11 replies to this topic

[razorsharp192]

clubman:
1975:


havent got reversing lights on my car, so i'll get some new rear lenses, how do i wire up the actual light though?

[In-a-mini]

hiya alot of people fit an extra switch operated by driver when needed (fun at traffic lights really upsets some people ) run a wire from fuse box of off the ign switched fuse to a switch then to lights at rear. Or you can wire it up as later cars did but you will have to change your gear change unit for one with a switch in it unless you can add the switch cant remember if there is a blank in then. and add wires as required also complete rear lights will need changing not just the lenses.

edit: i know it is inconvenient not haing a reversing light but would be a shame to change your rear lights for later ones. Personally i would add a retro light like the glass lucas unit from that period there easy to get hold off.

Edited by In-a-mini, 03 August 2008 - 08:53 PM.

[razorsharp192]

how easy is it to change the gear change unit? expensive bit?

i dont mind putting later lights on, they look pretty much identical anyway

[jayare]

You don't need to change the gear change unit. Does your car have 2 rods going from where the gear lever is to the gearbox or a solid aluminium extension housing? If the former (rod change), there's a blanking plug in the reverse lamp switch hole on the gear lever housing which you can remove and fit a switch to. This needs an ignition switched live feed from the fuse box running to it and from there a wire will be needed to the lamps at the back of the car - they earth through the lamp unit earth connection. If it is the solid remote housing, the switch fits in the front of the gearbox near the oil filter. These are more difficult to source but you should be able to find the part number from the PDF parts catalogues on Somerford Minis website here: http://www.somerford-mini.co.uk/pdfs/
The wiring is the same as for the rod type but obviously in a different position.

JR.

[razorsharp192]

You don't need to change the gear change unit. Does your car have 2 rods going from where the gear lever is to the gearbox or a solid aluminium extension housing? If the former (rod change), there's a blanking plug in the reverse lamp switch hole on the gear lever housing which you can remove and fit a switch to. This needs an ignition switched live feed from the fuse box running to it and from there a wire will be needed to the lamps at the back of the car - they earth through the lamp unit earth connection. If it is the solid remote housing, the switch fits in the front of the gearbox near the oil filter. These are more difficult to source but you should be able to find the part number from the PDF parts catalogues on Somerford Minis website here: http://www.somerford-mini.co.uk/pdfs/
The wiring is the same as for the rod type but obviously in a different position.

JR.

got any pics so i know what i'm looking for? how do i see whether its a rod or sold housing? take the gaitor off and look down?

[taffy1967]

1973 on will be rod change.

[razorsharp192]

where am i looking to find this blanking plug?

[taffy1967]

Underneath the car (it's best if you jack it up on axle stands). The plug should be on the O/S of the gear selector box (right beneath the gear stick)

[razorsharp192]

is this the part i need:

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...tem380021807140

?

[Dan]

Yes, if you have determined that you have a rod change gearbox. You will also need a locknut for it to be able to properly set the adjustment.

[998dave]

rather then change rear lenses, why not hang a clear lens lamp on the otherside to the foglight and put your reverse light here.

Obviously this would only work with centre exit exhaust, but we all know they're cooler anyway!

Dave

[razorsharp192]

rather then change rear lenses, why not hang a clear lens lamp on the otherside to the foglight and put your reverse light here.

Obviously this would only work with centre exit exhaust, but we all know they're cooler anyway!

Dave

fog light you say? haha, not got one of them