R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Dorky cheapskate modification

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  #1  
Old 12-10-2005, 01:48 PM
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Dorky cheapskate modification

I read somwhere about removing the badges.
As I got to the OOs, I had an idea.
I modified the E into an L, and covered the cuts with Bare-Metal foil.
Yea, it's really dorky, but it didn't cost anything!

Anyone dare to admit to cheap modifications?
 

Last edited by 89AKurt; 12-12-2005 at 09:44 PM. Reason: I'm trying smaller file, not picture
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Old 12-10-2005, 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 89AKurt

I read somwhere about removing the badges.
As I got to the OOs, I had an idea.
I modified the E into an L, and covered the cuts with Bare-Metal foil.
Yea, it's really dorky, but it didn't cost anything!

Anyone dare to admit to cheap modifications?
Haha Brilliant! The only cheap dorky mods I have is a 1:1 scale sticker in the back its cheap because I cut it out with scissors and adhesive white labels

http://www.mini2.com/galleries/data/...m/IMG_4514.jpg
 
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Old 12-10-2005, 03:45 PM
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Full scale.

I've noticed a few members have this "sticker." BTW: Where's the CR Is Best thread?
 
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Old 07-15-2006, 08:29 AM
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Part 2

I used pinstripe tape on the Jetta's taillights and other lights, so I'm trying one side of the car for now.

Ew... car is dirty.

A little more interesting with the cat. This camera shutter is soooooo slooooowwwwww......
 
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Old 07-15-2006, 09:03 AM
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I actually like that idea! I have been trying to find a way to minimize the appearance of those side reflectors without just removing them completely, i might have to try that idea.
 
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Old 07-15-2006, 09:24 AM
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I saw that someone is selling custom sunroof shades for about $100. I couldn't imagine paying that much for some reflective material, even if it is cut to fit and has a piece of velcro sewn on it.

So I went to my local store that sells groceries, auto parts, underwear, cosmetics, jewelry, toys, tools, garden plants, pharmaceuticals, housewares, electronics, craft supplies, tires, happy meals, and develops film in an hour.

There I found a $5 set of springy collapsable windshield shades. Turns out that the smallest size they sell fits perfectly in the large sunroof. And if you are a little clever at folding the springy stuff, you can stuff the other one into the smaller space without it being noticeable that it is stuffed in there.

I'm happy, my MINI is cooler, and I love being a cheapskate when I can!
 
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Old 07-15-2006, 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Yucca Patrol
I saw that someone is selling custom sunroof shades for about $100. I couldn't imagine paying that much for some reflective material, even if it is cut to fit and has a piece of velcro sewn on it.

So I went to my local store that sells groceries, auto parts, underwear, cosmetics, jewelry, toys, tools, garden plants, pharmaceuticals, housewares, electronics, craft supplies, tires, happy meals, and develops film in an hour.

There I found a $5 set of springy collapsable windshield shades. Turns out that the smallest size they sell fits perfectly in the large sunroof. And if you are a little clever at folding the springy stuff, you can stuff the other one into the smaller space without it being noticeable that it is stuffed in there.

I'm happy, my MINI is cooler, and I love being a cheapskate when I can!
Now that is a hell of an idea. It is going to be 112 today, no *****. You have just given me a mission .

Thanks,

Randy
M7 Tuning
 
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Old 07-15-2006, 09:31 AM
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Originally Posted by 89AKurt
This ain't free but you can make anything you want ...
http://www.youremblem.com/
 
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Old 07-15-2006, 09:39 AM
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Hahaha I thought of that awhile ago, but never dared to try it. I was thinking of COOLER though--replacing the P with an L.

As for cheap "dorky" mods, I fixed my loose diverter with a screw and a zip tie. Also made my HAI into a semi CAI with a piece of plumbing hose from Home Depot.



https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ght=intake+mod


Originally Posted by 89AKurt
I read somwhere about removing the badges.
As I got to the OOs, I had an idea.
I modified the E into an L, and covered the cuts with Bare-Metal foil.
Yea, it's really dorky, but it didn't cost anything!

Anyone dare to admit to cheap modifications?
 
  #10  
Old 07-15-2006, 09:58 AM
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I used black electrical tape to mask of the outer half of both license plate lights on the rear boot hatch, making a nice puddle of light right in the middle on the plate but not on the boot, which does tend to get dusty, right? I've had it this way for 3.5 years and had to replace the tape once or twice. Looks great at night, although it definitely qualifies as "dorky cheapskate."
 
