Mini compatible Parts

[MPlayle]

I think I figured it out.  An early (1973) MG Midget is listed by Autozone as using a Duralast 7009 (9 lb) cap.  I know our Minis tend to use a 13 lb version, so searched the Autozone website and the Duralast 7013 is the corresponding part number.

I got one of the 7013 ones to use.

The 1996 Almond Green Mini is about sorted, so I have started the sorting of the 1983 Blue Mini Van and it is the one needing a new cap and a good system flush.

[Jimini II]

I find the hardest thing to find when buying a radiator cap for a Mini is finding one that is deep enough, most I see are for a more shallow neck and do not seal correctly.
I have found a 13lb one made by Stant that has the red pressure relief tab which is handy.

[MPlayle]

I will report tomorrow if the one I got actually fits.

[MPlayle]

The Duralast 7013 radiator cap fits perfectly.

The Duralast pressure release lever kind like Malcolm prefers is PN 7713.  These seem to be readily available at local Autozone stores - give us another option.

[MiniDave]

However, if you're running one of the inexpensive chinesium radiators from ebay, the cap is a Honda Civic cap

[MPlayle]

Here is something for the late model Japanese spec SPI based Minis with a/c.

I needed to replace the a/c-fan belts in my 1996 Mini-Cooper 35.  I ordered a set from Classic Minis Japan.  When they came i today, I took them to my nearby Autozone to determine possible "local" equivalent belts.

The two I found are alomost the same size (within 1/2") as the ones I ordered:
Duralast V-belt 15235 (compressor to alternator) and 15355 (crank, compressor, water pump/fan).  They most likely have to be ordered (not usually an in-store stocked item), but are available.  The Duralast part numbers should be able to be cross referenced at any other local parts store as well.

[MPlayle]

Bruce mentioned someone needing references to replacement LED tail light bulbs and LED compatible flasher units to go with them and asked what I used on my most recent Minis.

I got the bulbs from Amazon.  Here are links to the ones I purchased.

Amber Turn Signal:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KPJ3XWY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Red Tail Light:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083345PBG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

For the flasher units, I got them from my local Autozone.  There are two types to consider based on what you are replacing. 

The blue 1983 Van uses a round, two terminal unit:
https://www.autozone.com/electrical-and-lighting/turn-signal-hazard-warning-flasher/p/novita-turn-signal-hazard-warning-flasher-el12/849385_0_7281?searchText=EL12

The green 1996 uses a square, three terminal unit:
https://www.autozone.com/electrical-and-lighting/turn-signal-hazard-warning-flasher/p/novita-turn-signal-hazard-warning-flasher-ep36/849391_642349_11714?searchText=EP36

If your car has halogeon H4 headlight bulbs and you want to upgrade to LEDs, these are a recommended direct replacement:
https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/products/pair-of-compact-h4-p43t-472-hi-lo-beam-led-upgrade-bulbs
These headlight bulbs are compact and have no bulky heatsink, so fit nicely into our small, shallow headlight buckets.  Even Headlight Revolution sells them (at a higher cost).

[BruceK]

Thanks a bunch Michael!  I love the LED taillight bulbs I've used for my Mini, but they seem to be discontinued by Amazon and any place else. I was really impressed by how bright your taillights were and turn signals were as I followed you up to Austin in the dark this past weekend for the COTA C&C car show. Massive improvement over the old incandescent bulbs. 

For anyone who is considering updating to LED tail light and turn signal bulbs: you cannot use white LEDs as they have a different wave length of light and they are so bright they will effectively bleed out the color coming through the lens (e.g. White LEDs cause taillights to appear pink rather than red). So you MUST use red LEDs for taillights brake lights, and amber LEDs for the turn signals. 

[94touring]

Yep they must be red.  Coincidentally I just upgraded the bus lights to LED and might press the buy button for the mini as well.  Guess which side has the LED's in my comparison video screen shot...

Not sure about how the mini will react but one thing I noticed when I was taking the video to compare and verify they worked was the LED side came on quicker.  Maybe a half a second or so but more of an ON NOW instead of a slowly turning red.

[MPlayle]

It does not really matter what kind of car.  When going from incandescent to LEDs, the LEDs will respond faster as the incandescent filament has to heat to glowing and that takes a little time versus the response of the LED.

[BruceK]

The nice part of using LED bulbs with all the little LEDs positioned in all directions is that they really seem to fill out the lens housing with even light.  (like on Dan's VW above and my Mini below).  The appearance is better in person than in photos.

[MiniDave]

Did you guys do the front t/s as well as the rear?

Will those LED bulbs fit in the beehive lenses on the front of a Mk1?  8.gif

[BruceK]

Yes, I installed LEDs in my Mini's front turn signals as well. Of course I've got the larger, post-1983 lenses.  But the LED bulbs that Michael listed above are the exact same size as the regular single filament 1156 turn signals (for UK market cars that have parking lights inside the headlights themselves) or the dual filament 1157 bulbs (for North American market combo parking lights/turn signal).  So they will definitely fit the classic Mini smaller beehive lenses (1959-1983).

[MiniDave]

Cool, Don and I were talking about these for his Pup's lights   77.gif

[BruceK]

Cool, Don and I were talking about these for his Pup's lights   77.gif

Yeah he told me he sourced a brand new pair of the very rare rear taillights for his pickup.   LEDs should compliment them very well.

[MPlayle]

I did just my tail lights.

The flasher units I referenced (from Autozone) are meant for a combination of LEDs and incandescent bulbs.  I tried replacing the front turn signal bulbs with LEDs as well and found those flashers were not happy - they needed the extra resistance of the fronts being incandescent bulbs.

There are other flashers available for using with all LEDs.

[BruceK]

I did just my tail lights.

The flasher units I referenced (from Autozone) are meant for a combination of LEDs and incandescent bulbs.  I tried replacing the front turn signal bulbs with LEDs as well and found those flashers were not happy - they needed the extra resistance of the fronts being incandescent bulbs.

There are other flashers available for using with all LEDs.

I think for 1984+ Minis the incandescent side repeater bulbs in the front fenders provide that additional resistance needed for the electronic flashers, so it's no problem going LED front and rear as long as you leave the incandescents in the side repeaters.