retro fit power windows or led taillights later on?

[mrluky]

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[Tyger]

Originally Posted by mrluky

can a dealer install new pieces later on without having the whole touring package? or could i order the pieces and install them myself?

This is funny. My only interest in the touring package was having the light ("biscuit") interior. I think it's kind of a pain to have to turn on the power to roll my windows up and down. I'd rather have the cranks, but the two don't go together on the federal Elise. I bet it's non-trivial to take out the window motors, etc, though, so I'm just going to live with it. I'm happy with the standard tail lights, but when the LED ones become available I'm sure it won't be hard to make that change, if you prefer them.

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by Tyger

I bet it's non-trivial to take out the window motors, etc, though, so I'm just going to live with it.

I don't think it would be that hard to change, but it would require a complete replacement of the window mechanism as they are very much different - the windup windows use gears and levers, the electric windows use a cable and pulleys if I remember correctly...

[Raindem]

I'd almost be willing to trade parts with you. I've wondered how hard it would be to convert to cranks.

[Icedog_16]

Originally Posted by mrluky

can a dealer install new pieces later on without having the whole touring package? or could i order the pieces and install them myself?

I don't think that you would be able to retrofit factory power windows. But I do know that you can do it through an aftermarket kit which installs in the door and actuates the winding mechanism. Obviously, the current winders would be removed and capped off.

Here is a link to a kit like the one I mentioned - http://www.spal-usa.com/html/dampframe.htm

[Bruce]

Originally Posted by mrluky

can a dealer install new pieces later on without having the whole touring package? or could i order the pieces and install them myself?

Anything can be done, the question is whether it's cost effective.

On the LED lights probably Lotus and the supplier are the only ones who know right now. It could be as easy as install and plug in the existing harnesses or it could take some rewiring and adapter harnesses.

On the windows the question is why? What are you trying to achieve? If you want the power windows buy the touring package. It's probably going to cost you that much in parts and labor. I doubt they make 2 different doors so everything should bolt in. Also, since both have the CDL I would bet that they both have the same wiring harness also as making 2 different harnesses wouldn't be smart materials management wise. But this is just my speculation as I've never seen the inside of a door with manual windows.

As to whether you can do it yourself, none of us can answer that because we don't know anything about your skills and abilities.

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by mrluky

can a dealer install new pieces later on without having the whole touring package? or could i order the pieces and install them myself?

I thought you ordered the touring package, what happened? As far as the LED tail lights I don't think that would be a problem at all, even if you do it yourself.

BTW is it tomorrow your pick up day? I bet you can't wait!!!!

[fitfan]

I love my cranks!

[Tyger]

Originally Posted by Bruce

On the windows the question is why? What are you trying to achieve? If you want the power windows buy the touring package. It's probably going to cost you that much in parts and labor.

How about I like most of the touring package but not the electric windows? If it were easy to change to cranks, I'd do it.

[Bruce]

Originally Posted by Tyger

How about I like most of the touring package but not the electric windows? If it were easy to change to cranks, I'd do it.

Why don't you like the electric windows?

[APOGEE]

Originally Posted by mrluky

can a dealer install new pieces later on without having the whole touring package? or could i order the pieces and install them myself?

Yes our shop( Newport European Motorworks) can. Call Eric for parts , I
do not know the $. Some one good with tools could do it. Don.

[eliseowner2b]

I often laugh at the fact my car has power windows. When I'm driving alone and reach over to push the passenger side button I can't help but laugh at the fact they did not put 2 buttons on the drivers side. Today, I was driving a miata and wanted to put the passenger side window up because it started raining. I reached over and started cranking. The damn thing was tough to turn and I gave up rather than risk an accident. Perhaps I won't be laughing at the silly button in the Elise anymore and consider it a "safety feature."

[Hillgiant]

I seem to recall some Lotus PR flack mentioning to one of the auto journalists (SCC, iirc) that the electric windows are actually LIGHTER than the manual crank ones. I find it a little hard to believe, but that may be one reason to like power over crank.

As for retrofitting, I would bet that it is a simple matter mechanically. Just swap the bits. The electrical for power-nonpower is easy just cap the wires. The electrical for nonpower-power may be more complicated. I cannot envision them having a different wiring loom for the touring package. But, on the other hand, this is (a) a british car, nonsensical electrical systems are expected (b) a small run hand assembled car where having two different looms may not be such a dissadvantage. Someone with a manual may be able to deduce where you would need to look to determine if you can just plug in the wires.

[jtanner]

Dan, the cranks in the Lotus are very easy to turn from the driver's seat. There's little effort involved.

Jim

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by Hillgiant

I seem to recall some Lotus PR flack mentioning to one of the auto journalists (SCC, iirc) that the electric windows are actually LIGHTER than the manual crank ones.

That was speculation back before the Elise was actually on the shops to the US. In any case, the weight of the two versions are close enough not to matter.

As for retrofitting, I would bet that it is a simple matter mechanically. Just swap the bits.

For what it's worth, my manual crank car has fuses in the fuse block for the power windows. I highly suspect that they used the same wiring harness. It should be a simple matter of swapping the inside the door mechanism and installing the switch in the door instead of the crank.

I would stay away from any "Micky Mouse" after-market add on power windows. I'm not sure that you could fit something in the door, and it would definitely be heaver since you'd be adding the electric motor to the mechanical window mechanisim...