Restoring the brightwork and lights on your classic Mini is more than just about aesthetics—it's about ensuring functionality and adding those final touches that bring your build to life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps we took on the Bogus 2 Mini build, from replacing damaged headlight bowls to installing the grille and lights with precision
Brightwork & Lights: A Guide to the Bogus 2
Headlight Bowl Replacement: Precision and Care
The head light bowls on Bogus 2 were badly damaged, necessitating new replacements. As with any restoration, sometimes the new parts aren’t an exact fit, and that was the case here with the sidelight socket. The edge of the steel outer shell needed a slight modification to accommodate the new sockets.
Need a headlight bowl replacement? Discover our range >
Pro Tip: If you find that the locating tabs on your new headlight units aren’t deep enough, you can space them out to prevent any wobbling. A steady hand is essential when pop-riveting a freshly painted shell. We used an air-powered pop-rivet gun to ensure precision, but whichever tool you use, direct it slightly toward the middle of the bowl to reduce the chance of damaging your paintwork.
Remember, the pop rivets we used split into four sections, spreading out behind the panel for a secure hold. The square edge on the unfired rivet cuts into and splits the soft rivet body when fired, ensuring a snug fit.
Boot Lid: Lightweight Carbon Fibre Installation
Rear Light Upgrade: From Reverse to Fog Lights
We decided to upgrade the reverse light sockets with high-intensity BA15 382-type equal pin LED red bulbs, transforming them into effective fog lights. One common issue with Mini rear light bulbs is that they can be hard to grip when you need to remove them. To solve this, we applied grease to the metal contact surfaces and live contacts before installation. This simple step helps prevent rust and makes future bulb changes easier.
Looking to upgrade your rear lights? Explore our range of bulbs for classic Minis.
Grille Installation: Simple, Quick, and Protective
For the grille, we opted for a simple Rover design with no frills. To make removal quick and easy, we’re using grille buttons. This method not only saves time but also prevents potential damage during maintenance. Since some grilles have sharp edges that can harm your paintwork, we protected the ends by sticking strips of foam to the grille ends. This small addition helps maintain the pristine condition of the bodywork while keeping the grille securely in place.
Considering a new grille for your Mini? Check out our selection of grilles and accessories.
Completing the brightwork and lights on your Mini can be a straightforward process when done correctly. Whether you’re replacing damaged parts or upgrading to modern components, attention to detail is key. Should you need any assistance or technical advice, our team at Mini Sport is here to help - Get in touch >
Ready to start your own Mini restoration? Shop our full range of products and get the expert advice you need to complete your build with confidence.
Want to read Keeping Your Mini Alive 6th Edition Magazine? Download the PDF here
Don't miss out on the rest of the Bogus 2 Series!
This blog series is your go to for a guide to taking your Mini from a bare shell to a road-worthy classic. Check out the rest of the series for tips and advice from our Mini Experts for every stage of your Mini restoration!