Rocker panel installation?

[Time2Fly]

Does anyone know how the rocker panels are attached? Are they glued or screwed?

 

[JimH]

Does anyone know how the rocker panels are attached? Are they glued or screwed?

Unlike Evora and Elise/Exige, it looks like they could be removable on Emira to me, which would make sense given the service difficulties with earlier cars where there were wiring or pipework issues, but we can't be sure at this stage that they're not glued (unless anyone else on here knows for sure or can ask on a factory tour?).

It does appear that they're not part of the initial bonded part though (like the earlier cars were):

,

and are fitted later in the build which is probably a good sign......

 

[digilotus]

Unlike Evora and Elise/Exige, it looks like they could be removable on Emira to me, which would make sense given the service difficulties with earlier cars where there were wiring or pipework issues, but we can't be sure at this stage that they're not glued (unless anyone else on here knows for sure or can ask on a factory tour?).

It does appear that they're not part of the initial bonded part though (like the earlier cars were): View attachment 20284,

and are fitted later in the build which is probably a good sign......
View attachment 20283

I had the same question a while back for someone going to the factory tour. Not sure we've got any clear answer on this as yet. On the Evora, the side sills are bonded which is a pain in the backside.

A few reasons I'd like the side sills to be wrench removable:

• They can be removed for PPF installation with full seamless coverage.
• They can be re-painted off car if needs be.
• Should there be carbon fibre parts in future they would be a bolt on swap over.
• Should there be a need to access pipework then there's ease of serviceability.

 

[TomE]

Has anyone asked Lotus Customer Care to ask Engineering for the definitive answer?

 

[Time2Fly]

Has anyone asked Lotus Customer Care to ask Engineering for the definitive answer?

I sent them an email today. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Time2Fly]

Confirmation from engineering: they're bolted on. Great news everyone!

 

[digilotus]

That's awesome news! Makes room for aftermarket carbon side sills...

If its an easy job then I would get the PPF guys to wrap the full sill panel off-car rather than half cover it down the side vent.