Does anybody think it would be possible to mod the rear tail lamps to accommodate a large LED cluster like maybe 1.85", or does anyone have better ideas. I did some searches but can only find replacment bulbs, no acctual led retros (unless you want to spend $820 on something that doesn't look like it has LEDs in it).
Great idea, On my last car I built and installed some Hi intensity LED lamp sockets. I used them for my side marker/turn signals (Saab housing) and corner running lamps ( modified stock housing). You could really see that car at night from any angle. I have been thinking about modifying the MCS tail lights with an array of Hi intensity LED's similar to the new Nissan G-35 rear light's. Let's say it's on my list of thing's to be do.
"I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories instead of theories to suit facts."
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
The '05s have LED taillights, look at the pictures under the news section. Once they're out, you can see how easy it will be to change the wiring to fit the new lights, but it shouldn't be too hard, and much less then $820, especially if you pick up a pair from a salvage yard or someone who's replaced theirs.
Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.
I haven't seen any pictures of them in use, but a few people have seen the cars, so you could post and ask for a picture in one of the '05 picture threads.
Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.
05 lights aside (I still cannot find pics of these at all) I am going to obtain a set of OEM tail lights to do a little research on the possibility of a custom job (also for those of us who just want to update our classic look without changing entirely). So any ideas you all have would be sweet.
I'll book mark this and return when I start that Mod.
"I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories instead of theories to suit facts."
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Scroll midway down the page: http://www.mini2.com/news/news221.html and then pick a picture you like, and use the biggest size link, and you get a good idea of how the lights will work.
Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.
I have an idea. Contact www.clearcorners.com and tell Mike what it is that you want, he does CUSTOM LED modifications.
The $820 quote is the price for the following:
1) Fully dis-assembling the entire OEM tail light assembly.
2) The factory chrome inner bezel is re-sprayed with a black chrome / gun-metal finish. The interior of the light is then re-sprayed with a matte black finish.
3) Custom high-intensity LED circuit boards are built-to-spec to fit within the clearances of the Mini Cooper tail light.
4) Custom prismatic lenses are cut and mounted inside the tail light to help diffuse the great amounts of light emited from our high-intensity LED circuit boards.
5) Once all the interior changes are complete, the entire tail light assembly is carefully re-assembled and sealed. All wiring is then soldered and shrink tubed to a new harness which will be used with our LED tail light assembly
This is what he did for ME to give ME what I was looking for in a modified tail light. You have different requirements. From your statement above you would not want to do 4); so you save money. If you want the stock chrome bezel then you don't do 2) and only do a partial 1); you save more money. What you spec in 3) will then determine most of the cost.
I wanted a top and bottom brake light that both then became brighter upon braking. That is what he made for me and I'm pleased with the look and his skill in creating what I said I wanted. Give him a try.
I love the idea of replacing the factory bulb to LED..but will the LED bulbs be able to replace the brake and nite light (dunno what it is called..but it is the one that goes with the brake light)? If you see the structure of the brake light bulb, it has 2 different wire inside..
I think i finally found a pic of the '05 tail lights in use. I still have serious doubts as to whether these will actually be LED or not, I can't find anything from any of Mini's website to support this and am not real sure where the report on Gabe Bridger's site came from. Even if these are indeed some form of LED lights, I am trying to accomplish a look similar to the new 3-Series tail lights and the '05 just aren't doing it for me.
Also, for anyone who cares about my original question. I just got my car back and now am getting some better ideas of how I might make this work, I'll be sure to post more when I have done some work on it.
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