InvisiLens anti-reflective gauge lenses
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OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2005
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From: San Francisco
Thread Starter
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OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,233
Likes: 127
From: San Francisco
Continuing the InvisiLens discussion from the cabrio easy-up circuit thread:
With darker gauge faces, think of it as the same effect when you try to look into a store window on a bright day. There's more light bouncing off the window than coming from inside. To see inside you have to get up close and cup your hands around your eyes to shield all the reflected light. If the window wasn't there (or was anti-reflective), you wouldn't have the same problem.
Before I created the anti-reflective lenses, I had the Cockpit Specialties black dials for a brief time. I experienced the "store window" effect and ended up returning the dials. Although I liked the look of black dials, readability was much reduced during the day and I wasn't willing to compromise. It made me understand why the OEM dials have a silvery reflective surface. It is a functional design to make the dial more visible through reflections on the lens. MINI gauges have this problem because they sit out in the open. Most other cars have their instrument panel recessed into the dash and shielded with a visor to block ambient light and maximize readability.
InvisiLens would be great for the grey GP dials, which already look good and would be enhanced even more without reflections in the lens.
the first generation of Richard's replacement lenses were a HUGE improvement over stock - especially in the cabrio. I've been running them for the past 2+ years. They not only dramatically cut down on reflections (as shown above) but also give the instruments a generally "higher quality" look - you don't realize how cheap-looking the OEM plastic domes are until you see them side-by-side with the upgraded lenses.
These are one of my favorite mods - they're almost essential if you have aftermarket gauge faces in a darker color - in that case, the reflections off the OEM lenses can make the gauges almost unreadable in bright light. The anti-reflective coating makes the lenses almost invisible with the darker gauge faces - which is GOOD.
These are one of my favorite mods - they're almost essential if you have aftermarket gauge faces in a darker color - in that case, the reflections off the OEM lenses can make the gauges almost unreadable in bright light. The anti-reflective coating makes the lenses almost invisible with the darker gauge faces - which is GOOD.
Before I created the anti-reflective lenses, I had the Cockpit Specialties black dials for a brief time. I experienced the "store window" effect and ended up returning the dials. Although I liked the look of black dials, readability was much reduced during the day and I wasn't willing to compromise. It made me understand why the OEM dials have a silvery reflective surface. It is a functional design to make the dial more visible through reflections on the lens. MINI gauges have this problem because they sit out in the open. Most other cars have their instrument panel recessed into the dash and shielded with a visor to block ambient light and maximize readability.
InvisiLens would be great for the grey GP dials, which already look good and would be enhanced even more without reflections in the lens.
Last edited by rkw; Nov 29, 2009 at 11:13 AM.
As the quote above suggests, I'm a BIG fan of this mod. Significantly improves an aspect of the car that is often overlooked in the "hierarchy of mods" - ergonomics. I look at my gauges MANY times every day, regardless of where or how I'm driving. Improving the visibility and readability of the gauges is something I benefit from every time I drive my MINI. 
I put it in my wifes Clubbie
and we don't even have a sunroof. It's quite the difference. I was shocked. Once you see it in person, you can't belive you lived with the crap Mini put in the car. And the scratch resistance is a very big plus as well.
Matt
Matt
Haven't really had a problem with reflections off my tach but would like this product on my speedometer when it's available. Whenever anyone hears that it has been added hope they will post same. Am adding their site to my favorites list.
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OVERDRIVE
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From: San Francisco
Richard
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OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2005
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From: San Francisco
It isn't posted yet on the FES Auto site, but it is completed and ready to ship. Prices will be $150 for tach+speedo set or $125 for the speedo lens only ($110 if you already purchased the InvisiLens tach), plus shipping.
What's holding it up is that I haven't written the installation instructions (along with pics). On an R53, it is only necessary to pop off the trim ring to access the lens. The R56 speedo requires removing the large center dash trim piece, and takes a few preliminary steps to get there. Once the dash trim is out of the way, the lens itself is easy to replace.
Richard
What's holding it up is that I haven't written the installation instructions (along with pics). On an R53, it is only necessary to pop off the trim ring to access the lens. The R56 speedo requires removing the large center dash trim piece, and takes a few preliminary steps to get there. Once the dash trim is out of the way, the lens itself is easy to replace.
Richard
Until we get it up on the site...
you can paypal sales@fes-auto.com for the R56 speedo or complete kit based on the pricing Richard posted above. Flat rate shipping is $5, and CA sales tax is 9.25% (for CA shipping addresses only).
Matt
Matt
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