Tracking those Eastern Iowa MINI Mods
#1
Tracking those Eastern Iowa MINI Mods
Howdy all!
I decided to kick off this thread for two reasons:
1. I know many of you are probably out there tinkering around in your garages and carports, and maybe working on nifty new mods--both great and small--to your MINI. Since the winter weather prevents us from getting together as often as we might otherwise, I really miss the enjoyment of seeing your MINI and any recent changes you might have made. This thread could become a living history of our MINIs and how they stay the same or morph with time--stuff you wouldn't see unless you did some serious gallery research.
2. If you'll indulge me, it gives me the chance to show off my new vinyl-wrapped headlight rings, just installed this morning -
So, let us know what you've been up to--the big mods and the little mods. We can inspire each other.
Happy motoring!
I decided to kick off this thread for two reasons:
1. I know many of you are probably out there tinkering around in your garages and carports, and maybe working on nifty new mods--both great and small--to your MINI. Since the winter weather prevents us from getting together as often as we might otherwise, I really miss the enjoyment of seeing your MINI and any recent changes you might have made. This thread could become a living history of our MINIs and how they stay the same or morph with time--stuff you wouldn't see unless you did some serious gallery research.
2. If you'll indulge me, it gives me the chance to show off my new vinyl-wrapped headlight rings, just installed this morning -
So, let us know what you've been up to--the big mods and the little mods. We can inspire each other.
Happy motoring!
Last edited by Gil-galad; 02-27-2008 at 05:13 PM.
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You still got the sway bar on your list too?
I already came to terms with my personal decision not to lower. The risks in my neck of the woods (e.g., ice chunks, frost heaves, rough roads, etc.) weigh too heavily against the rewards (i.e., the awesome look). Maybe if I lived in southern California...
I already came to terms with my personal decision not to lower. The risks in my neck of the woods (e.g., ice chunks, frost heaves, rough roads, etc.) weigh too heavily against the rewards (i.e., the awesome look). Maybe if I lived in southern California...
#6
Gil-Galad
- I just placed my order for the R56 JCW grille insert and trim and wanted to do the vinyl around the headlights. (Going for the blackout look as much as I can. No Chrome) I know that you have the vinyls and I believe got them through Lyle. I'm pretty sure you did this install yourself. Was wondering maybe at one of our meetups if I got these vinyls if you may be able to lend your expetise?
- I just placed my order for the R56 JCW grille insert and trim and wanted to do the vinyl around the headlights. (Going for the blackout look as much as I can. No Chrome) I know that you have the vinyls and I believe got them through Lyle. I'm pretty sure you did this install yourself. Was wondering maybe at one of our meetups if I got these vinyls if you may be able to lend your expetise?
#7
Gil-Galad
- I just placed my order for the R56 JCW grille insert and trim and wanted to do the vinyl around the headlights. (Going for the blackout look as much as I can. No Chrome) I know that you have the vinyls and I believe got them through Lyle. I'm pretty sure you did this install yourself. Was wondering maybe at one of our meetups if I got these vinyls if you may be able to lend your expetise?
- I just placed my order for the R56 JCW grille insert and trim and wanted to do the vinyl around the headlights. (Going for the blackout look as much as I can. No Chrome) I know that you have the vinyls and I believe got them through Lyle. I'm pretty sure you did this install yourself. Was wondering maybe at one of our meetups if I got these vinyls if you may be able to lend your expetise?
The only tricky part of my HL ring install was getting the old ones off--I want to make sure I didn't break any of the little plastic tabs. The first one took 10-15 minutes because I was being real careful. I got a technique down and as a result, the second one only took about 2 minutes.
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#9
So with the HL you get a whole new ring covered in vinyl? I guess I was under the impression he just sent you the vinyl and you had to put it on the existing piece. Thanks for clearing that up! Yea, a mod party is definitely necessary. I'm looking at getting a CAI and am looking at the M7 or DDM Works b/c they both make the non-functional head scoop functional on the R56.
#10
There's several ways you can proceed. I think all the options are itemized on the Vinyl Styles site. You could, in fact, send yours off to get them wrapped (meaning your MINI is out of action for a while). Or, you can do what I did -- ordered the wrapped rings (mine are double-wrapped) and then you get reimbursed for the ring part once you ship your originals back to Lyle (so he can make another customer happy ). That's why it's important not to break any tabs. If you don't send the unwrapped rings back, you'll have an extra set but you'll be charged for them.
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New pad, lines, and rotors installed.
New Swaybar installed (wow what a difference)
The pads and rotors were heated and broke in last night (what a stink)
When lowering the back end after the swaybar install the car was much much more rigid. In corners there is almost no understeer even in snow it keeps you much more planted.
New Swaybar installed (wow what a difference)
The pads and rotors were heated and broke in last night (what a stink)
When lowering the back end after the swaybar install the car was much much more rigid. In corners there is almost no understeer even in snow it keeps you much more planted.
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Headlight Rings on today and having the belt line blacked out next week. As I as getting ready to put the headlight washer covers on though my latch for the bonnet inside the car broke and my bonnet will not open now! No I have to make a trip back to the dealer to get it fixed next weekend. What a pain in the butt. Anyways, I plan to black out the gas cap and then start to engine mods. Probably a CAI and then an ECU piggyback. We will see!
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Are you up to assisting with a 4-wheel brake replacement (rotors, pads, and lines)? I lack both the compression tool for the rear and the experience...
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