I took a few steps backwards today by actually adding chrome to the car. However, given the global recession and the strongest dollar we've had in a long time, I decided to take advantage of the improved conversion rates and ordered the LED tails from newministuff in the UK. It doesnt look like the chrome can be painted without hampering the led design, so I will just cover with some lamin-x in the near future





already tested them at night and they are BRIGHT.

I should mention i got these for $245 shipped. about $100 less than Moss MINI sells them for.

 

That looks awesome!

 

They are a mite "bling-y"... But improved visibility = good.

 

i agree...im hoping the lamin-x will tone it down

 

Why is that?

 

Had you said that your MINI was a 2003 at one point? I had really wanted these tail lights, however, I remember reading that you shouldn't use them on <'05 models.

<edit> got my answer, it looks like Moss is only suggesting them for '05+ MY MINIs<edit>

Have you had any problems with them? Thrown any codes? Voltage issues? If there really are no issues, this is my next lighting upgrade!

-Chase

 

Hey Snyp, I wouldn't try to modify those lights, especially the price you paid for them. I would use a real subtle Lamin-x cover over them to give them a slight dark look. These lights are awesome looking, even on your car, but since I have seen your car before with the completely black lights, these look a little funny. I'm sure there's a company that has film to put over the tail lights that will allow plenty of light to shine through, but make them look a little darker. However, those lights do kick *** !!!

 

the big chrome circle in the middle is a bed of led's. each LED is in its own little pod of chrome/mirrors. If i were to paint around the LEDs, the tails would lose a lot of their brightness, i think. Looking at some friends oem tails, they have the chrome too.

The only issue with these lights, or any tailights, is the location of your reverse light and/or fog light. there are two different versions for the MINI, dependig on if your reverse light is in your bumper, or on the tailight. The bulbs, wiring, etc are all factory spec.

Not sure if you read, but I wont be able to go to MOTD this year. If you want my old tails. you got first dibs. there is a FS ad posted in the marketplace. you can have them for the price i told you before, plus shipping...since i wont be seein ya at the dragon :(

 

Dude, that sucks !!! What happened?

 

Yes, the reflector around each LED is for optics, and essential for their performance. Originally I thought you were talking about the outer chrome trim.

 

We used nightshades paint and then wet-sanded them with a very fine grit. They can be waxed now like the rest of the car and the light still shines through bright enough. With those LEDs you would have no problem with them being bright enough:

 

That is a sickening car !!! Not to thread hijack, but what kind of wax do you use, not that it'll help my paint's condition?

 

Yeah, I could def. paint the chrome trim, but thatd still leave the center, so thats why im going to try film first.

the gf found out she has finals that thursday and saturday...so that pretty much ruined the whole trip. I may try to come down for a day..maybe friday.

looks amazing, but me and nightshades don't get along, lol...I used it on my sidemarkers and now they light up purple I am sure its operator error, but im not sure what i did wrong. did you use the spray on your reverse light too?
Ur MINI has always been one of my favorites.

 

Yeah, personally, I'd go with a subtle film. Something not too dark, so you can let some of the design show through, yet dark enough to hide some of the chrome.

 

We got a PC machine awhile back and use the Prima stuff from Richard (octaneguy). It looks alot better in the pic than in person.

The light was done two AMVIVs ago by Lyle of vinyl styles and thanks for the great compliment. You will have to check out the anthracite interior now that it is done and you were the one that got me to finally just get it done .

 

looks great man! I love those lights... now that the price is down..... it may be time to invest....
car looks great my friend!
-Malcon

 

Thanks for the information !! Still looks good.