Exact binnacle side panel connfiguration

[GTK]

Have gotten a bit baffled by what I should consider standard instrument and switch panels inside an S2 binnacle. Mine has a vinyl roof type effect in black plastic going on around the main instruments which I'm sure is standard. All S2's and possibly S2.2 seem to have that. But my side panels have a smooth paint finish. Is this correct?

Also the switches and switch layout seem to vary. I understand these switches were part of the Lotus parts bin pick'n'mix but was there any sort of uniformity to what exact ones were fitted to Esprits?

I'm no so fussed right now about the rectangular switch gear but I'm replacing my rheostat as it's missing and I can't be 100% sure but there seems to be two types of knob. They're almost identical to each other - they seem the same size and shape with the grooved grip around the circumference, but the smooth centre of the knob seems to be concave on some and convex on others. Is this the case and if so which one should my car (458G) have? Not that I'll likely have much choice given how hens teeth they are. I can't find a similar knob on any other cars of the era. I know the rheostat itself is a Lucas item but I can't find a Lucas Rheostat with that knob so does anyone know where Lotus sourced them?

These are the two versions of the rheostat knob I've seen in S2's. If you notice the guage visible is fuel in one and coolant temp in the other. Also that one car has a similar vinyl effect on the side panels and different heater decals, whilst the other car has the smooth finish like mine on the panel and more informative heater decals.

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

[GTK]

Maybe I can simplify this:

Please anyone with an S2: could you tell me if...

A. your side panels in your dash are smooth painted or vinyl effect plastic as per the mid section

B. You have a dimmer knob with a raised or indented middle section as per the above pictures

Many thanks! :)

[peteyg]

The bottom picture is as it should be with the smooth panels and decals.

If you have a workshop manual, I think there is a picture of the binnacle where you can see the position of the switches. At the end of the day you can put them where you like. I can take a picture of mine but no idea if they are in the original positions. I double check the dimmer knob but I think it should be the sticky outty one.

Pete

[GTK]

 

I figured as much, it baffles me where that inny one even came from, it's so close to the factory item. Never thought to check the workshop manual for switch positions, will do that now. Cheers Pete.

[peteyg]

Here's my arrangement. I repainted the right/left hand panels and put the stickers on a bit wonky. They don't relate to the lever position very accurately. I also made up a temporary centre out of aluminium as the plastic was very badly cracked. Still not got around to replacing it...

[frix]

Hi guys, just thought id post these pictures of the clock housing that i made from MDF and painted with crinkle black paint, just before the paint fully crinkled i pushed it down with my thumb, then sprayed with a light coat of lacqure.  The side panels on mine where both painted smooth. 

paul 

[peteyg]

Looks very smart Paul!

[GTK]

Yes, a lot closer to the texture than I expected Paul, good work. I looked at an instrument surround from a car that had an engine fire yesterday. It was 100% in tact but was completely heat warped and wavy!

Thanks for the photos Pete. You got a lovely finish on your side panels! Position-wise its just as I suspected, there are little differences. My switches are in opposite positions to yours and have different markings on some. Do you know that yours is definitely the standard placement? I wonder did switches get positioned depending on the mood on the factory floor on any given day? I'm not out to be anal, but if I knew definitively what standard was I'd go with that.

Have a look and the little differences. Here are mine:

 

 

[peteyg]

I have no idea if mine is the standard setup. That's just how it's been ever since I've had the car. I had to replace the light swith as the original melted which is why it has a smooth front to the switched and the others are ribbed (for extra pleasure?).

[GTK]

That's a good example Pete, see my Panel and Fog switches are smooth fronted and yours are ribbed. (Obviously not for my pleasure)