I was asked at the "Back roads and Battlefields" run about the UJ door handles and I thought I'd give a quick shout out about them here.

5 Hours, 2 1/2 per door. Should you decide you have to have them yourself, I swore to my knuckles, knees and elbows, "never again." However, I'd be happy to cheer you on and pour the brew for you.

David

 

My husband got me some of these for my birthday. With neither of us being mechanically inclined, we took the Mini to the dealership for the install. Their charge was $360, so if you think you can do it yourself, you'll be saving $360.

 

THIS...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d+door+handles

... thread should help.

Post 34, and 50, are especially helpful.

After reading how much of a PITA these handles are to install, I've been dragging my feet on the project for MONTHS. But after hearing the quote from a dealership for doing the job, I think I've found the courage to give it a shot !

 

Either of you have the original chrome handles? Looking to buy a set for $45.

 

I had ordered the checkered handles after the car was already on it's way, and I was quoted about $700 total for handles + install. I decided just then how much I really like the look of those stock chrome ones.

 

I just wish MINI offered them in plain black, or (even better) body color!

I hate chrome. Blech... but I don't want to do the UJ thing on my MINI either...

 

I hope to have a pair for you in a couple weeks.

I have to order the mini-ratchet first... then I have to find some courage. :impatient

 

hahahha.. it's really not that scary nor difficult. just a test of patience...
like i said in the other thread: YOU CAN DO IT!

 

Which is what my swimming instructor yelled out seconds before I beaned my head on the bottom of the pool after jumping off a high dive.

 

i promise you won't drown or hit your head on the bottom during the install of this mod

 

Thanks for yet another vote of confidence, glnr !

You know, for a while there, I forgot I had those door handles in a cabinet in my garage.

I just sent in my order for that ratchet... I think the 18th is going to be the day I tackle the job (at least the PS handle). I'll let you know how it goes.

 

I live only 25 miles from Frederick. In fact, I work in Frederick. So you won't have far to come to pour the brew and cheer for me. I'll even buy the beer... what do you drink ? Yuenglings Black & Tan okay with you ??

 

If I lived closer to you, I would definitely cheer you on for Black & Tan. My wife would like the checkerboard handles on her '05 but after seeing what was involved, I told her no way. Good luck with the install and let us know how it went.

 

You have excellent taste in beer, my friend.

Come on, misery loves company... bust some knuckles and get some fancy door handles on that MINI !!

 

I'll admit I cheated to get my UJ door handles on. I took it to the dealer. But they only charged me $150, plus one of the handles (which I bought second-hand from a NAM member unused) had the clear coating flaking. The dealer replaced it with a new one from stock no questions asked.
The only reason I cheated though was because I read here on NAM what a PITA they were to install. I have the attention span of an 5 year-old when it comes to this kind of stuff.

BTW - A black & tan is a terrible waste of Guinness!

 

I bought a new set of chrome handles and had Lagston wrap them in black vinyl for me. Swapping them was a PITA on the 1st one because I didn't know what I was doing.
The 2nd one was about 30 mins start to finish.
Trick 1 is to use a long, ball ended allen wrench (5.5mm I think) through the access hole in the door to loosen (don't remove) the screw away from the door hinge.
Trick 2 is to get a spouse (or someone else with small hands) to reconnect the cable for you.

 

And to think... I used to like you.

Oh well... things change.

 

Just when I was starting to understand this process, you confused me again.

Is the mini-ratchet NOT the right tool for the job ? Or do I need this allen wrench in addition to the ratchet ?

Which screw are you talking about ? I understand there's three screws in the door handle assembly that hold it on.

Small hands to reconnect the cable ? Kidding... I understand THAT part.

 

From memory, there are 2 screws holding each door handle on. One at the pointy end, one at the blunt end.
After removing the door trim, there is a big hold visible. I just used a regular allen key through this hole to remove the screw from the pointy end.
On the end of the door, there's a small plastic "button" thing that keeps the rubber seal tight to the door metal. Pop it out and bend the rubber back. You should see a smallish access hole. Pop out the grommet for the lock bar and slide it along the bar out of the way and shine a light through it. If you look through the access hole previously mentioned, you can see the blunt end screw head.
Use a long, ball-head allen key (I used these) to loosen the screw until you can remove the handle. You'll need to hold the handle against the door at the same time, but it's not that bad.

 

Thanks, Agro... that's VERY helpful. Even a desk-jockey like me can understand those instructions !



I wonder if that mini-ratchet like VicSkimmer used per the other thread will substitute for that allen wrench... since I just spent money on it.

 

That mini ratchet thing would have made the pointy end screw go much faster than a regular allen key did.

 

Okay. Gotchya. Having both the mini ratchet AND the ball-ended allen wrench would make the job easier. Hate to buy a tool I may only use once, but easier sounds rrrrrrrrrrrrrreal good at this point.

 

it's definitely 3 screws, i have no doubt in my mind... the original chrome ones are sitting right next to me. and yes the ball end allen key works well also, i personally was having trouble with it staying in place so i gave up on that tool.

 

just get a spare set and get them painted
or luck out like i did and a good deal on a pair someone had painted the right color

 

ooooh, ^^ that looks nice