23 replies to this topic

[Mini Adam]

Hello
Basically, I wanted to improve the safety of my mini slightly by adding a high rise brake light. I gathered that people would be able to see me brake earlier with an extra brake light! When I've made up the brackets I'll be mounting it on the rear parcel shelf. I wanted this to be custom so I decided to make the light say 'MINI' when it lights up. I'm not sure if this is legal but if not I'll just disconnect it for the MOT.
I started by desiging the template for the word in 2D Design V2. Each hole was to be drilled at 6mm. The original idea was to have a light behind the plate shining through but then my girlfriend came up with the idea of using LEDs in each hole.
I bought some LED holders (140x) and red LEDs (200x) from rapid for about £15. Dad got me a piece of 2mm stainless steel and I already had some MDF. I made the odd template to make the box etc for the unit. The LEDs were wired up in groups of 7 to toal roughly 12v per group.
Anyway pictures speak a thousands words...

Photos

Tell me what you think

I'll update again when I've got it all installed

Adam

[LukeMoss]

That does look very cool, but I'm not sure you would be able to get away with it on the roads, I've heard its something about the impersonating the police of some sort but until you get pulled I think it would look awesome I want a 3rd brake light aswell might have to look into something like that myself sorry not been much help!

[Mini Adam]

That does look very cool, but I'm not sure you would be able to get away with it on the roads, I've heard its something about the impersonating the police of some sort but until you get pulled I think it would look awesome I want a 3rd brake light aswell might have to look into something like that myself sorry not been much help!

Thanks for the feedback mate!
Yeah I guessd it probably wasn't legal if I ever get pulled over i'm gonna have a swtich in the back of it so I can just disconnect it
I haven't seen anything like the light I've done, I/m sure there is something but still it's custom
Adam

[frenchie851]

WoW! Make me one please!!!!

[muzzal 1275]

im sure that ive seen a ford focus with the same sort of thing but that was a lazer cut plate over an exsisting light
so dont no if that makes a difference hope this is some help

[WRLondon]

seen dodgier things on road lol!
nah its a popular thing covering brake lights to say the make/model of your car
and third brake lights are a popular add-on
you'll be fine
Nice job by the way

[frenchie851]

is mine in the post? hoe much do I owe you?

[Mini Adam]

is mine in the post? hoe much do I owe you?

haha. I did consider making them, however the only problem I could see is that it would cost roughly £20 in materials so it wouldn't be very cheap if i did :/

[maggies_minder]

sorry to pee on your parade but these arent new, and are already being made by someone else.
a chap in my clubs had one for ages.

[Azbornmini]

Here's a website in NZ that has LED third brake lights http://www.hella.co....z/?t=9&pcid=244 The 5239 one fits the Mini.

I'm sure there's a place in the UK that carries these.

[frenchie851]

well if anyone can point me in the direction, thtd be cool!

[Pitcrew6464]

Looks cool, great work. Safety First

[samperks]

woah thats immense, you should sell them id definatly buy one!

pm me if u ever decide too!

[james962]

I've got one of these, PM me if anyone wants it [/shameless plug]

[Burt]

look great but i bought a similar one from ebay about 3 years ago, think it was £25