To help others so they won't break things, here's a good Lotus link on how to remove the dash:
1st Link:
Elise Dash Removal Instructions By EliseTalk’s Buzzy
2nd Link:
My Dash Removal Instructions - LotusTalk - The Lotus Cars Community
Copied from the 2nd link location in case any of those links goes dead:
My Dash Removal Instructions
I took my dash apart today for fun and to also find some clips that were sliding around inside.
1. Disconnect Battery!
2. Pull Passenger Airbag Cover off.
Pull it directly towards you.
You'll break 4 plastic clips which will need to be replaced.
3. Remove steering column cowling.
Remove 2 screws from the bottom and 4 from the sides.
Pull the bottom part downwards and disconnect the trip reset button cable. A small pick or eyeglasses screwdriver inserted into the clip will release it.
Pull this piece off, it's loose:
View attachment 162113
Now time to remove the upper cowling. It's held on with 4 metal clips (highlighted in blue, 2 on each side) and some velcro (green).
View attachment 162114
Lift the back of the cowling up to the sky to loosen the velcro, then pull the whole thing forward towards the back of the car. The metal part of the clips might fall into the dash but you should be able to get those later.
Here's what the metal clips look like, all the remaining parts are held on with them and screws.
View attachment 162115
4. Remove center vents and radio
If you want, you can use the radio removal tools to take the radio out first. I don't have mine so I took this part off whole.
Remove the 3 or 4 screws (highlighted in red) and then pull the piece directly towards you, it's held on with one clip (blue)
View attachment 162116
5. Side sills and side vents.
The side sill and side vent is all one piece.
Remove the small screw towards the back of the side sill.
Lift up the rubber mat and remove the 2 screws at each side:
View attachment 162117
Remove these 2 screws:
View attachment 162118
Pull out the plastic trim that holds the start button and disconnect it.
View attachment 162119
The vent area is held on with 2 clips here:
View attachment 162120
Lift the side sill up from the rear and pull back to release the 2 clips. It might be stuck down so pull it.
Do the same for the other side.
6. Loosen Tachometer
To get the dash top off you'll need to loosen the tachometer and lean it towards the back of the car.
View attachment 162121
7. Remove Dash Top
It's screwed down with 4 or 5 screws.
Lift up slightly and disconnect the speakers.
Pull towards the back of the car to remove.
Finished:
View attachment 162122
Overall I wouldn't say this was too hard at all, I was pretty scared to do it but it ended up being a lot of fun.
I hope this is useful for some people.
Luke