Sill Covers / Protectors

[Bling]

I am looking to buy some covers / protectors for the sills on my Giugiaro Turbo Esprit to stop my shoes damaging the paint. I can find reference to some from a few years ago but I can't find any currently for sale. Does anyone know where I can find them ?

[jonwat]

[Bling]

Thanks Jon. Mine is a Giugiaro Esprit and not a 25th anniversary so that is not the correct one for my car.

[pete]

A clear wrap?

[Bling]

I was think that may be an alternative I can’t find some metal plates

[jonwat]

6 hours ago, Bling said:

Thanks Jon. Mine is a Giugiaro Esprit and not a 25th anniversary so that is not the correct one for my car.

Do you not have access to Google?

 

Edited August 23, 2021 by jonwat

[ramjet]

You could always get hold of the design and find a company that has a 3D laser etching machine and see what it would cost to get a set made?

[Bling]

11 hours ago, jonwat said:

Do you not have access to Google?

 

 

My Google Fu is quite good John but you will find they are either for later Esprits eg V8, or sold out/unavailable (Amazon) or in Europe.

I asked on here to see if anyone knows of any other sources that may not necessarily appear in a google search.

[jonwat]

5 hours ago, Bling said:

they are either for later Esprits eg V8, or sold out/unavailable (Amazon) or in Europe.

Apologies, I always find that it's better to state that sort of information when first asking for assistance in order to save people's time trying to assist 😀

[naasaa]

He is asking under this section, which is for Giugiaro Esprits!

[peteyg]

@Bling

If this is what you are after I can find out where they were made.

Pete

[Bling]

Yes @peteyg - looking for something like that 👍

[peteyg]

@Bling

I asked the question and here's the response. Sorry it's not a straightforward answer:

The Sill plates were acid etched by a company called Alton Etchers, who sadly ceased trading some time ago. The design needs to be scanned into a CNC program, then imposed to get as many as possible out of an 8x4ft sheet of stainless. That's why 20 sets was my minimum order. The sheet is coated in wax and a laser cuts out the design. The sheet is then dipped in a bath of nitric acid to etch the design. After that I then got Mick, the sheet metal worker in Tongham to cut them to shape. Sadly, he's long gone too. I hope this at least helps with the process, so you know the kind of company you're looking for to do the production work. Sorry I can't just suggest just going to see someone but they're just not around any longer. I'm sure if you just search for acid etching companies on t'internet you'll find someone who will do it.

[paulbrown22]

Spyros - have you tried phoning some of the usual suppliers? I thought SJ's had some "normal" ones for G-cars as well as the 25 anniversary ones posted further up. In my relatively short ownership experience I've been finding that many of these Lotus specialists often have things hiding on a shelf that aren't on the website, so definitely worth a couple of calls!

I have some protectors on my HC etched "Esprit HC", but no idea where they are from sadly. And whilst they do protect the sills, sadly they don't protect the outer edges which seems to be where most of the wear happens...

[Bling]

Thanks Paul, I will try that. I have found a supplier in Europe but they will not ship to the UK since Brexit ! They ship to practically every country except UK - crazy !!!

[yeller77]

If you truly want protection rather than bling (no pun intended  ) paint protective film would be your best bet overlapping the edge. The stuff nowadays is quite tough and virtually invisible. You could even apply a plate over the top but the edge would still be protected from your wellies.

[Bling]

I am starting to think that is the best way to go @yeller77

I haven't looked yet but does anyone know of good quality protection film that doesn't discolour, is strong and won't damage the paint when removed ?

[yeller77]

I'll leave it to those on your side of the pond to reply for details. Common brands in the States are Suntek, Xpel, and 3M. The quality nowadays is really quite good: strong, durable, and color stable. Just ask around a reputable vinyl or detail shop and they can help you out. If expertly applied an/or removed, it really shouldn't damage the paint. Good luck and post results. 👍