Ooo ooo, I do I do!! But first an apology for not being around much lately!

My wife and I took Nitro on his first road trip last week. We headed down to Disney World for a belated first anniversary vacation (our anniversary was in May). Nitro did fabulous!! There was one stretch of 95 in South Carolina that wasn't particularly comfortable, but other than that the ride was great. And there was one moron in a Mitsubishi Lancer who tried to get me to race him . We also went past the break in, and I must say, I'm having a little more fun with him now. I still haven't tried the paddle shifters, though.

On a bummer note, Nitro went back to the bodyshop yesterday for an adjustment to his exhaust. If anyone saw my threads from earlier this week, I found an exhaust mount that wasn't right, and the tips were never really straight, so he went back in. But when I got him back yesterday, I found dings in the exhaust tips . At this point I'm so fed up with bodyshops that I'm not going to say anything to them and either learn to live with it or replace them.

As far as my mod plans, I'd have to say I'm probably more of an appearance mod guy. I've got the glovebox organizer, grille badges, a chrome John Cooper signature emblem, and a blue shorty antenna right now. I plan on adding the euro shelf at some point and would like to tint the windows. The only performance mod I would consider at this point is a 15% pulley, but I'm not sure I want to get into all of that - it can be a bottomless pit. I'm perfectly happy with how it is now. I'll just live vicariously through my fellow PW27SGers

P.S. - I've also got to give props to COOPERation for my signature pic as well. It looks much better than my PSed version!

 

Hey Drew,

Good luck with the custom parts development. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would be interested in hear more about that when you're far enough along to want to tell us.

For the moment I'm content with my car being a bit of a sleeper. I've been very circumspect with the mods that I've done. Although they started before I had even left the dealer's lot, the majority of the things I've done wouldn't be apparent to most MINI owners, let alone the uninitiated.

One of the reasons I've gone about things this way is because I really didn't have a "concept" before I ordered and am still developing one now. Some MINIs I've seen tend to be modded almost haphazardly; with little regard to what the overall outcome will be (both in terms of aesthetics and performance) and so I'm leery of really making substantial changes until I know what I want to ultimately wind up with when I'm done.

So far I've only done two exterior mods. I put on a tow hook license plate mount and changed out my front marker lights for angel eyes. In the interior I installed the Euro parcel shelf (had that waiting before the car even arrived!), added an auxillary audio input, and got a Light in Sight for the windscreen (indispensible). Not immediately visible due to it being behind the dash is an auto-up circuit for the windows.

I've got a number of further mods planned. Tint is going on next month. I need to install my XM unit. I've had the car since July and haven't really listened to the stereo at all. Ironic considering that I'm a musician. The motor just sounds too nice on its own.

The tail lights will be replaced with Euro spec so that the rear turn signals are yellow, not red. While I'm at it I'll probably install a third brake light flash module as well, just for safety. Driving lights will have to be put on at some point too, but the size, placement, and number of them will probably depend on that whole concept thing I mentioned above.

The big ticket items will have to wait a little still. A more responsive rear sway bar is a must. Wheels and tires will definitely be changed out as well: the S-Lites that I ordered were a financial concession and are really the biggest overall performance detriment I've noticed so far.

A short shift kit might also be nice, but it's not a pressing need.

Perhaps the most difficult hurdle, however, is graphics. I know I want them, I just don't have that part of the concept down yet.

Happy Motoring,

-James

 

Sounds like some good plans James. My ideas are currently only that, though a couple have made their way into the design phase.

I'll give one hint away though, I've got a design for a racing seat like nothing on the market right now. I may have a few contacts with the right people too, so that one is a possibility.

As far as graphics go, for me I want to try to stay away from them all together. I'm actually looking into doing some mods to the bonnet, wiper area. If I do, I'll have the silver stripes painted on and done all the way back to the windshield.

For me, it's the little things that turn a really nice car into a masterpiece!

Drew

 

Sounds like there's a lot brewing for PW27 MINIs!

Couple of questions:

1. By adding a pulley and or air cooler, does that affect/null the factory warranty? I'm not sure what to guess so I won't.

