17 replies to this topic

[Calderwood]

Hi there, title says it all really, I'm trying to replace the indicator lens on my 1999 mpi, I have unscrewed the offending indicator and unplugged, but I can't find a way of getting the lens away from the unit. Have tried pulling and twisting, what is the method?

 

I know this is a trivial question, but its for that reason I couldn't find the answer through the search bar (or google), it is so elementary no-one mentions it haha.

 

Thanks

[danie garry]

2 screws and it should be off!

[Miniowner123]

lens doesnt come off on mpi's, just has the bulb connector that twists into the back, otherwise sealed

[Calderwood]

lens doesnt come off on mpi's, just has the bulb connector that twists into the back, otherwise sealed

Damn, wish I knew that before I ordered the new lens, so there is no way to change the lens without replacing the whole unit?

Edited by Calderwood, 03 May 2013 - 11:46 PM.

[Miniowner123]

Nope, whole units cheap enough really anyway

Or go for some Rdx led units, exactly the same fitment and plug just brighter, just bought some for mine off eBay, got to replace the flasher unit for an led one though

[Calderwood]

Nope, whole units cheap enough really anyway

I was looking to swap the clear lenses for amber ones, hence wanting to do the lens, not the whole unit. (i know most go the other way, but i prefer the orange look). And seeing as the plug is unique to the MPI I guess I'm stuck short of chopping up and crimping wires. Might see if I can cut the lens out around the edge and glue an orange one in.

[Miniowner123]

You could get a couple complete amber units and just fit some female econo seal plugs so you just the retain the factory plug system

[Calderwood]

You could get a couple complete amber units and just fit some female econo seal plugs so you just the retain the factory plug system 

I hadn't thought of that. So do the bulbs come out the back of the MPI unit with the female plug then? And then I could just push that into the back of a pre '96 orange unit, throwing away the old style insides?

[Miniowner123]

No you'll have to buy a couple econo seal plugs and fit them to the wires on the back I the new units, only mpi use the plug system where as earlier models jut have 2 wires and bullet connectors

You can find the relevant connectors on eBay, but that's only if you want to keep the standard fittings on your loom

[danie garry]

you an break the lense and replace apparently

http://www.minispare...px|Back to shop

[Calderwood]

you an break the lense and replace apparently

http://www.minispare...px|Back to shop

I read that exact page. I'll have a go at the other side today, as I guess one side could be fused in place.

 

Failing that I remember an old trick one of my friends used to do if an orange one lost colour with condensation, paint it from the inside with amber nail varnsih, although I haven't even figured out how to get the bulb out yet, so I don't know if I can get on the inside.

[Calderwood]

This is the stage I am at, bulb out, just got the lens and plastic fitting left, I can't find a way to separate them. Is it possible to buy the black bit alone? I know I could take one from an older car, but would that accept the MPI bulb fitting?

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Edited by Calderwood, 04 May 2013 - 02:20 PM.

[Driezzie]

Look in my mini thread. Did the same. You have to use brutal force with a tool cracking/smashing the white lens and remove all pieces by hand than just glue the other orange one to it to make it waterproof and that's it.

Edited by Driezzie, 06 May 2013 - 02:27 PM.

[Calderwood]

Look in my mini thread. Did the same. You have to use brutal force with a tool cracking/smashing the white lens and remove all pieces by hand than just glue the other orange one to it to make it waterproof and that's it.

IDEA! Thanks very much. I thought about cutting the old one out around the base with a stanley knife but I thought that would let water in, so this is definitely the better idea. What did you use to crack it open?

[minisilverbullet]

 

Look in my mini thread. Did the same. You have to use brutal force with a tool cracking/smashing the white lens and remove all pieces by hand than just glue the other orange one to it to make it waterproof and that's it.

IDEA! Thanks very much. I thought about cutting the old one out around the base with a stanley knife but I thought that would let water in, so this is definitely the better idea. What did you use to crack it open?

 

probably a hammer