Finally – GBMINIs diode brake light mod!

Posted on by Ian C.

After (again) watching other MINIs in front of me with two sets of brake lights (the factory ones and the rear fog lights used as brake lights) at this past weekends mini MOT, I decided it really was time to do the mod on my car.
I need the “diode mod” because my rear fogs can be used as rear fogs. I did not want to do the “quick and dirty” push-wires-in-holes mod, but a proper solder mod. I started by reading Greatbears post on NAM which details the mod – but I could not easily get my tail light fixture out of the car (big hands? HK amp and Kenwood Keg in the way?)

However, it was easy to get the connector out, then I found this write-up on OctaneGuys site which details pushing the diode into the connector.
I decided to do a combination, soldering the diode into the connector … I removed the connector from the tail light, then removed the plastic clip and released connector pins 1 and 4; next I soldered the diode to the pins – cathode to pin 1 & anode to pin 4. After that I pushed the pins back into the connector and refitted the clip:


Once I had done this on both sides the job was complete. Finally I have five rear brake lights, like all the other fanatic-owned MINIs! And I still have rear fogs when I need them.

“mini MOT”

Posted on by Ian C.

Today I joined some other MINIs for a “mini MOT” trip around Worcester, including Wachusett mountain. The day began at Bancroft Tower in Worcester, with MINIs gathering:

 

For a while we had 11 MINIs but Jeff dropped out and headed home, leaving us with 10 when we arrived at our first stop – “Major Willard Moore State Park”:

Minolta DSC

After a pleasant walk around the park, we returned to the MINIs and headed up Wachusett mountain, for some great views and light breezes to help cool us off:


Next stop was Wachusetts Brewery, including free samples (and no, I did not try any!); then, after some interesting back road driving, we arrived at Mikes house where a BBQ was on offer – Mikes home is a very nice place, with great landscaping for a very peaceful afternoon. And loads of food!

Eventually I had to leave, along with Jared, Harvey and Jason, heading up 290 and 495 in speedy convoy:

 

Special thanks to Mike and family for organizing the day, and for providing a spectacular quantity of great food and hospitality! Thanks also to Jeff for the Friday night personal tour of Worcester, for modifying my EZpass, and for the “eyes”:

GBMINI back from MINI Peabody

Posted on by Ian C.

Picked GBMINI up today – the throttle problem should now be banished forever. Brian & Gary were also happy to tell me they discovered the source of the (tiny) oil leak that had baffled us on a previous visit, and fixed that too!
I also noticed a poster offering the John Cooper Works upgrade kits at a discount:

JCWdiscount.jpg

As the sign says, the 2005 kit is altered so they are clearing out the older kits – if you want power and warranty this is your chance to grab a discount! I wonder if other dealerships are doing the same?
With only a couple of kits at MINI Peabody, I guess if you are interested you should call them soon … I paid full price for mine back in January, but I got five months of driving for my $500 😉