Reverse Sensors

[barefoot]

I have searched and seen a topic with a camera fitted has anyone actually drilled the rear bumper and fitted the sensors? I am going to fit them at the bottom on the bumper lower rail under the number plate is there room behind the fibreglass to fit the sensors they need about an inch?

[AndyC]

The back of the car is pretty much flat so the depth where the bolts go through into the boot is available, but it's not especially tall. If the sensor isn't too large in its diameter then you should be OK.

[barefoot]

Finished this job off today, I bought a wireless kit off eBay to save taking out the back seats to run a wire from the rear view mirror to the control box. The one I bought was a universal kit so the mirror is designed to clamp onto the existing one but it looked a bit naff so I used an old mirror I had that was the same rear fitting as the Excel and cut out the back to use with the standard Lotus mirror stalk and grinded off the existing clamps from the new mirror The mirror is a bit bigger than standard but in use it gives a lot better rear view. A red light is lit in the mirror when the power is connected and it counts down the distance showing left/right or both sides in green amber then red with an audible warning tone.







I used the upper ridge of the bumper as the lower one narrows slightly at the ends plus it was easier to fish out the leads once the sensors were pushed in through back of the rear light clusters inside the boot. I had some spare paint over from having the front bumper painted so made them the same colour as the car.






Really pleased with the system only about £40 and it really does help as I find judging the back of the car hard when reversing into a tight space.

[Malvern Michael]

I have the same model as you and would like rear sensors as I have them on my other cars and sometimes forget the Lotus hasn't got them.

I cant tell from your pictures whether you removed the bumper or gained access for the sensors from the boot?

Good job

[barefoot]

I drilled the holes with the bumper in situ access to the wires was from taking the rear light covers off from inside the boot and fishing the wires out from there not that difficult really I then picked up my earth and live from the reverse light bulb socket for the control unit. Also with the rear view mirror pick up your feeds from the interior light saves running wire from there to the fusebox or wherever. There are 2 earths to the bulb one is always connected the other is from the door opening pin so make sure you get the right one. There are some kits that use a stand alone mirror that you stick on the windscreen they are easier to fit, the ones like mine look a bit cumbersome when they are clamped onto the original mirror that is why I altered mine.

I have always put reverse sensors on all my classics I think it is one of the best mods out there I even put them on my Smart car! Yes as you can see I have a warped sense of humour the reg is "A TOS NOB"!





I used the ordinary type for it as the rear view mirror is shaped for the car but I much prefer the new kits that use the mirror and are wireless for the control box connection. For my XJS I used a stick on mirror which also gives out interior temp. A bit trickier cutting the holes out as had to go through the metal bumper which I took off first.





I ended up with a camera for my Mark 2 Jag which is actually not as good as sensors IMO.

[Malvern Michael]

Thanks for the info, like you I too fit sensors to all my cars, even my wife's Figaro.
I prefer the audible only as that is what we are used to, I will look for a kit and have a go myself.

Interesting selection of cars you have, I recently sold an XJS convertible to make room for my DB7.

[barefoot]

Michael

Always fancied a DB7 Vantage but I need to get one soonish if at all as they will start to appreciate now as they have been undervalued far too long, a good one bought today would be a very good investment. The XJS especially the soft tops are now gaining ground and their values are climbing but never will be as good an investment as the DB7 far too many made. I bought mine for £575 the body and interior were poor but it had an MOT and engine/transmission has been spot on since I had the head refurbed, I have spent a few quid on its restoration but should not lose a penny. I have been fortunate in having some lovely cars but my days of buying new expensive ones are over I have opted out of the company car scheme and will never buy another brand new luxury/sporty car again! The last one being a V10 M5 I blew my brains out on that one! Yeah I know I seem to have a "nob" thing going on!



Whereas bought the M3 about 5 years ago and its more than doubled in price its a lot more fun messing with classic cars under £10k spending a bit on them enjoying it while you do then selling on with hardly any loss and sometimes a profit if lucky.