Alarm Recommendations

[Lotus Jim]

Hello Everyone,
Does anyone know of any good alarm installers who they would be happy to work on a Lotus Excel? I have found an Excel which I quite like, however it needs an alarm system fitting and I'd rather go to an alarm specialist that has already done an Excel if I buy the car.
Jim

[Lotus-e-Clan]

Alarms on the Excel are more trouble than they are worth....most fitted "in period" drain and wreck batteries.

Who takes notice of them anyhow?

[amarshall]

I think you'll struggle to find anyone outside the Lotus dealer or specialist networks who remembers installing an alarm on an Excel (and probably struggle within the modern dealer network too).

Remember, the newest Excels are still 20 years old (and there were only 15 that young).

That said, the wiring isn't particularly complicated so self-fit is always possible. A few members have gone down that route.

[Lotus Jim]

I think thats a fair point. My brother just had a modern alarm fitted to his TVR Chimera and as a result he has to trickle charge it constantly. The Alarm on my S1 Elise is just as bad when it comes to eating the battery juice.

[AndyC]

Do you need one for insurance purposes or just want one? If it's the former then you'd be restricted in terms of what you can have fitted (approval etc), but you may also find an approved immobiliser is acceptable and that should drain the battery less.

[MrCoolA]

i tried to get one installed on mine at AutoSounds in Gateshead and they refused stating that there are too many possible issues with older cars wiring both in terms of what else has been added to the loom and the brittleness of the old wiring. So i have elected for a discarnect and crossed fingers

[Lotus Jim]

I don't need one for the insurance as I'm getting quotes without one fitted. I just thought I would ask to see if anyone had, had one fitted recently. However, it was a piece of mind thing really as I don't want any old herbert coming round and putting his hands on my car!!! The good thing is that the insurance companies don't seem to be too bothered about it needing one.

[Dr_G]

A decent independent auto-electrician will have no difficulty at all in fitting a decent quality Thatcham Cat 1 alarm to the Excel, with no side effects or problems. It might not be 'needed' for your insurance, but it could well keep your Excel a little safer.

[KevW]

What about just fitting a flashing led. to the steering column shroud ? You can buy a complete kit with instructions and "alarm fitted" window stickers for a couple of quid on e bay.

[lambert.john]

I bought my Excel nine years ago. An alarm is fitted but a previous owner had it disabled and, not being a fan of car alarms, I've not bothered to reactivate it. I have, however, fitted a "Discarnect". This is a very useful device, in my opinion, and lets me keep the battery on trickle charge/conditioning during periods of inactivity. My last battery - from Halfords - lasted seven years using this device which I thought wasn't bad.

John L.

[MrCoolA]

For only a few quids the I am very pleased with my discarnect especially as it is fused so it maintains my clock and fan/oil temp settings in the controller unit, I know it doesn't give any warnings if she is broken in to but once they try and start her the fuse blows and then all is dead, it is unlikely that any thief would know where the battery is to try to by pass it.Cheap and effective

[Richy B]

I have found, with out any thing on, apart from the boot light, clock, radio in standby and immobiliser (opening the boot, disconnecting the battery and sticking an amp meter on) the car draws 400mA , is that high?

I must admit the battery is removed from the car recharging most weekends these days (good immobiliser I suppose)

Dis carnect sounds a good idea, nearly bought one at the classic car show last year, wish I had now.

[MrCoolA]

Dis carnect sounds a good idea, nearly bought one at the classic car show last year, wish I had now.

Got mine of flea bay.............not many £'s but you need to make sure you get one with the fused by pass and bye some fuses as i just kept forgetting,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and jumping turning the key (or in case press the button ) and then blow the fuse

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from= ... Categories

worth £6 or £7 quid in my view

[MattDebbage]

Hello Everyone,
Does anyone know of any good alarm installers who they would be happy to work on a Lotus Excel? I have found an Excel which I quite like, however it needs an alarm system fitting and I'd rather go to an alarm specialist that has already done an Excel if I buy the car.
Jim

Yes - Me if you fancy a drive to deepest Norfolk....
I have recently fitted a new immobiliser to Fitz's Excel, and repaired the alarm wiring on my Excel. I am a qualified Auto Electrician, and know my way about Excel electrics.... Best of all, Im very very cheap or even free if it helps
Matt.

[MrCoolA]

Hello Everyone,
Does anyone know of any good alarm installers who they would be happy to work on a Lotus Excel? I have found an Excel which I quite like, however it needs an alarm system fitting and I'd rather go to an alarm specialist that has already done an Excel if I buy the car.
Jim

Yes - Me if you fancy a drive to deepest Norfolk....
I have recently fitted a new immobiliser to Fitz's Excel, and repaired the alarm wiring on my Excel. I am a qualified Auto Electrician, and know my way about Excel electrics.... Best of all, Im very very cheap or even free if it helps
Matt.

Won't you consider moving somewhere more central?? (i didn't mean MK), don't just dismiss it out of hand, it may be not so convenient for you but you have to think about the majority.............after all we so live in a democracy