New Accessories & other misc parts Part 2

Most classic Minis don't have a clear reverse lens in the rear light assemblies and like a lot of older and vintage cars, reverse is represented by having both left and right indicator globes on at the same time (the indicator globes are dual-filament - one for indicators, one for reverse). I wanted to modernise the rear light configuration and add a dedicated reverse light so I sourced a low profile, 80mm diameter (LED Autolamps brand, "82 Series") which is a good size match for the Mini rear lights and has a nice blacked out look when inactive.

A custom mount for the reverse light was needed but I decided against a fibreglass mount and made a more robust steel one instead. The mount was made from three pieces, with the top & middle pieces machined on the lathe, the base hand formed to the shape of the boot and with everything welded together it was cleaned up on the lathe

To get the mount square against the bootlid and get the correct profile, it was easy to create the shape on a piece of PVC stormwater pipe, then transfer the shape onto the steel piece with a Sharpie.

The top piece has a recess machined into it for the round light to sit in, with holes for mounting, wires, a breather hole (for a vent that is on the back of the light) and also a small notch at the bottom for a locator nodule on the edge of the lens. 

Then there was the boot light switch. I'll be running an extension wire off the interior dome/light power circuit to the boot so I can have an courtesy light illuminate when I open the boot. This required a generic boot switch to be installed - in a custom tab in the top corner of the boot opening. The bracket was welded above the triangular boot lid cable mount.

I then realised that the fuel tank wouldn't fit and had to cut the switch mount off a remake one on the right hand side of the boot.

Whilst of the subject of lights, I ordered two new Mini interior lights. The factory Mini has a single light on the passengers side but they aren't really that bright so I decided to add another matching light on the drivers side B-pillar and use LED replacements instead of the standard festoon bulb. I installed a couple of rivnuts on both pillars instead of using the standard metal screws.

I also fitted some rivnuts to mount the side mirrors.

And lastly, I had to make a cover for the fresh air inlet up in the drivers side wheel arch. With so much stuff in the engine bay I don't have room for the fresh air inlet duct (for the cabin heater/fan) so I made a simple cap for it, and with some neoprene foam on the inside it will seal the opening. This will be held in place by a small metal screw.