a quick question… I’ve got a set of rear parking sensors inbound from MX5 parts to fit on my Brilliant Black MK 3.5.
Do you think they Will need spray painted before fitting or are they OK as they come?
Is the removal of the rear bumper straight forward? Are there any how to guides around?
Thanks
Ask MX5 parts the question. It’s important. They may well not operate properly if painted.
JS
Yes they can be painted, but not in the tiny recess ring, plug it while painting then remove the plug. See the Mazda fitting instructions.
MX5imon posted a link to the Mazda installation guide for the NC a year ago
https://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/yaf_postsm590747_Rear-parking-sensors.aspx#post590747
Edit, I’ve just remembered they are supplied shiny black from MX5 parts, so you might not need to paint them
I think it’s best not to paint them. My daughter recently complained that the aftermarket reversing sensor system on her Fiat had gone wrong. As soon as reverse gear was selected, the alarm went to “full on”, I investigated and couldn’t initially see anything wrong so I ordered a new system.
When I came to fit it I noticed that the paint on one of its four sensors had begun to peel. I scraped off the remainder and the fault cleared. I suspect that the signal from that sensor was being reflected by the loose film of paint, indicating a very close proximity to an object.
Never paint the detection surface of any sensor, it needs a clear view to work properly. Sensors are supplied either chrome plated, or as Richard suggests, coated black, a form of rustproofing. Where no metal surround is present, then a plastic body can be used. Why paint them anyway? - No sensor comes with bare metal surround. I’ve worked with various forms of sensor for years (industrial control) and I know what I’m talking about - sorry.
Most car PDC sensors are colour coded to match the bumper.
I don’t think you are seriously suggesting one would / should have unpainted black sensors on say a red bumper.
I appreciate the black sensors may not need painting to match a black car, but they will require painting on any other colour.
The question for me will be whether the black sensors are close enough out of the box or whether I’ll need to get a can of spray paint from halfords
So - your next project I assume will be to paint all the external fittings on you car - lights included (they aren’t red) or anything else? You will instinctively state - “but the lights won’t work” - Neither will the sensors.
Go ahead, but don’t come back complaining the sensors don’t work. The visible part of each sensor is minimal, with the actual sensing part taking up most of the visible area, so if you insist on red sensors (colour coded) then try Halfords. I doubt they have a choice, other than black.
I think Richards post #3 is the most reasonable solution.
I have sensors on my Mk3 at the rear, they are colour coded (factory fitted) but have a thin black ring unpainted, guessing that’s the sensor part that you don’t paint to my inexperienced eye anyway.
Suck it and see really with the black, if it matches great. Now True red with black sensors paint/colour code.
DBAD 
You say the sensors are “inbound”, on their way. So read the instructions leaflet when they arrive and then make up your own mind.
If the sensors come already painted, you don’t have a choice. The ones on my daughter’s car are black. After I scraped off the damaged paint, as mentioned above, I noticed corrosion on the face of the (aluminium) sensor. I carefully rubbed it down using fine emery paper then repainted it, using a car touch up kit (actually Mazda paint, for my own car). I had nothing to lose by doing so. No problem, as I said; it now works perfectly.
Hi, somehow i think one or two people have misunderstood theoriginal question [ or its me] , but i have fitted numerous sets of sfter market rear sensors [ in plastic ] and have over sprayed them with the correct colour for the car without masking any part of the sensor and have perfect working results every time. I do not Know what all the fuss is about !Looking at the Mazda parking sensors fitting guide linked to above, it appears to say the PDC sensors can be painted
Having spent 5 years fitting them for a living and painting nearly every set without issue here’s a few tips on how to get the best results
First gently rub the suface of each sensor with 1500 grade wet n dry paper to remove the shiny surface
Between paint coats use a heat gun (low heat and keep it moving) or wife’s hair drier
Then prime the surface using plastic primer(normal primer won’t stick to plastic very well)
Then a light coating of normal primer
Then spray on colour(2 coats should be enough)
If metallic or a solid colour with a lacquer top (most solid colours are a water based layer of colour followed by a lacquer top coat) please pay special attention to this bit
Holding the can of lacquer about 18 inches above the sensors waft on a dust coat of lacquer and allow to dry fully
Then apply a slightly thicker coat
Then apply another coat that should give you a decent finish if not apply one more coat
I know it seems like a load of work but hey why spent a shed load of money on your car then fit a cheap naf looking set of sensors the above method will make even the cheapest sensors look like a factory set (how do you think I made money lol)
Now I know some on here will comment on this saying it’s a waste of time but having fitted at least 1 set a day for 5 years I think I have a bit of an idea of how to do them but there again when it comes to work I am a total perfectionist with serious levels of ocd so it could be overkill ??
Shouldn’t you be gandalfstwin???
Nah I’m unique lol
Well that’s cleared that one up.
A good explanation above.
And for those that say why on an MX-5 (I had that comment) i don’t think I’d like to be without mine now, very handy, especially when reversing into the garage.
Totally agree! I only wish that the “beep” was adjustable as I am pretty hard of hearing and sometimes it’s a job to hear it!
Well they arrived in the post today. & look pretty good.
They are a glossy black that I think is a pretty good match for the brilliant Black so I don’t think painting is required for me, however Gandolfstwin has given some top advice for anyone who needs to colour code their PDC sensors.
I want them because I’ve had PDC for the last 10 yrs and I’m so used to hearing the noise when I reverse the, I’m bound to forget to stop without them!