Lotus Dry Ice Blasting
Dry ice blasting and chassis protection for Lotus cars. Aluminium chassis, steel backbones and glass fibre bodies cleaned without abrasion, then protected for enthusiast and performance use.
- Method
- Dry ice (CO₂) blasting
- Areas
- Underbody, chassis, engine bay, components
- Chassis protection
- Lanoguard, Bilt Hamber, Dinitrol, IGL Aegis
- Workshop
- Guildford Road Industrial Estate, Hayle, TR27 4QZ
- Collection
- Arranged UK-wide
Lotus
Light cars need a light touch
Lotus builds light, and the construction shows it. Bonded aluminium chassis under the Elise, Exige and Evora. Galvanised steel backbone chassis under later Esprits. Glass fibre bodies across much of the range, and a steel backbone under the classic Elan.
Each of those materials suffers under the wrong method. Media blasting can damage glass fibre and pit aluminium. Water sits in backbones and seams. Dry ice blasting is non-abrasive and completely dry, removing contamination from chassis, bodies and running gear without wearing the surface beneath.
Lotus models we work on
- Elise
- Exige
- Evora
- Emira
- Esprit
- Elan and Elan +2
- Europa
Chassis protection
Chassis protection for your Lotus
Protection applied to a clean, sound surface bonds better and lasts longer than the same product laid over road film and old underseal. Accessible surface corrosion is treated first. We hold four systems in-house and recommend by vehicle, storage and use, rather than leading with one product.
Lanoguard Clear
Lanolin-based protection with an annual top-up recommended, ideally before winter. Suited to vehicles in regular use or stored outdoors.
Bilt Hamber Dynax-UB
Wax-based protection, typically lasting 1 to 2 years before a top-up in high-wear areas. A pragmatic, proven choice for regular use.
Dinitrol Full System
Multi-year protection applied as part of a full programme, with a free inspection at 12 months. We are working towards Dinitrol approval.
IGL Aegis
Long-term protection for high-value vehicles being kept for years to come, with an annual inspection for the first 3 years.
Each system has a recommended maintenance interval. We record yours and, with your permission, remind you when it is due.
What we clean
Where a Lotus needs attention
Every Lotus is assessed individually before work begins. The process is then set around the surface, the contamination and the condition of the car in front of us.
Aluminium chassis
Bonded aluminium chassis cleaned of road film and debris with controlled pressure. Nothing abrasive, and nothing left to sit in the joints.
Steel backbones
Backbone chassis on the Elan and Esprit cleaned back so condition can be assessed clearly. Accessible surface corrosion is treated, leaving a clean, sound surface for protection.
Glass fibre bodies
Undersides of composite bodywork, arches and sills cleaned gently, without wearing gelcoat or paint.
Engine bay and running gear
Engine, gearbox, suspension and brakes cleaned dry. Non-conductive, so it's safe to use around electrics.
Also available: wheel arches, underseal and bitumen removal, drivetrain and gearbox, exhaust systems, concours interior preparation and boot compartments. See every automotive service
The method
Why dry ice suits a Lotus
Solid CO₂ pellets are accelerated by compressed air onto the surface. On impact, each pellet sublimes, turning straight from solid to gas, and the thermal shock lifts contamination away from the surface. Nothing is left behind.
The difference is control. Pressure, pellet size, flow and nozzle are all adjustable, so the same process can clean a painted panel without marking it or strip years of compacted underbody deposits. Dry ice is also non-conductive, so it's safe to use around wiring, sensors and connectors.
| Method | On the car | Afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| Steam or pressure washing | Introduces moisture | Water left in seams, box sections and electrics |
| Media blasting | Abrasive, with hazardous fallout | Grit to contain; rubber and seals need protecting |
| Chemical degreasing | Leaves residue | A waste stream to dispose of |
| Dry ice blasting | Dry and non-abrasive | Clean, dry, sound surface. Nothing left behind |
How it works
From first call to collection
Assessment
Tell us about your Lotus and the work you are considering. We call you back and give you a real quote, usually within 24 hours.
Drop-off or collection
Bring the car to our Hayle unit, or we can arrange collection from your door anywhere in the UK.
Configuration
Pressure, pellet size and flow are set for each surface: painted, bare, composite or heavily contaminated.
Cleaning
Contamination removed dry, in place, without abrasion. Left as a clean, sound surface, ready for inspection.
Chassis protection
Accessible surface corrosion treated, then the protection system you have chosen applied. We record the maintenance interval.
Return
Your car is ready to collect, or returned to your door.
Our equipment
Not all dry ice blasting is equal
Kaeser and Boge compressors, Tundra air dryers and dry ice energy blasting machines. Constant airflow at the same pressure from the first minute to the last, with precise control over pellet size, flow and pressure. Our Hayle unit is built around proper air management and industrial-grade kit throughout. The kit is the foundation. The judgement is what makes it work.
Getting your car to us
Two ways to bring your Lotus to Hayle
The work happens at our dedicated commercial unit: Unit 1C, Guildford Road Industrial Estate, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4QZ. How your car gets here is your call.
Bring it to us
Book a slot and bring your car to our West Cornwall workshop. Make the journey part of it, then leave it with us and let the work begin.
We come to you
Prefer not to make the trip? We can arrange collection from your door, anywhere in the UK, and return your car once the work is complete. Collection is quoted with your assessment.
Questions
Lotus dry ice blasting questions
Is dry ice blasting safe on glass fibre?
Yes. The process is non-abrasive, and we run at the gentle end of the range on composite and painted surfaces. Each surface is assessed before work begins.
Can you clean an Elan or Esprit backbone chassis?
Yes. Removing old underseal and contamination from a backbone chassis gives an honest view of its condition, which matters before deciding between protection, repair or replacement.
Can you protect my Lotus after cleaning?
Yes. Protection applied to a clean, sound surface bonds better and lasts longer. We hold four systems in-house: Lanoguard, Bilt Hamber Dynax-UB, the full Dinitrol system and IGL Aegis, and recommend by vehicle, storage and use.
Will it remove rust?
Dry ice removes loose rust and contamination, so we can see exactly what's there. We then treat accessible surface corrosion before protection. Anything more serious we'll flag at assessment.
Do I need to bring my Lotus to Cornwall?
No. You can drive it to our Hayle unit, or we can arrange collection from your door anywhere in the UK and return it when the work is complete.
We also work on
Other vehicles we work on
Get in touch
Talk to us about your Lotus
Tell us about the car and the work you are considering. We will call you back to talk it through and give you a real quote.
- A real quote, usually within 24 hours
- No obligation
- Collection arranged UK-wide
