC thread about a couple of racks somebody has just built for S1 and S2 use. Would be worth contacting the guy if your that desperate to take a bike on a VX.

[siztenboots]

How many pairs of boots will it fit ?

[mbes2]

Only just seen this old post, check out the "adverse handling effects" photo....

Must be CL5s lol