2. What the heck are Angel Eyes? I sort have a guess but...well...I won't on that either.

I did some bling for Jake starting last night. Got a chrome dash kit and did the "main" items (tach, speedo and A/C vents). WOW! What a difference.
Esp. in before and after pics. Posted a couple in my gallery.

Clayton

 

While

 

While not a fan of chrome I really like the added bling on the dash. Now if the wife likes it I shall and some bling.

 

Goal #1: Put my license plates on. I got them yesterday but I kindda don't want to put them on yet because then Geoffrey won't feel "new" anymore. I bought a plate holder that attaches to where the tow hook is supposed to go so I don't have to worry about my baby getting holes drilled in him.
Goal #2: Install aux. input.
Goal #3: Umm.. I dunno yet. I kindda like the sleeper look.

 

Greg,

This is a funny message for some reason. Here's to bling!

Clayton

 

I'm really not sure what happened while typing it. I just looked back today and noticed that I managed to double post and my typing wasn't so hot at the end. Should read 'add bling' not 'and bling'.

As a follow up the bling was nixed, she wants performance parts and graphics. It's looking like we might end up with the traditional Japanese tsunami wave done along the side and possibly a rising sun flag on the sunroof. She's been afraid of doing anything because she thought it had to be done in paint and was worried what would happen when she decided she didn't like it. After which I'll send her along to Central Coast Coopers for the performance work as she works very near them, well at least for the stuff I'm not willing to tackle, like the pulley. Exhaust, intake and suspension work is stuff I'm more than willing and able to do. Probably could do the pulley too but I just don't want to.

 

Wow...the tsunami wave and rising sun sound great! Have you seen what they call "frosted" graphics? May work well for the wave.

Btw, do you know if doing mods (particularly the pulley) affects the manuf. warranty?

I posted that earlier but didn't see a response.

What do you expect to spend on that? I know the part is relatively inexpensive but not sure about the install. Are you going for 15% or ???

Have a good weekend!

Clayton

 

I might have to look in to the frosted graphics, but the wife has changed her mind again and now she is just thinking of doing the American and Japanese flags on the side quarter panels by the turn signals.

As for the pulley, I would say that technically it can void some of the warranty if the dealer really wanted to push it but I don't see too many problems from it. Not sure of the price, but I believe with install it is around $250-300. I'll most likely go with a 15%, don't see the need for more.

 

Hey Clayton,

Technically, I believe doing such mods does officially void some parts of the warranty (did you also have a sticker telling you about this on the inside of your windshield when you picked up?), but some dealerships are very mod friendly; turning a blind eye to post-pickup mods as long as they're not the direct cause of any problem. Some (such as mine) even offer their own tuning packages that are not MINI standard performance upgrades.

Other dealers apparently get really sketchy about these things and I've heard tales of people running afoul of their dealer for modding, even when the mods had nothing to do with the problem at hand.

There's all sorts of threads on this subject in the performance mods forum, so if you're contemplating something of that nature, this is a good place to educate yourself first about what it does, what it doesn't do, and what the consequences (warranty, performance and otherwise) would be.

They are also called "halo" type side lights. I put a couple pics up in my gallery, but they were taken in the daytime, so the effect is subdued.

Nice! It's amazing what a small change like that will do. Totally alters the character of the interior. Much more vintage looking now.

I went the opposite route and did the entire interior in anthracite. The only thing that bothers me though is that with the anthracite package the tach ring is silver. Seems like something they would also have done in anthracite, but...

Happy Motoring!

-James

 

A traditional style wave like Hokusai painted? That would be fantastic!

You can get it done in vinyl so it need not be painted on. Looks great, and when you want to change it out, it peels right off.

Happy Motoring!

-James

 

One more post and then I'm gonna go collapse for a while:

Just got back from a nice MINI day out. Our local club has breakfasts once a month rotating through each of the three area dealers. We had nice attendance and good times hanging out and talking shop with each other, the people working at the dealership, and prospective MINI purchasers.

Afterwards a few of us went over to the racing supply store in preparation for a track day coming up next month. Then off we went on a quick run through some twisty backroads over to a British restaurant for tea.

I may be the last one in our PW to do so, but I FINALLY hit my break in period today and was able to open it up.

