Whats the sponge for?

[nickfire]

Hi

i was asked this question recently....

What is the rubber/sponge for that sits upon the rear crossmember? ie Eclat S1 rot area.

Is it to stop vibration?

To just sit the chassis on?

For sound deadening?

And i was not really sure......

Any definative answers ?

Nick Harrison

www.nickslotuseclat.com

[Guest saraphee]

I don't know - but I've replaced mine with neoprene. That should keep the water out.

Edited August 18, 2010 by saraphee

[frommerstop]

In order to meet strict British motor vehicle corrosion standards all GRP bodied cars must employ a rust encouraging device, lest they fail to rot away as all "real" European cars must. After much research, Lotus determined that a sponge located directly over an untreated steel frame would yield the desired affect.

...or may be they just were trying to dampen noise.

[Warren]

Apparently the solution is to replace it with 'closed cell' foam.............but I'm only a Lotus beginner, ain't even got the car home yet.

Warren

[red vtec]

In order to meet strict British motor vehicle corrosion standards all GRP bodied cars must employ a rust encouraging device, lest they fail to rot away as all "real" European cars must. After much research, Lotus determined that a sponge located directly over an untreated steel frame would yield the desired affect.

...or may be they just were trying to dampen noise.

Land Rover did the same on the Defender, built it from aluminium alloy and then put a nice untreated steel chasis on it. Ideal for Mud.