Sunroof Replacement for the 1957-1963 Lotus Elite (Type 14)
Working on a classic 1957-1963 Lotus Elite Type 14 is always a treat, but that famous fiberglass monocoque body means you can't just hack away at a broken sunroof. If your glass is cracked or the original seals have finally given out after sixty years, you need a careful hand. At AlexWindshield, we know exactly how to treat these delicate British classics without damaging the roof line.
How We Replace the Sunroof on Your Type 14
You don't rush an auto glass job on a vintage Lotus. The roof structure is entirely fiberglass, which requires specific prep work to avoid stress cracks and water leaks. Here is exactly how we handle the glass swap, step by step:
- Interior Protection: First things first, we drape the entire cabin. We cover those classic seats and the dashboard with heavy drop cloths to catch any stray debris, glass shards, or old adhesive dust.
- Careful Removal: We gently cut away the old, hardened seal and extract the damaged sunroof panel. We take our time here using specialized wire tools so we don't scratch or gouge the original fiberglass structure.
- Surface Cleaning: Old weatherstripping and factory glue are meticulously scraped off. We clean the mounting channel down to the bare surface using industrial solvents so the new materials actually stick.
- Primer Application: We brush on a specialized glass and body primer. This step stops moisture from creeping in later and gives the new glue a solid base to bite into.
- Adhesive and Installation: Finally, we lay down a thick, consistent bead of high-grade urethane adhesive and drop the custom-fit replacement glass into place. We clamp it down gently and let it cure completely before the car moves.
Mobile Service Across the Greater Toronto Area
You probably don't want to drive your vintage Elite through heavy traffic with a gaping hole in the roof. That's why we bring the shop directly to you. Whether your garage is up in Vaughan, over in Richmond Hill, or out in Markham, our mobile vans cover the entire Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We show up with all the right tools, adhesives, and glass to get the job done right where the car sits.
Trust AlexWindshield With Your Classic
Don't let just anybody cut into the roof of your vintage Lotus. You need a mechanic who actually respects the car and knows how to work with classic fiberglass bodies. Give AlexWindshield a call to schedule your mobile auto glass service. We stand behind our work with a rock-solid Lifetime Warranty on leaks and workmanship. Let's get your Elite fixed up and back on the road before the weekend.