From this side of the pond, what are your thoughts on top modifications to the GP? Below is the current list for my GP 0102 (which is about to pass 5,000 miles on the odometer and I’m loving every minute of it). Thanks in advance for your ideas!

Done
() Flat tire kit
() Amorglove paint protection film ("clear bra")
() Hardwire Valentine-1 (radar detector) kit
() Stubby antenna
() Aero grill

Ready to Do
() Euro parcel shelf
() Glovebox organizer
() GTT strut brace

Getting Ready to Do
() Camber plates (thinking about the Helix/RDR)
() Replacement headlight bulbs (what kind are the best?)
() Oil catch can (I see the M7 version but I’d like one in "stealth black" if possible)

On the List
() 14mm by 1.25mm locking wheel lug nuts
() Tint (thinking about the Huper Optik ceramic tint)
() Painted arches (and buy a set of stock arches to keep on hand for retro to stock look)
() Real brake duct setup
() Spare set of GP floor mats
() Interior "heat shield" for front windshield
() Daily driver set of wheels and tires (BBS RS-GT - Diamond Black w/Mach Lip wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires)

 

While I don't own a GP, I can say that the Helix camber plates are great. Beefy and effective. If only they were cheaper.

 

Long list Steve

What have I done so far ...
replaced toggle switch panel with no missing switches and red rings
rear fog light (don't like the blanking plate)
locking wheel nuts
euro shelf
glovebox organizer (not so much a mod as an omitted essential!)
paint protection (because I was offered a too-good-to-refuse deal)
new GP floor mats (keeping the "Monterey specials" - and I bet I forget them!)

I'd like to get a significant stereo upgrade, including sound deadening to reduce the road noise from the tires echoing in the back of the car.
For winter, I expect to drive my other MINI, so alternate tires aren't a requirement.
Tinted glass would be nice if I knew someone good to do it.

I'll be interested to see what comes of your replacement bulbs, painted wheel arches, and real brake ducts ...


What's a "heat shield" for front windshield?

 

GB MINI
Where did you access the locking wheel lugs and "GP " floormats, Part Numbers appreciated
Tks
Steve GP0180

 

Steve,
Don't know the part numbers - but MINI of Peabody had them all; that excellent dealership stays on top of all parts (and they will ship too)

 

I'm going to order a set of Sylvania (white) bulbs from Moss Mini on Tuesday. And, I'm stoked, I saw a pic and write-up of the GTT strut brace installed on a GP in Europe this weekend.

That will be a nice addition before the next local MINI group rally!

The "heat shield for front winshield" is just me not knowing how to describe a well fitted (custom?) winshield shade device (to put in the inside each morning when I park it in the outside hot Texas sun).

 

Where will the bulbs go - headlights?
If you could fit just one and take a left/right compare picture in the night, that would be excellent of course, a big pain for you ...

I saw those GTT pics too - shame only one pic was clear enough to see anything, but I think it looked very good

 

I'll have to see how those Sylvania's look since I miss the xenon's from my MCS.

Only a couple more weeks till there's 2 GP's running around Plano

 

HMMMM - I would like to know how to hardwire a radar detector, Valentine or not, to a MINI. Get the power from the interior light switch?
Anyone have experience with this?
Thanks,

 

Camber plates arrived last night and should get installed within the next week or two. Strut brace en route and looking forward to that, too. On the Valentine hardwiring, I take my cars to a local shop (along with a new Valentine hardwire kit each time) and they install that for me. On both MINI Cooper's they tapped power from the rearview mirror area. Still looking for somebody who has upgraded bulbs (for the front headlights) in stock versus backorder. Also thinking about other nice wheel alternatives (I really want a nice set of wheels for the GP ... it deserves something really special ... the "standard" GP wheels are good, too, but for some reason I'm thinking this would be a nice "externally visible" personalization to do. I've had Fikse and Forgelines on previous cars, so I know high end wheels cost the bucks.)

 

Peter,
Here's a nice simple way to get power for your radar detector:
http://www.jwardell.com/mini/fusetap.html

 

My process is detailed here for an '04. Note that the '06 may be a bit different WRT the dash.
A search for Valentine in the 'Electrical Modifications' forum will give additional input.

 

Oh, thanks, Ian! That looks like a nice and tidy and professional way to do it.
Guess based on that I should have someone else install for me so I don't screw it up totally!

 

Minzilla, What ever happened to your S? I was parked next to you at Mid-Ohio BMWCCA August school.

 

I do not have a side by side comparison but I am partial to the PIAA Xtreme White Plus bulbs. They are the closest I have found to xenons. Of course this is only my humble opinion.

Low beams & fogs w/ Piaas

 

I tapped into the rearview mirror when I hardwired my V1.