[750rider]

Just got my Cooper over the weekend. As a former Honda Beat (Jpn model) and Miata owner, I have to say that the Cooper is a total blast.

Anyway, I bought the optional OEM clear tail kits. I'm not sure if I want to install the tail lamps just now, but I do want to install the center high mount.

However, it seems that the rear spoiler (included in the Sport Pkg for the Cooper) doesn't allow the old high mount lamp to come out. Does anyone know if the rear spoiler has to be removed in order to swap out the high mount? Or am I just doing this wrong?

Taking the spoiler off looks like a pain, since loosening the 2 stud bolts alone will not do the trick (probably some kind of gasket/double-sided tape involved).

TIA!

[olerud400]

on the '02 coopers it's real easy...i posted instructions a while ago...it might be a faq/diy now. what olor is your cooper? i did the clear top center brake light install and it looks great.

it might be as simple as removing the nuts off the bolts and just pushing gently.

i have three bolts on mine, so i removed the nut from the middle bolt and gingerly pressed up to pull it own (after taking the three torx screws also holding the light in place out and running a credit card around the light to loosen it up).

hope this helps.

Adam

[addman]

I picked up my Cooper this weekend, and the dealer had been unable to fit the high-level light (did the main rear lights) as he couldn't get the spoiler off! Seems that normally you just undo the two bolts holding it on (you can see them pretty clearly on the inside of the tailgate) and it lifts away, but mine had been bonded on somehow.

He reckons it'll come off okay with a bit of force, but they're playing cautious and ordering a spare spoiler in first, just in case

I've seen some other threads that mention just flexing the bottom of the spoiler up slightly to allow the lights out...

Adam.

[MINIALEX]

I have a 2003 Cooper and it was a nioghtmare to get in, I think they replaced the 3rd bolt in the spolier with someseriously strong glue! I did it by basically smashing the old light to get it out and then covered the whole area in white grease to prevent any scratches and then spent 2 days pushing and pulling until it finally went in, lots of patience is necessary - good luck!

[750rider]

Thx for the quick response guyz,

I think addman and minialex are right. Mine is an '03, and there is no center stud bolt for the spoiler any more. I already tried getting the whole spoiler off by removing the 2 nuts, but the thing wouldn't even budge.

If it's bonded on *that* tight, I don't want to mess with it, because...

1. I don't want to destroy the red high mount; I was going to save it for possible later use,

2. I used to have a '90 240SX that rusted through exactly from the spoiler-to-body gap (all the salt they use here in Ohio winters), so I am not even going to go that route which might compromise the seal.

I hope the dealer will take the parts back...

[MJS]

The roof spoiler is only stuck on with double sided tape (and abviously the screws) , just use a bit of force to lift it up. 5 mins, easy

[Bobbycrook]

Quote:

Originally posted by 750rider
Just got my Cooper over the weekend. As a former Honda Beat (Jpn model) and Miata owner, I have to say that the Cooper is a total blast.

Anyway, I bought the optional OEM clear tail kits. I'm not sure if I want to install the tail lamps just now, but I do want to install the center high mount.

However, it seems that the rear spoiler (included in the Sport Pkg for the Cooper) doesn't allow the old high mount lamp to come out. Does anyone know if the rear spoiler has to be removed in order to swap out the high mount? Or am I just doing this wrong?

Taking the spoiler off looks like a pain, since loosening the 2 stud bolts alone will not do the trick (probably some kind of gasket/double-sided tape involved).

TIA!

Trouble getting your rear spolier off the MCS??? ha ha you could always try putting it through a car wash....this seems to do the trick he he http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...threadid=28233 obvously I don't recommend it