Parts Availability?

[chandrab]

I was wondering how G-Car owners found parts availability for their cars (both Lotus and otherwise). I own a 1991 Lotus Esprit SE (Stevens) car and was shocked to find that Lotus no longer supplies bumpers for my car (which I consider a disposable item) and have no plans on making more...I couldn't find any used either, so luckily SJ makes reproduction ones (non-US bumper tho). While the part is reasonable it's going to cost an arm and a leg to get it over the atlantic.

This incident got me thinking, as my SE ages what sort of future parts availability problems will I have? I'd love to hear from G-Car folks of their experiences.

I love my Esprit, but honestly, parts availability is the only thing that would make make me get rid of the car. I was very disappointed that Lotus doesn't support older car owners - as well as my dealer. They said they have never encountered such a problem...they also sell Aston-Martin and claim they can get just about any part for any year Aston Martin. I wish we had that level of support for the Esprit from Lotus.

Thanks,

Chandra

1991 Lotus SE

(secret admirer of Guigiaro cars)

[tbeggan]

Chandra,

It's not much different over here I'd guess it's even worse for us, but that could just be the old "grass is always greener" speaking instead of any cold hard facts.

Window motors, windshield surrounds, bosch fuel meter valve, crown wheel & pinion, various cockpit switches, glass, exhaust manifold, gas tanks, fuel bypass valve, etc... not sure about body panels and bumpers, but I'd be they're scarce too. Sometime I feel like a cuban mechanic; fixing a 56 Chevy with Lada parts but that's part of the charm I suppose.

Tom

[TSD]

For an exotic, I'd say parts supply is pretty good. And here in western europe, specialists aren't too hard to find either. But true it's not like fixing up a Mustang or an MGB.

[Goose]

For an exotic, I'd say parts supply is pretty good. And here in western europe, specialists aren't too hard to find either. But true it's not like fixing up a Mustang or an MGB.

I have no problem finding any spares but the S3 is not as complicated as the later cars. The cost is sometimes an issue but if a company has to make the part themselves then that is to be expected.

Lotus, IMO, do a great job of supporting older cars, the first example that pops into mind is they are going back through all the Esprits and developing new suspension - what other company does that? They also offer great service via email, the other day and I got a response in ten minutes!

I admit that being in the UK probably helps, with companies like SJ, PNM etc. there are few parts that are not available. My last project was an old Trans Am and I found it difficult to get some of the spares in the UK - most of the big stuff had to come from the US, YearOne etc.

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

*I'm In the UK*

I had no trouble getting a front bumper and valance from Lotus for my 1986 car!

My friend just had similar difficulties though, trying to track down bumpers and sills for an SE and ended up trading GT3 ones with an SE owner.

Exhaust manifold I wouldn't expect difficulties with.

Crown Wheel / Pinion and Synchro Cones are indeed become harder to source.

Wing mirrors are irreplacable and you're waiting for someone to crash their car and you have to get in there first! Expect

[WayneB]

I think parts availability is quite good for my year car (1983)

Of course Lotus dont have every possible part for the car in stock anymore, but the independant parts supply network is widespread and helpfull.

Places like Paul Mattys , S.J. Sportscars, JAE, Dave Bean Engineering, Don Tingle, Nick Warren have all supplied parts for my car.

Alot of the components used on the Esprit, were also used on volume produced cars and can be sourced from other non-lotus suppliers.

And stuff comes up on Ebay all the time.

Also parts can be reconditioned / remanufacturered and repaired (like a torn or damaged bumper cover)

I would be worried more about some of the mass produced stuff made today, Ford are only going to stock parts for models 5 years old and newer (to save warehousing costs)

Cockpit switches iirc are mostly from a Triumph TR7 so shop around Triumph clubs.

The Lucas switches were originally sourced from the Austin/Morris Princess wedge series of cars, but they were used on some TR7s.

Edited November 5, 2006 by WayneB

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

I would be worried more about some of the mass produced stuff made today, Ford are only going to stock parts for models 5 years old and newer (to save warehousing costs)

Maybe in the States but certainly not in Europe. EU law specifies they MUST, by law keep 10 years' worth of stocks!

[USAndretti42]

I would say that Lotus does a good job of supporting spares demand for the bits they made but a lot of the car was outsourced such as electrical bits, many from a manufacturer that has gone bankrupt so that doesn't help. You may have to do a bit of searching around for these but many are available from specialists. I am suprised that I can ring JAE and nearly always have the part delivered two days later.

Don't forget that these are rare cars. Rarer than a 308, I believe. I have a JPS car and have only ever seen one other and that was when they were new! I don't think I have seen another Esprit apart for mine for about a year.

[WayneB]

Trevor, was your cars previous owner Ron Burgandy?

[USAndretti42]

No. But here's a clue.

[markt]

Hi Chandra

Even down here in deepest darkest Africa, there is no problems with spares availability - UK's only a week away for parts delivery. As long as you have an internet connection, are familiar with the alternative parts list, and are a reasonable resourceful guy - no issues at all

[Kimbers]

Here is a great example of what Lotus are doing to help keep you guys on the road (copied from another post)........

"I'm pretty sure I'll be going, but not in an Esprit - S3 has a brake judder issue, and Turbo need bushes which Lotus haven't got."

"Andy, have you spoken to Neil about not being able to get hold of said Bushes, he may be able to sort something....direct dial 01953 608449 (he's General Manager of Global aftersales)."

"Thanks for that tip Kimbers.

I managed to speak to Neil today.

He investigated, found 3 in the US and is having them shipped back, and provided they arrive,will make it so that I can collect from Hethel.

Now that is great service.

I can't see many manufacturers doing that for 2 items."

[andydclements]

It must have been 3 working days between the desperate telephone call to Neil and the phone call from Neil to say he had them on the desk in front of him.

I picked them up this morning, there was no que of 100 cars down Potash lane today, strangely there was last time I was there.

I hope to say thanks to Neil on Sunday , and of course, Kimbers- thank you for the advice to contact Neil.

Neil- have you been to the gate house ? I hope you're not tea total, although if you are I'm sure some others would help you out Saturday night.

Andy