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Lotus Service Notes Section BU
- Replace the felt pad if moisture absorption results in hardening.
- Never return unused Betaprime back into the aluminium container.
BETASEAL 1701 (A082B6281F)
Description: One component moisture curing adhesive, providing high strength, permanently elastic bonds
between various substrates. Supplied in 300 ml aluminium cartridge.
Application: - Remove the cartridge end ensuring there is no damage to the reinforcing sleeve.
- Pierce the neck of the cartridge and screw on the applicator nozzle. Cut the nozzle end to the
required diameter and shape.
- Fit the cartridge into an air assisted gun, and extrude a smooth, even and continuous bead
of Betaseal to the previously prepared substrate.
- Assemble the joint within 5 MINUTES.
Notes: - If the adhesive has to be touched or manipulated for any reason, use only wetted fingers.
Plastic Panel Repair System
For repairs of cracked or damaged panels 'in-situ', plastic panel repair systems may be used such as Wurth
Replast, available under Lotus part number T000T1469F. Full instructions are supplied with the kit.
BU.6 - REPLACEMENT OF BONDED-ON PANELS - GENERAL
Bonded body panels are secured using Dow Chemicals products ‘Betaseal’ or ‘Betamate’, which are flexible
polyurethane adhesives which must be cut in order for a panel to be removed. The recommended method of
adhesive cutting is with the use of a pneumatic tool such as are widely available from specialist tool suppliers,
and which use a range of differently shaped cutting knives operating with a rapidly oscillating action. These
tools may also be used to remove windscreens.
An applicator gun for dispensing Betaseal 1701 adhesive may be obtained directly from PC Cox Ltd,
Turnpike Lane, Newbury, Berks. RG14 2LR Tel; +44 (0)1635 264500.
With some panels, it may not be practicable to attempt to removal intact for later refitment; damage to the
bonding flange is likely to occur. Consequently, when expedient, the panel can be cut away for better access
to the bonded joint. It is not necessary to remove all traces of sealant from the joint faces on the remaining
panels or chassis, but any remaining sealant must be securely bonded and no thicker than 1 mm or the fit and
joint gaps will be upset. It is essential always to follow the cleaning/priming/bonding operations meticulously if
sufficiently strong and durable bonds are to be achieved. Always use the specified materials.
Preferred practice is to paint the body panels prior to bonding into position (as factory build), firstly mask-
ing off all bonding surfaces on the panel.
BU.7 - ROOF PANEL
The composite roof panel is an ICS moulding which is last to be assembled, and generally the first panel
which needs to be removed. The panel is bonded to the top of the windscreen header rail, cabin rear bulkhead
panel, top flanges of the body side panels and seat belt mounting frame.
To replace roof panel
1. Remove the 'A' post covers and the roof lining if this is to be re-used.
2. Remove rear clamshell (see sub-section BV.5).
3. Using a pneumatic knife or cutting wire, cut the adhesive between the roof and header rail, body side
panels, rear bulkhead and seat belt frame, and remove the roof.
4. Remove excess sealant from all the bonding areas on the header rail, body side panels, rear bulkhead
and seat belt frame. It is not necessary to remove all traces of old adhesive, but any remaining adhesive
must be securely bonded and be cut with a scalpal blade to leave an even thickness of 1 - 2 mm.
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