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The radiator grill for the Lotus Seven S4 ( [link] ) was a more significant item than the simple wire frame used in the earlier series cars (e.g., [link] ). Instead of a wire frame, the S4 radiator grill consisted of two vertical supports onto which were fitted slats that were separated by tubular spacers. The horizontal slats have an asymmetrical cross section ( [link] ). Incorporated into the whole unit was the number plate brackets.

A front view of a Lotus Seven S4 showing the radiator grill. Interestingly in this example, the number plate brackets are being used for car club badges.
A view of a Lotus Seven S3 showing the radiator grill.
Schematic representation of the shape of the horizontal bars in the radiator grill showing their orientation.

Restoration

Because of the fire that consumed the majority of the fiberglass of LBS4/2894/GT, the radiator grill was obviously not attached to the remains of the car. Luckily it had been saved and could be reused. [link] shows the radiator grill as collected after the fire. The horizontal slats showed some sign of buckling, possibly as a consequence of the fire, along with surface rust.

The radiator grill. Note the position of the number plate brackets.

Removing the nut from the bottom of the vertical rods allowed for the stepwise removal of each slat along with the tubular spacers. The resulting components are shown in [link] .

View of the components of the radiator grill after disassembly.

The horizontal slats and the tubular spacers were each cleaned by media blasting and powder coated by Custom Coatings, Inc. Care was taken to ensure not to powder coat the insides of the spacers. The vertical supports were cleaned with rust remover and painted with a rust converter primer. The radiator grill was temporary assembled in order to ensure fit ( [link] - [link] ). However, since the horizontal slats are of different lengths, some reorganization may be required while fitting into the bonnet.

View of the powder coated radiator grill after assembly.
Alternative view of the powder coated radiator grill after assembly.

Resources

  • Custom Coatings, 16219 Dundee, Cypress, TX 77429, USA. Tel: +1 281 813 0119.

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Source:  OpenStax, Lotus seven s4 (type 60): design, restoration, and maintenance. OpenStax CNX. Jun 07, 2013 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col11418/1.19
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