7 replies to this topic

[Propshaft]

I have a 92 mini Mayfair just coming to the completion of a ground up restoration the rear lights is it best to have clear lenses with coloured bulbs or coloured lenses with clear bulbs Thanks

[Icey]

Personal choice, but I’ve never liked clear lenses. Coloured lenses with decent LED bulbs is my go-to.

Edited by Icey, 31 October 2024 - 08:57 AM.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

My personal view is coloured lenses are better.  It was all the rage in the late '80s and onwards for manufacturers to replace amber coloured front and side indicator lenses with clear lenses with coloured bulbs.  This often looked nice stylistically but it made it harder to know where to expect the indicators to be and also made the lights look more washed out in the daytime.  Clear rear lenses also sometimes make the brake lights looked washed out which isn't ideal either.

[Blumeanie]

Coloured lenses is my peference.
The clear lens style has not aged well - in my opinion.

Especially on a mini.

From converting running lights on sailboats, I've learned that using a coloured bulb matching the coloured lens gives the best outcome (best lumen output, best perception).

I've done that in my mini...

Edited by Blumeanie, 06 February 2025 - 03:07 AM.

[bpirie1000]

Used to have to glue quality street wrappers to normal bulbs to make them red,(or purple but not for the road)

Any excuse to buy and eat chocolates I suppose..

[babsbrown]

I'd say coloured lenses. May also be a worth while addition to add a third high level brake light too.

With cars so high these days, I think many struggle to see the smaller brake lights on a mini.

[Blumeanie]

I'd say coloured lenses. May also be a worth while addition to add a third high level brake light too.

With cars so high these days, I think many struggle to see the smaller brake lights on a mini.

 

I agree. 

I just completed adding a third brake light. - There is a good and helpful thread on this topic.

[coopertaz]

prefer clear lenses with car being light coloured, can be hard to find correct red lights though and an issue when paint flakes