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I received an interior Chrome Trim Kit and with the cold temps I'm reluctant to test my skills to install.
Where can I find Installation instructions for the kit?
Didn't come with directions ? IMO, double face 3M tape will not bond well in cold temps. I would think the kit would indicate that too. When I did a few pieces of mine, it was best to just expose as little of the 3M tape as possible to line it up correctly, removing the red backing strip just a little at a time while it's lined up.
Venders are totally ripping us off on this stuff and their chrome parts are cheap looking in comparison to the OEM stuff.
Here is what our MINI Dealer charges for the chrome parts over the counter for mid year 1 GEN. I would think these prices are across the board for most years, models...give or take a few bucks.
(2) Dash Air Vent Rings 51 45 7 132 399 $13.70 each
(1) Speedometer Bezel 51 45 7 132 400 $13.70
(2) Dash Button Bezels 62 10 6 936 278 $17.80 each
(1) Cup Holder Ring 51 16 7 127 915 $11.30
(1) Gearshift Ring 51 16 7 131 186 $11.30
(1) Handbrake Grip 34 40 6 765 608 $26.50
Order from an aftermarket company: (1) Chrome tach COVER (not ring) $10-30.50 each
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2003 R53 - DS - 135K + Miles
Parts of MINI NOT Modded ( A Shorter List ) Block/Head/HK Stereo.
I'll second gRay's OEM endorsement. I bought the OEM Chrome Line upgrade, and recommend it exclusively. It's OEM so it looks excellent, of course, and it's very easy to install.
Excellent Info.
I also need info on Door Speaker Rings and Vent rings next to Doors.
I have the new ones so i can locate the tabs. I will try twisting Clockwies to see if it is like the other Dash rings.
I'm interested in the installation instructions for this too. I didn't realize the parts were that inexpensive (relatively speaking) and I might take the plunge.
Funny thing, my 2008 Clubman has the piano black trim, but not the chrome. I think when you build a MINI now, the chrome comes automatically with the piano black? Maybe I'm mistaken.
We installed the interior chrome kit in our Clubman. There were no instructions with any of the parts. The door trim pieces were easy. Just pull the little plug out and the door handle trim pops off and you replace it with the new trim.
We didn't get the speaker rings.
The cup holders were easy. I found there was a little lip inside the cup that a small flat screwdriver or pick will wedge under. Once you get it started just pull them up and the old rings pop off. Replace with the new rings.
Ours is an automatic. I don't know if this will work with a manual. Pull on the top of the handle and it will pop off. It's not easy. You just have to commit to it. Once it comes off the new one goes on. There's a little white ring that squeezes the leather boot to the bottom of the knob, don't forget to put that back. I had to cut two Vs in the the leather to get the knob back on the stick. I used the old boot to figure how to cut the Vs.
The vents and and speedo were a little more difficult. I went to Lawman's house and he did those while avoiding looking. The speedo involved taking the center grill out of the dash and some of the trimline off.
The vents involved taking the trim off the front pillars. (The little AIRBAG ovals pop out and reveal a screw) There are some other pieces that come off on the outside of each vent but like I said I mostly couldn't watch.
Hope that helps some.
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Woody and Barbara Marshall
Middle Georgia MINI Club
Macon, GA USA Pigweed
2008 MINI Clubman
