Looks great! And so shiny!

 

Ahhh, it's good to be back posting in the mods thread.

Here's a link to my latest endeavor. I went with the same vendor as sdbryant after seeing his similar install, although the fittings are a bit different on the '11 models.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3337582

 

Nice. Looks like it belongs.

I am a little concerned about what appears to be some sand or dirt particles in the upper portion of that third photo though, settled down where a toothbrush could easily reach.

And, those are some great photos and instructions for guys that will be doing this install on their '11's.

 

Believe it or not, I used the air compressor to blow all of that out of there after the install. How I wish I'd have done it before taking the picture to save such utter embarrassment...

 

Finally got to the point where I couldn't stand not knowing my coolant temperature status. Well, one thing led to another (I had that modding itch again) and this is the end result. Yeah, it's probably overkill but now I have insight into everything.

 

Congratulations on a nice installation

 

+1

Very nice video too!

 

With chrome around most of the black areas on Molly's "face," I installed chrome brake duct liners. I think she looks more complete.

At the back, I felt there was just too much chrome on Molly's butt. The rear fog lights have black surrounds, and I liked the muted effect, which didn't really go with the glaring chrome of the tail lights.

I bought a pair of chrome tail light surrounds and blackened them with Plasti-Dip spray. Using a cloth to protect the tail light lens, I pressed a small screwdriver between the lens and the chrome surround.

With a slight twist, the surround separated enough to pop free from the lens' clips. Using a nail file I pushed cloth between the surround and the fender to keep it from snapping back while I loosened the other clips. The chrome surround then separated easily from the fender, and the blackened surround snapped in place with just gentle pressure.

Done! Thanks to numerous NAM posters for comments on applying Plasti-Dip, thanks to Lyle's Vinyl Styles for tips on removing the surround, and thanks to ECS Tuning for good pricing and service on the replacement OEM MINI parts Now, to see how long the Plasti-Dip lasts

 

Looks superb Fred. You did a really nice job getting the Plasti-Dip coating applied nice and evenly.

I remember back when I did the boot handle on S-fax I had a hard time avoiding the little blobs.

 

Thanks, Gary. I generally apply too much paint, and get all sorts of sags and runs. So this time I consciously sprayed very little per coat, and stayed a foot away. I did four coats, and still managed to miss a small spot.

I like the look of the black. I hope it lasts.

 

Anyone interested in a CAI for there R53 check out the marketplace. Would much rather have it go to an EIM member, also it would make for an easy ship.

 

These mods from within our group were all observed this past Saturday on our drive to Gays Mills for the Apple Festival -- and all worthy of a place of distinction in this thread.

(1) The singularly awesome new diffuser of bsteig complete with decorative road grime from appropriately lively motoring:




(2) The sweet new Ultra High Performance ExtremeContact DWS tires gracing the REDMINI of lapshoffman:




(3) ...and these outside mirror graphics of densan57 that say everything that needs to be said!

 

Been doing some experimentation with NCS Expert.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...beginners.html
Lots of reading to gain comfort level first. So far, turned on the pulsing "heartbeat" on top of the tach when the MINI is locked (no alarm system on our MINI).
Also, programmed the windows and sunroof to close with the key fob.
Probably more to come, now that I've gotten started.
"Get down with the sickness."

 

Will be looking forward to seeing all of the fun stuff you figure out how to control.

 

Programmed:

1 touch tilt, open, and close of the sunroof - holding the switch is a pain

Doors unlock when removing the key from the ignition.

Digital speed always shows on the tach display as you cycle through all the options, I think the 2011's are set this way.

Opening doors will not interupt windows rolling up.

Double blink hazard lights, something different.

Fogs and hi-beams on simultaneously.

A/C does not come on automatically with the Auto climate control.

That's it for now. We'll see if we like these changes.

 

Very cool

 

Some reading on MINI programming tweaks.

 

Is the weather band the one we have in the States, i.e. 162.400-162.600 MHz? Have you tried this one?

Thanks for the great info

 

Not sure. It's marked as tested on the 2011's, but I'll give it a shot on our 2009 and let you know.

 

No luck with the weather band. Our 2009 R56 does not show a CHAMP module in the ECU, so no tweak possible.

 

looks like I might be getting another.....

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ate/1317315228

 

Looky what the nice UPS Man dropped off at the house whilst I was down motoring in the Ozarks...



Now I'm all set for whatever Old Man Winter happens to bring.

 

Get out the lift, man! Nice!

 

Very nice! Anxious to see them installed.