Greetings and hello,

I figured I'd make my first post to NAM and get a question answered at the same time. Hope yall dont mind. My mini hasnt even been born yet but im already looking into a whole world of mods both off the shelf and totally custom.

In that spirit, I am trying to find a source for switches that either closely resemble or are exact duplicates of the LED lighted factory switches in the dash. The catch though, is that I can't use momentary switches. Unless Im mistaken the ones in the factory panel return to center after you've flipped them and I need some that will stay put until turned off. Please correct me if I am wrong on this. All told I need four of these toggles to complete the project im working on. Anyone with a P/N and supplier i would greatly appreciate the help so i dont have to go searching endless catalogues.

For those of you who are wondering what this is all about, I plan on installing both the PIAA grill mount driving lamps, and the ALTA rally light bar. In order to obtain the functionality I want out of these lights, the switches will be used as inputs along with input from the hi/lo beam circuit so that only those lights that should be on, will be on. Three will control a pair of lamps each and the fourth is a general override for those late night twistys in the middle of nowhere. Once its built and tested I will be more than happy to share my schematics and BOM with anyone who may be interested.

Peace and harmony be with you all in little 1.6L bursts

 

Sounds like lighting overkill to me. First, you might want to check the total draw on the system when you have all the lights on. It may be more than the system can handle. Second, you might want to check your local laws. State laws differ, but I know some where it's illegal to burn that many lights at one time.

I do applaud you for wanting to wire them to run as they were meant to.

 

Welcome to NAM.
It sounds like you have some experience with this stuff. Or at least some well thought out ideas on what you want and how to do it. Good for you!
I have nothing directly to offer, just encouragement. Sometimes it seems people want to tell you what they think about your ideas instead of helping with the question. Most of the time it is constructive, "make sure you do/don't do this" or "have you thought that through". Sometimes it is just opinions. I try hard not to give strong ones, unless asked. (I have started and deleted this reply 3 times)
Use the search feature. When you have a forum or thread open, on the black tool bar at the top of the forum or thread its the search button. Look in Interior and Exterior mods for lighting discussions.
I don't know how long you have been lurking before joining, but we have some pretty knowledgable members up in the Detroit area. Ryephile and Agokart have started a company, Detroit Tuned that you will find under Sponsor Diretory. Check them out for other performance mods, too.
Good luck with the switches.
Enjoy yours!

 

What you might consider doing is taking a mini switch, gutting it, and putting the crome part on a non-momentary switch. Or... if you're really crazy (like me) wire your fogs to control a relay to operate the garage door opener.

 

I actually think I'm a bit crazier. Rather than wire my fog switch to run a garage door opener (i (will)have front fogs on the car) I'm going to try and find a happy spot to hide a home automation remote (garage, inside lights, ?tv?) and cover it with a three segment mini emblem. Left wing controls the garage, middle section the lights, right wing.... whatever i decide on. Course, i have such of list of mods already and the car isnt even here i dont think that one will happen for a while. Tearing apart the a mini switch might work but im kinda hoping to find a pre-fab unit.

Oh yeah, finally got a production date. April 13th scheduled for completion. I have only one thing to say to MINI right now... HURRY UP!!!!! :smile:

 

here ya go they are located in GB but they will ship anywhere great idea dont listen to anybody telling you dont do this dont do that,

do whatever you want it is your car or will be and whatever makes you happy
just be safe and research your mods from a technical perspective

and good luck with the new car
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...ldID=&doy=11m4

 

Thanks! Now I just need to get the circuit built. And buy the lights.... And get my car..... Hmm. this may turn out to be quite the long term project.

 

on that link above, they have that style at some autozones and such.
Shane

 

those are the best types of projects soofle!

good luck on all the mods, its nice to see people being ambitious and creative with their cars