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Opening the boot of a lotus elite.

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creepingfur

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I recently (like within the last 48 hours) became the proud owner of a '74 Lotus Elite (RHD at that).

This may seem like a really dumb question, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to open the boot (mind you, I've had for only a few days.. but still). I need to replace the battery but can't for the life of me get to it.

Also - the cable the opens the hood only opens one side, any tricks to getting the hood open?

Any help is appreciated. I'm looking to restore her as well as convert the engine to a stroker 2.2 unit

-bp
================================
'02 Range Rover
'05 Mini Cooper (it's the wife usually)
'74 Lotus Elite
 
Welcome to the forum!

Not sure on the Elite. Look about on the starboard door opening, at the rear.

As for the bonnet release, sounds as if you may have a challenge. The cable is controlling two latches, the right side may have stretched or broken.
 
I found the trunk release - it's in the rear seat driver side cubby hole.

It look like the cable is broken on the other side - I'm going to get creative tomorrow and see what I can come up with. Ah the joys of British car owner ship

-bp
================================
'02 Range Rover
'05 Mini Cooper (it's the wifes usually)
'74 Lotus Elite
 
Holy cow, another 74 Elite owner, and only 20 minutes from me!

Email me please, creepingfur, and let's meet up. I need to know what my car is "supposed" to sound and drive like. Mine was a basket case at purchase.

email: DAVIDALANCOOPER@AOL.COM
 
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/lol.gif

Awright, you two... PHOTOS!

I haven't seen too many Elites, they seem to be the step-children of the '70's Lotus lineup.
 
To be fair, mine is a bit of a basket case but for not the usual reasons. The interior needs some work, head lamp vacuums need replacement, etc. - stuff like that. The engine, gearbox, etc. are all pretty good.

It was a british car, bought new in bristol in '74 (thus she is smog exempt), shipped to japan in '88 and then to SoCal in 2004 where she sat in a wharehouse in Orange until I bought her (2) days ago.

It's never been registered for use on US roads (I'm working on that - I have all the import papers).

New clutch, refurbished gearbox and a fair bit of engine work where all done in '04 and then the car just sat.

I'm going to rebuild the engine out to a 2.2 and probably repaint it (it's silver, but it was originally red and I want it yellow).

Good fun! I'll post some pictures shortly.
 
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