19 replies to this topic

[IronmanG]

I am looking to fit a high level brake light in the next couple of months. I could just get some tosh off amazon or take a recommendation from someone on here
What are your thoughts on a flashing unit as opposed to not?
I could use red LED strip tape?

[nicklouse]

I would have a look at the ones made for motorsport. I am sure MED,KAD,Swifttune do some. Don’t think DSN have one yet. If wanting something else I think Ring still do something suitable.

[KTS]

i fitted one of these : https://www.beaconsa...pn-235r12e.html

 

install details here : https://www.theminif...-3#entry3629288

 

most of the brake strobe products out there appear to offer a fixed setup (i.e. the strobe solution fires whenever the brakes are touched), but i have come across a couple of products that strobe the brake lights only under heavy braking (which to me, seems a more sensible option)

 

https://www.rizoma.com/en/dbl001.html

https://www.europasp..._12_volt_074362

[IronmanG]

i fitted one of these : https://www.beaconsa...pn-235r12e.html

install details here : https://www.theminif...-3#entry3629288

most of the brake strobe products out there appear to offer a fixed setup (i.e. the strobe solution fires whenever the brakes are touched), but i have come across a couple of products that strobe the brake lights only under heavy braking (which to me, seems a more sensible option)

https://www.rizoma.com/en/dbl001.html
https://www.europasp..._12_volt_074362

Thanks Pat.
Pricey for the flashing units.

[Harry L]

I've got one of these https://jbfab.co.uk/...rake-light-kit/ mounted on the parcel shelf. Good quality kit.

[Mini Manannán]

I think mine cost about £3 each 5 years ago or so:

 

 

 

[Mini Ed]

I've got one of these https://jbfab.co.uk/...rake-light-kit/ mounted on the parcel shelf. Good quality kit.

 

Harry

 

I'm thinking on  purchasing a JB high level braking light, would you have any photos of what this looks like fitted?

[stuart bowes]

(response to OP re: flashing LED's)

people putting flashing brake lights on their car makes me chuckle... it's a direct equivalent to the 'because race car' stickers you used to see a lot about 10 years ago

it's not a race car, you're not doing 100mph in the rain 2 meters from the back end of the guy in front, normal ones work fine

====

 

(response to later posts re: shelf mounted light)

when I do mine I was probably going to find (or make) a nice thin profile LED strip type thing, along the top edge of the window and as invisible as possible when not in use, the way I see it being on the parcel shelf doesn't add significant enough height to warrant the effort for me personally



Edited for clarity to show two separate points being made

Edited by stuart bowes, 11 September 2023 - 01:42 PM.

[andyapanel]

I bought mine from Car builder solutions.

Make sure you wire up the LED the correct way; the current will only flow one way.

[Mini Ed]

people putting flashing brake lights on their car makes me chuckle... it's a direct equivalent to the 'because race car' stickers you used to see a lot about 10 years ago

 

it's not a race car, you're not doing 100mph in the rain 2 meters from the back end of the guy in front,  normal ones work fine

 

when I do mine I was probably going to find (or make) a nice thin profile LED strip type thing, along the top edge of the window and as invisible as possible when not in use, the way I see it being on the parcel shelf doesn't add significant enough height to warrant the effort for me personally

 

I've already had a mk4 mini written off for someone running into the back of me, whilst I was stationary, foot on the brakes! You need to take a step back and think about safety, rather making up stories in your head. I have a MK1 mini cooper with candle lights hardly visible in the day and wanted to keep the car as classic as possible, rather than having an LED strip. Anyhow, thanks for your bottom line opinion.

[stuart bowes]

that's terrible but I'm still pretty certain the flashing would have made zero difference 

 

that person clearly wasn't paying attention at all, I've been rear ended as well in the past and it sucks so I get your anger and all that

 

an extra high level light though, and a nice bright one at that, definitely a good idea

 

it's interesting though that you would have a go at me for not considering safety, and in the same breath you then prioritize originality over safety ? that confuses me a little 

Edited by stuart bowes, 11 September 2023 - 12:33 PM.

[Quinlan minor]

Is there one of the talented members who can design/manufacture a 3D printed body, with squared ends and a flanged lip, which would allow one of these to be fixed, with double-sided, number plate tape, to the windscreen?

This would avoid light pollution/reflections inside the car, my main objection to fitting one.

I'd be happy to purchase one and send on the supplied case for measurements and pay for a Mini suitable printed case.

[sonscar]

did not the later cars have them from the factory?Sadly in anything smaller than a large SUV you are almost invisible.My wife has a Fiat500 with running lights high level brake lights and is brighr blue but noone sees it.Motoring is a lottery I fear.Fit the brightest you can as high as you can would be my take.Steve..

[stuart bowes]

Is there one of the talented members who can design/manufacture a 3D printed body, with squared ends and a flanged lip, which would allow one of these to be fixed, with double-sided, number plate tape, to the windscreen?

This would avoid light pollution/reflections inside the car, my main objection to fitting one.

I'd be happy to purchase one and send on the supplied case for measurements and pay for a Mini suitable printed case.

 

the only real difficulty ( / probably a bit of trial and error) would be modelling the curvature of the screen, other than that it's simple enough

 

one thing to consider though is heat especially if you're using LED's, some 3d printed material doesn't stand up well to heat and will just sag or break down over time

 

in that respect probably a metal casing would be my preference as it would act as a heat sink of sorts

Edited by stuart bowes, 11 September 2023 - 01:00 PM.

[Mini Ed]

that's terrible but I'm still pretty certain the flashing would have made zero difference 

 

that person clearly wasn't paying attention at all, I've been rear ended as well in the past and it sucks so I get your anger and all that

 

an extra high level light though, and a nice bright one at that, definitely a good idea

 

it's interesting though that you would have a go at me for not considering safety, and in the same breath you then prioritize originality over safety ? that confuses me a little 

 

You keep saying flashing light, I'm not fitting a flashing light (I believe), take a look at the link. I wanted to get a feel for how the light looked on a parcel shelf.

 

https://jbfab.co.uk/...rake-light-kit/

 

I find it a little strange that you've been rear ended (and it is terrible Stuart), but your initial reply is some boy racer story (not helpful), rather than understanding why someone is fitting this particular light. I think there's some confusion going on.

 

I want to improve safety, especially for my MK1 mini, nothing confusing about that. If I wanted originality, I wouldn't have posted and had our little exchange. Thanks for the input.