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General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
Installed a replacement R53 factory Head unit old one stopped working in some functions.... new one is perfect... and Installed a factory AUX input...
Then the Euro Parcel shelf under steering wheel... slipped in some dense foam strip in choice places and got rid of 90% of my squeaks near the radio...
DANG...The factory HK stereo in my LCI JCW R53..... sure sounds great for a stock stereo.
Unpacked the New FSD's, and laid out all the new bushings, ball joints, mounts etc... made the list of any hardware and supplies I'll need for the install... as well as the list of little parts needed around the car... spring project in May !!
In doing the Radio "Pillar" replacement and doing the shelf ... found that these little clips for the screws often break... and I even looked at my 53 'parts car'... they often seem to break on removal of screw....
Found that Worth-USA makes a similar clip in Yellow in packs of 25.
Specs seem to match the measurements of the blue MINI/BMW units... and they are concealed so you don't see them. https://www.wurthusa.com/Auto-Body-C...UT/p/050822822
how's the stiffness? notice any differences? I've been looking at m7's braces as well
That brace has been in for a few years now, just dropped it to add the paneling...I drove it over NJ streets once last year, without the brace.. noticable difference. The squeaks from the chassis flex are gone with the brace on. It's flatter leaving the driveway...would buy it again if I needed to. I strongly suggest a brace for the cabrio.
Had fun today. I replaced my rusted swaybar. Where the bushing mount on swaybar where rusted an eaten up. Causing a clunk sound going down the road. I upgraded the bar to a 24mm instead on 22.5 stock one. Also replaced whining power steering pump. Then changed the inner ball joints. Now all joints have been replaced. Feels real solid.
Also had to swap out a leaking driver's side axle seal on transmission.
Had fun today. I replaced my rusted swaybar. Where the bushing mount on swaybar where rusted an eaten up. Causing a clunk sound going down the road. I upgraded the bar to a 24mm instead on 22.5 stock one. Also replaced whining power steering pump. Then changed the inner ball joints. Now all joints have been replaced. Feels real solid.
Also had to swap out a leaking driver's side axle seal on transmission.
Thanks all for the kind thoughts. It was a detached garage, thankfully the fire department was there in minutes and there was no damage to our house or any neighbors though the garage and everything in it were a total loss. I loved my MINI but in the end it was all just stuff, no one was injured, no homes damaged or lost and that's the important thing.
It has been great to be a part of this community and see people helping each other. Keep up that generosity and community spirit, "Be excellent to each other!" Maybe I'll be back with a GP2. Motor on.
Thanks all for the kind thoughts. It was a detached garage, thankfully the fire department was there in minutes and there was no damage to our house or any neighbors though the garage and everything in it were a total loss. I loved my MINI but in the end it was all just stuff, no one was injured, no homes damaged or lost and that's the important thing.
It has been great to be a part of this community and see people helping each other. Keep up that generosity and community spirit, "Be excellent to each other!" Maybe I'll be back with a GP2. Motor on.
Though what happened sucks, your attitude is spot on.
Take good care, and check out that GP on BAT! Hope to see you back here soon...
Thanks all for the kind thoughts. It was a detached garage, thankfully the fire department was there in minutes and there was no damage to our house or any neighbors though the garage and everything in it were a total loss. I loved my MINI but in the end it was all just stuff, no one was injured, no homes damaged or lost and that's the important thing.
It has been great to be a part of this community and see people helping each other. Keep up that generosity and community spirit, "Be excellent to each other!" Maybe I'll be back with a GP2. Motor on.
That is the best of news for all that happened...
Great having you part of the forum. Hope to see you back here. GP2, GP3... or a just a Cooper, hope you find another that suits your fancy. Take care and motor on...
Beautiful seats and very much OEM+ look! Love it! I presume if they bolt in clean to R53 they will do same for R56?
Yep, they would bolt straight on to Planted brackets, and the planted brackets would bolt straight onto the mounting points on the floor for the stock rails. I could have these installed in two hours. BUT... they appear to have come without seat heaters. If they did, they will be going straight back.
Shed a tear and said goodbye to my R56S. Garage fire of unknown origin.
Damned sorry to hear it dude. With warm weather coming you will really miss it. I still have mine, but I’ve modified it to the point where my antique butt can’t get in and out of it anymore. Haven’t driven it in over a year now. Hope you don’t have to go that long.
Kind of a 2 dayer. Yesterday drove to Cleveland, rained whole way up there, helped install a RSB on a 4 door justa, pretty much the same install as the r series just different bolts. Also installed my new seat. Then drove back to Cincy in way dryer weather but colder. Get home and it looks like the mini was covered in salt. So spent today cleaning Her back up to pre MOTD.
Yep, they would bolt straight on to Planted brackets, and the planted brackets would bolt straight onto the mounting points on the floor for the stock rails. I could have these installed in two hours. BUT... they appear to have come without seat heaters. If they did, they will be going straight back.
I presume if they bolt in clean to R53 they will do same for R56?