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Old 07-15-2006, 10:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Yucca Patrol
I saw that someone is selling custom sunroof shades for about $100. I couldn't imagine paying that much for some reflective material, even if it is cut to fit and has a piece of velcro sewn on it.

So I went to my local store that sells groceries, auto parts, underwear, cosmetics, jewelry, toys, tools, garden plants, pharmaceuticals, housewares, electronics, craft supplies, tires, happy meals, and develops film in an hour.

There I found a $5 set of springy collapsable windshield shades. Turns out that the smallest size they sell fits perfectly in the large sunroof. And if you are a little clever at folding the springy stuff, you can stuff the other one into the smaller space without it being noticeable that it is stuffed in there.

I'm happy, my MINI is cooler, and I love being a cheapskate when I can!
Excellent....and thanks for sharing. I feel the same way about that sunshade...WAY TOO Expensive!
 
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Old 07-15-2006, 10:14 AM
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For those of you doing the cheapskate sunroof shield, the $10 version looks like it is a bit thicker material and a bit more reflective. If you have someone who can sew well, you could have them cut down one of these to fit the rear better, but the creative stuffing works just fine. Since the glass is tinted and the standard MINI shade covers it, I'm not going to bother.

If I recall, the shade set I bought was the Auto Expressions Basix version in the smallest size. Even if you just use it on the large glass, it works very nicely.
 
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Old 09-23-2006, 09:27 AM
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It's not a MINI...


Couldn't resist.
 
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Old 09-23-2006, 11:08 AM
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fun ideas
 
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Old 09-23-2006, 11:57 AM
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I had tons of "dorky" ideas on mine. One simple little thing that I did under the hood was to cut off all of the little stickers that were on the wires, and the fan sticker. I was suprised how much that cleaned it up.
 
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Old 09-23-2006, 11:59 AM
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amazing what a $4 can of spraypaint can do.

 
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Old 09-23-2006, 03:01 PM
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lol blacked out the lights. I love those rims... one day when I get some cash that is the rim im getting. 3x the price of my konig rewinds though exactly!

I like your red accent style. english panther interior too, I must compliment you on your tastes. All of your options sound great.
 
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Old 09-23-2006, 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by maxmini
Now that is a hell of an idea. It is going to be 112 today, no *****. You have just given me a mission .

Thanks,

Randy
M7 Tuning
Looking forward to the "M7 MINIshade", complete with computer heat dispersion chart!
 
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Old 09-23-2006, 03:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Patagonian GT
amazing what a $4 can of spraypaint can do.

Oh StompRocket.....you got company!
 
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Old 09-23-2006, 04:00 PM
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StompRocket??
 
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Old 09-24-2006, 04:38 AM
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Somewhere I saw a post about closing up the two holes (top & front) of the door ovals. I went to Lowes yesterday, found the black (they have "chrome" too but they aren't shiny enough) nylon plugs, 2 per pack, 5/8 & 11/16, installed them in the parking lot. Total cost less than $3. Also, www.chromeemblems.com has 1 1/4" chrome letters with adhesive back for $2.50 (free shipping). I haven't tried those yet, but I am getting real close.
 
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Old 09-24-2006, 04:50 AM
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Originally Posted by davavd
Somewhere I saw a post about closing up the two holes (top & front) of the door ovals. I went to Lowes yesterday, found the black (they have "chrome" too but they aren't shiny enough) nylon plugs, 2 per pack, 5/8 & 11/16, installed them in the parking lot. Total cost less than $3. Also, www.chromeemblems.com has 1 1/4" chrome letters with adhesive back for $2.50 (free shipping). I haven't tried those yet, but I am getting real close.
You mean like this?

 
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Old 09-24-2006, 06:05 AM
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you can find my dorky (?) almost free mod here... painted shifter trim.
i just used some graphite metallic paint and some clearcoat.

http://www.geocities.com/ken350gt/4.15.shiftring.jpg
 
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Old 09-24-2006, 06:19 AM
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mine looks like that already. anthracite interior and headliner I guess??
 
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Old 09-24-2006, 08:20 AM
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Originally Posted by Patagonian GT
mine looks like that already. anthracite interior and headliner I guess??
really? mine is anthrasite but headliner is the light gray color.

that ring should come from the factory in that color...imho!.
 


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