Only with the MINI folks do I go to "breakfast" and come home at 7PM!

Happy Motoring!

-James

 

Halos: (hubby's mini)

 

Wow. Angels eyes/halos are cool! That could go on Jake's list of potential mods/accessories.

James - thanks for all info on mods, angel eyes, etc. Great to have you all for input, resources, etc. I guess that's what forum means, eh?

I'm finishing up my bling package today. Did the lower panel stuff (shift ring, etc.) and was waiting on the toggle seperators but I'm ready now.

I went out for a Sunday motoring run and got a rock in the windshield.

I was zipping about trying to get around the regular Sunday drivers (even on the freeway). Decided to chill for a bit and 2-seconds later an F-150 threw a rock and CRACK - a spider just left of center. ARRRRGGHHH!

I called the MINI dealership to find out the deal. Want to make sure I use MINI stuff (esp. since I've only had Jake 3 1/2 weeks)! Krikey. Hope it's a fix while you wait thing and not more. I just got him back on THURSDAY!

Time to finish my chrome pack.

 

Hey kids...

I added the lower dash chrome pieces and TA-DA! It looks great!

I slowly added pieces and tried them on first because I didn't want it to be too much.

Check it out! A full dash view is in my gallery if'n ya wanna peek.

 

Wow, that interior looks vaguely familiar........
Looks fantastic! I miss my little chrome toggle bits. I may have to break down and buy some more of those.

 

Ah yes, very Mosquito-esque? He was my inspiration to Jake the JCW floor mats!

 

Does the chrome stuff just fit over the existing pieces, or does it replace them? It looks great!

 

Thanks!

The pieces fit OVER the existing. They are ABS (standard auto fixture plastic, I believe) with chrome (I believe that is a finish not actual chrome).

Each piece has 3M double-sided sticky tape inside. Just peel and stick.

The set I got was on eBay (and are still there at an eBay store/buy it now). Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mini-...mZ300028110071

It's 23-pieces for $90 (incl. shipping) if you just buy. A lot better than $100 at OutMotoring.com for just the 4 main dash pieces (tach, speedo, 2 A/C vents).

The only problem I've had (and in the process of correcting) is that the back seat beverage ring is too shallow and won't cover the existing ring. The seller is working on it but said they've never had any problems with this kit before. I think the wrong piece got in the box (as they have other chrome kit/items for various vehicles).

Wow...TMI, maybe?

Anyway, thanks for the compliments everyone. I REALLY like the look. Not too much and makes me think it should be a standard option.

Clayton

PS The speaker pieces DO NOT fit the H/K speakers. That's OK with me. I like them the way they are!

PPS Just heard from the eBay seller. They are asking for photos of the H/K speaker setup so that they can provide the correct pieces.

 

I believe that's the same seller I got mine from too and I didn't have a problem with my back cup holder. Hmmmm.....

In addition to the HK speaker rings, the door handle rings do not fit an HK car either. Now, if they'd only make a ring for the old 2-spoke steering wheel center.

 

Don't know about the old 2-spoke. They do send some steering wheel pieces that don't go with the multi-function.

I just sent them photos of the entire H/K setup. They are going to try to accomodate the lower speaker ring (which I pretty much knew wouldn't fit) AND the small speaker/door handle piece as well.

Not sure why my bev'g ring didn't fit - as I said - I think they threw in the wrong one or maybe this was not to 'spec' and they didn't catch it.

 

Hello everyone, glad to see my question stirred up some discussion.

I'm back from another trip with BLISS! I think I'll be keeping him in the garage for a while though, I've got over 7,300 miles on him already. I'm going to Baltimore this coming weekend and was going to drive him, but after my trip to Atlanta/Dublin, GA this weekend I think I need to cut down on the miles. I don't exactly want to have my first scheduled service before 2 months is up!

Looks like I'll be driving my Blazer around for a while. I was waiting on my renewed tags stickers to come in but I may just have to start driving it again. Oh well, I'm not trying to run BLISS into the ground in the first year!

Drew

 

Oh, and if you are bored, check out my link in my profile. I have pictures of my last few cars in there, and the Blazer that I will be riding around in. Not sure if anyone will like them though, haha.

Drew