9 replies to this topic

[ELTEL MINI MAN]

Hi,

During this on-going lockdown I have been toying with the idea to fit an high brake light to my Mpi.

I'm quite comfortable with wiring up electrically but I can't find any decent products that describe the best way to attach a unit - preferably within the interior (I don't want to mess with the outside)

I have summed it up with either "gluing" or "screwing" and "hiding" wiring under the roof lining and down the rear pillar to pick up brake light feed.

Has anybody successfully attempted doing this?

Trouble is I cannot recall seeing any efforts on Minis at the shows I have attended which would have at least given me a heads-up that it can be done.!

Any comments (Yes, I know I am departing from authenticity) but the Mini is so low on the road, having the extra light must be considered as a great safety "upgrade"..! (and of course can always be reversed.!)

Thanks and stay safe.

[MiniMadRacer]

I know it would be a bit low, but how about attaching it to the parcel shelf rater than the top of the rear screen

[bikewiz]

I attached mine to the inside edge with 5mm rivnuts through the edge of the headliner. The wire runs along the inside cavity down the rear pillar to the right rear light. I used a Morimoto 5 LED motorbike light. Pictures attached show some of the process. I found it easier to work with the rear window removed however you could do it with it in. The mount is a piece of stainless sheetmetal  bent to the curve of the inner roof lip. Because the Morimoto is designed as a running light and brake light using it as a brake light only allows you to have a low and high setting, I run it on low and it's really bright. If you want more pictures message me and I can send you some.  20200420_190734.jpg   54.41K   5 downloads  26976.1.jpg   24.64K   4 downloads  20200419_183235 - Edited.jpg   24.95K   1 downloads  20200518_204708.jpg   56.85K   1 downloads

Attached Files

•  light1.jpg   76.64K   0 downloads

Edited by bikewiz, 04 February 2021 - 01:38 PM.

[mab01uk]

The last MPi Minis had a high level brake light factory fitted to the rear window above rear parcel shelf but are a hard to find part now.

 

MINI COOPER SPORT 500 CLASSIC GENUINE ROVER HIGH LEVEL THIRD BRAKE LIGHT RARE :-

https://www.ebay.co....GMAAOSwNRdX3pkW

 

 

Edited by mab01uk, 04 February 2021 - 02:51 PM.

[ELTEL MINI MAN]

Three great replies - thanks for your very useful input - as per usual from a great set of fellow Mini owners.  I was not aware that the last few Mpi's were fitted out with similar (mine was approx 6000 from the end of production so maybe too early?  Haven't actually seen one in the flesh so-to-speak..!  I like the idea of attaching to the parcel shelf - yes maybe lower but less rear visual loss - However on that point, like the light on the bracket at high level as well - will have a look at all of these - Thanks for the help and inspiration.!

[Tornado99]

I've recently add high level interior LED lamp to my '88. I went with one of these:

 

 

https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Hid the wiring along the headliner/window seal and down the pillar to boot. I replaced the foam adhesive tape on the feet with better 3M high strength tape and rotated the feet about 180 degrees opposite to how they cam so the light could mount inside the glass not out side. Has held up quite well and gets the job done. 

 

Previous to this one I had tried the rectangular black plastic box type typical on MPI's....but mounting it high up created a bit of visual obstruction at the rearview mirror, Plus, the glass curvature made the mounting tape only in contact in certain sections...which lead to it releasing off the glass after a few weeks. Could have modded it to fit better (shaving the plastic to fit) and using better adhesive, but the obstruction issue would remain. 

Edited by Tornado99, 04 February 2021 - 07:15 PM.

[Tds76]

I made my own bracket, painted in black wrinkle and used a Lucas L488 brake light. I wanted something that looked like a genuine accessory from back in the day.

Trial fit
 01D5023F-893A-4E3F-9AAB-1F864C179DC7.jpeg   74.04K   1 downloads

Painted and installed
 D94BF382-4D88-4187-8D9C-9969C25BA708.jpeg   74.86K   1 downloads

Let there be (brake) light!
 2B230140-6BB9-4707-BBC2-B6759CA7B665.jpeg   59.23K   1 downloads

Cheers, Paul.

[Tones61]

Have a look at my posts, it'll be near end of the / what have you done to your mini today / thread,
I fitted a fog light unit on rear shelf from Halfords £7.50 inc brackets,bulb etc
Wired into the brake lights,only needs a small hole in rear shelf and a length of 2 core wire

https://www.theminif...-today/page-573

Post 8593

Edited by Tones61, 05 February 2021 - 10:09 AM.

[mab01uk]

Couple of photos below of the high level brake light fitted to the last Sport 500 MPi Minis.

 

 

Rover Mini Cooper Sport 500 :-

https://www.kgfclass.../vehicles/2276/

Edited by mab01uk, 05 February 2021 - 12:47 PM.

[Red Riley]

Look for a Hella Model 39 third brake light.