7 replies to this topic

[Tornado99]

Went to fit a "festoon" type bulb in the roof mounted mirror light on my '88 mini...but after removing the translucent white cover, found there was basically no bulb fitting/holding parts within. Just some shape molded into black plastic outer casing and some kind of switch on the protruding lever that didn't seem to actuate anything.

Does anyone have a picture of what is supposed to be inside this lamp? Could not find any replacement for it on MiniSpares.

Some pics:

Attached Files

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•  IMG_20200926_1205004~2.jpg   36.79K   0 downloads
•  IMG_20200926_1205179~2.jpg   63.6K   0 downloads

Edited by Tornado99, 26 September 2020 - 07:29 PM.

[Tornado99]

A local mini expert said he's never seen a mini with a lamp at the rear view mirror like mine. So must be an aftermarket mirror setup.

[RustyAutoCityE]

Never seen one (in my limited experience) like that. Does look like there are bits missing.

If it is aftermarket, have you checked to make sure it is wired in?

[Tornado99]

Never seen one (in my limited experience) like that. Does look like there are bits missing.

If it is aftermarket, have you checked to make sure it is wired in?

Cannot see any wiring into the casing. Might start looking for an authentic mirror. I watched a recent YouTube of a 1970's era BMC marketing instructional video for Minis and they made special mention of an all new dimming type rear view mirror for night driving. My aftermarket is a downgrade as it does not dim.

[mab01uk]

Minispares do a stick on dimming/dipping mirror:-

http://www.minispare...CTB100060.aspx#

 

This is the earlier screw on type of dipping mirror (1976-96) :-

http://www.somerford...roducts_id=7586

 

1997 on MPi stick on mirror:-

http://www.somerford...roducts_id=7585

Edited by mab01uk, 01 October 2020 - 07:23 AM.

[RustyAutoCityE]

I couldn't tell you if my '88 has a dimming mirror, thought it was just a piece of glass on a stick with a suction cup.

[mab01uk]

I couldn't tell you if my '88 has a dimming mirror, thought it was just a piece of glass on a stick with a suction cup.

 

If it has a small plastic lever at the base of the mirror pull or push the lever and it dips the mirror to dim headlights following behind you at night.

Earlier white/grey plastic Mini mirrors were non-dipping, later black plastic rear view mirrors were usually the dipping type.

Edited by mab01uk, 01 October 2020 - 07:28 PM.

[Aria Aradhea]

CMIIW, The majority of late 80s up to MPi cars don't have the dipping function but were coated with an "anti-glare" layer on the glass. I've been looking for an original dipping mirror but cannot find one new.