Reverse lamp switch on early +2

[spridget]

I?m desperately searching the reverse switch on my 68 +2, I have found in the archive that is on the top of the gearbox near the bell housing.
According to the picture it?s the part number 73, is it under the cover(33) ?

I can?t locate it on the car. Is it possible it has been replace by an ordinary screw ? Can I change it without taking out both engine / gearbox ?
What is the right way of the two wires ? on the chassis? Or in the interior ?
Thanks
Franck

[oldelanman]

Hi Franck,
The switch is located in front of the top cover........

On the two seater Elan the switch is accessible (just) from the engine bay but I don't know if the same would be true for the + 2.......

[spridget]

Many thanks Roger for those smart pictures much appreciated
Well I don't even have the hole !

The rear lights have the reverse ones and the loom has the specific wire
I assume my car had an agitated life
Franck

[oldelanman]

Hi Franck,
According to Brian Buckland's book the reverse lamp switch did not appear on the 4 speed box until the introduction of the Elan S4 model in 1968. Maybe your '68 + 2 was built with the earlier 4 speed box which did not have the switch?

If your rear lamps have provision for reversing lights you could consider fitting a switch on the dash to operate them manually.

[spridget]

Roger,
You are probably right Lotus used to use old stock, then maybe my gear box is the old one. I think , I will not have reverse light until I change the gearbox for a 5 speed one !
Thanks
Franck