I have seen photos pf the "parcel shelf" that some coopers got instead of the glove box. I like the glove box we get in the US, but I would LOVE to put a parcel shelf on teh driver's side, under the steering wheel, as I've seen on euro cars. Did any early US cars get this? I'm wondering if I can order the part from the dealer... I'd ask, but they are closed for the night.

 

I see this question is relatively old. Have you made any progress? I am not familiar with this and would be curious if you had any pictures? I saw a little insert at one of the aftermarket websites that fits between the pillars of the console that will hold some odd-n-ends (can't remember which one), but I'd be interested to see this parcel shelf as well.

 

I haven't found out anything, for certain, but will certainly post what I find out when I find it out. <ahem>

Anyway, I will be picking up my car next week, so I'll be better able to asess the situation after that.

 

It seems that the glovebox and the parcel shelf are interchangeable. There is a thread on MINI2 that details this as well as the replacement of the driver's side knee bolster with the parcel shelf. See the posts by MiNiGuY. You can get the parts for the parcel shelf from MINI in Germany.

parcel shelf

 

Excellent. Is there a web site the parts can be ordered from, or will it take a phone call to a dealer in Germany? How about the UK? Mein Deutsch ist nicht so gut..

 

I would agree that the parcel shelf looks cool, but the glovebox design is also suppose to help prevent submarining in an accident (basically the knees would hit the glovebox door and it would help prevent you from slipping further off the front edge of the seat). Thus, if you were to get in an acccident in the U.S. with the parcel shelf, I would think it could be problematic considering you removed safety equipment.

 

Verruckt: do a search on MINI2 for the parcel shelf. There are some people that have done this mod and may be able to direct you to the right source for obtaining these parts.

DaveInDenver: good point about the safety aspects of replacing the glovebox with the parcel shelf. But on the driver's side, wouldn't the steering wheel keep you from submarining in the event of a collision?

 

This modification certainly adds one more tie back to the vintage minis but I can't help but wonder if anyone has gone the other direction.

Has anyone located a conversion kit to make the glovebox lockable? I would love to be able to lock the glovebox even with the realization that a thief will get in no mattter what.

MiniB

 

Harmini: I believe there are still knee bolsters under the steering wheel. So there too, the effect would be the same. Removal of a safety feature (at least as defined by U.S. code).

You have a great screenname by the way. :smile:

 

Just thought I would also post this link that has further discussion of the parcel shelf, including the safety concern.

Lots of opinions on this subject. I, personally, like the shelf and believe that it would give similar anti-submarining protection as the knee bolster overall. I think this pic is worth a lot of words... (Not my pic, it is in the thread posted above from a German LH drive MINI.)

It just seems a little pricey to me for this simple of a mod.

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Molly is a PS/B MC, with all 3 pkgs, CVT, + NAV system - and that little shark-fin antenna! (too much fun!)


<img src=https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/albums/album04/biw.thumb.jpg]

 

Ordered the parts from my MINI dealer in January and installed it this last holiday weekend. Great modification, very clean as if it was done at the factory. Doesn't take long and there is a How-To here:
Driver's parcel shelf installation
Removing the existing US bolster is easy (Edges are sharp so watch your hands!). What's missing from this How-To is a photo or description of actually fitting in the shelf (BMW calls it a "storage part".). Orient the new part with the shelf parallel to the floor so it's level as it would be after it's installed. Then, you have to put the two top edges slightly under the dash where your two screws will go. Finally, you just have to press up hard on the bottom of the shelf to "pop" it up and beyond the black shelf support. It doesn't seem like it will move -- but it will.

A great and useful mod that I recommend. Not a lot of extra storage but just enough for CDs, a phone and sunglasses.

My note here combined with the How-To is all you need -- and the parts. PM me if you have questions.

_________________
Indi Blue Cooper w/ Black top & mirrors, sport seats and Prem. Pkg. Christened "Ringo".

 

Ken,
What is the approx. cost of the parcel shelf assembly?
Thanks,
Gary

 

I just called my Dealer (Prestige MINI) and ordered the two parts. one is $38 and the other is $34.. that would run $72.00 for the shelf. It's really not that bad for a factory look install, considering what aftermarket charges for small mods like that.

 

Hats off to kensmini for one excellent how to; pics, part numbers and all! So good I've bookmarked it to make it easier to find when the day comes that I get my MCS. Thanks!

James

 

Mister and all,
Wish I could take credit for the parcel shelf How-To but that beautiful work isn't mine, I only point it out. I thought it was clear, well-photographed and accurate. My only addition is that the actual placement of the shelf part at the moment that you force it into position is not included. That's my only addition. "Jason Livingood" is the author -- I don't know if he's an MCO member.

The cost is pretty high but I felt it was worth it. Here is the parts list with prices charged by MINI USA. My SF dealer added sales tax:

51-16-1-186-417 Shelf 45.90
51-16-7-057-375 Matt 41.51
51-45-7-072-009 Blank 6.13
07-13-1-472-727 Nut (1.54 ea.) 3.08
07-13-6-800-957 Slvr Screw (2.20 ea.) 4.40
51-41-0-141-057 Blck Screw (1.56 ea.) 3.12

The matt is an exaxt fit with sculpted depressions on the top surface. You could really save money here by omitting it or making your own. If the things you'll put on the shelf are already padded or won't slide around, you might not need it. I ordered both sets of screws, you only need 2 screws. Order an extra nut or two, if they break or are lost, your project is on hold.

I'm very happy with this change and though the price isn't low, I'm okay with it. Forget the matt to save money if you need to. You can always order it later.

Looks like Phobol got slightly better prices at Prestige. That's great! He (or she) will need to get the screws (2), nuts (2) and the "Blanking part" which covers the rally light switch hole in the left of the shelf.

Anyone need a slightly used dash bolster for a left-drive Cooper?

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Indi Blue Cooper w/ Black top & mirrors, sport seats and Prem. Pkg. Christened "Ringo".

 

Thanx for the additional part numbers. I was wondering if they are included. :smile:

Grand total with tax is $80.56, still a good deal!


Oh, and Phobol is a he.

 

I love the parcel shelf, but this was my first dealer buy and I soon discovered that some of the dealers jack up the parts prices ALOT!!! I paid almost $100 from Princeton MINI (NJ), and that will be the last time I buy any parts from them.

The install takes about 5 minutes and is the kind of storage space that comes in handy quite often for envelopes, NJ Turnpike toll tickets, etc.

 

Picked it up at the dealer today, install took less than 10 minutes, partially because of the PIAA lights switch. Looks great, and is very practical. I freed up my cup holder! Will take a pic (though i think there are some already posted) tomorrow.

 

Good job Phobol. We'd love to see more pictures. Most of the pics of the parcel shelf are too dark to see how great this little shelf looks installed.

 

Ok, i took some pics. Please don't kill me for the file weight, I compressed it as much as possible without it losing too much quality. Pardon the dirt in the MCS as the weather here remains to get better.

 

Where can I get the parcel box, because I would really like to get it.

 

Phobol,
What is the switch you have in the shelf switch position - it does not look like the standard MINI rally light switch?

 

Great job and pics Phobol! Thanks to you and kensmini for the information on this mod! I had sort of forgotten about this for a little while - but it is back at the TOP of my list!

 

>>
>>Phobol,
>>What is the switch you have in the shelf switch position - it does not look like the standard MINI rally light switch?
>>

That's the switch for the PIAA lights. Dealer installed them as an option. I am not crazy about this switch and wish I could add it to the toggle panel. Maybe in the future - I saw someone installing the panel with more switches.

 

how do i get parcel shelf on drivers side??