Interior/Exterior Interior and exterior modifications for Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S (R56), and Cabrio (R57) MINIs.

Interior/Exterior My Saturday project...Alcantara interior

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Old Nov 22, 2009 | 03:49 PM
  #1  
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My Saturday project...Alcantara interior

I decided to match my Alcantara shift and brake boot...so, I wrapped the center armrest, door armrests and the center colorline in alcantara. Took me most of Saturday to complete....wasn't too bad except for removing the 3 piece colorline panel which, requires removing most of the dash.

Next thing on my mind is doing the seats....replacing the gray perforated areas with Alcantara. Never thought I would every say this however, I really enjoy the vinyl seats...really durable and not much care is needed unlike my other car's leather interior.

First time I've done something like this and love the results.

Pics...

















 
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Old Nov 22, 2009 | 03:56 PM
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where'd you source the alcantara fabric and how much per yard?

looks like you did a real clean job by the way
 
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Old Nov 22, 2009 | 04:44 PM
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You should get the JCW alcantra steering wheel also. Looks good.
 
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Old Nov 22, 2009 | 06:34 PM
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Yes, very nice! Very clean!

More details - source of alcantara, price, what did you use for adhesive?
 
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Old Nov 22, 2009 | 06:36 PM
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Nice work!
 
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Old Nov 22, 2009 | 07:36 PM
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Nice job. Looks clean.
 
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Old Nov 22, 2009 | 08:17 PM
  #7  
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Thnx for all the replys! I got the alcantara for I believe $70 or $80 a yard shiped...I have the sellers info some where and i'l post post it. And yes, it is genuine alcantara...lol. For the center armrest I used dbl sided tape and for everything else 3m spay can from home depot. I first removed the vinyl then applied the glue...worked great, no wrinkles and looks factory. Photos suck...I'll try and post better ones.

Jcw alcantara steering wheels is next on the list too.
 
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Old Nov 22, 2009 | 09:06 PM
  #8  
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As others have said, it looks great- very clean work. I'm inspired to try a similar project on my car, but I've never taken apart anything in the interior before. Could you point me towards a write-up on tearing down the interior (in particular to access the colorline sections)? Or did you just reference a Hayne's manual? Your own instincts?

-Josh
 
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Old Nov 22, 2009 | 09:56 PM
  #9  
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Josh,

Below you will find the link for 2 vids, which i used as a reference as well as some instincts...not as bad as it look's. I have never done anything like this before and thought it was fairly easy...just take your time. If you decide to do it, I'll help you out with any questions you may have.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc0NZ...om=PL&index=27

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNPtv...eature=related
 
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Old Nov 22, 2009 | 10:07 PM
  #10  
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Awesome job man!
 
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 07:17 AM
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Looks great!
 
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 07:27 AM
  #12  
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That is a good looking mod ! !

I wouldn't suggest the alcantara for the seat surfaces tho.......it's wears real fast. The trim on the seats might look good tho.

edit.....nevermind, missed the part about doing the seats in the OP.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 10:12 AM
  #13  
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Looks awesome
 
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Old Nov 30, 2009 | 08:15 PM
  #14  
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If anyones interested in the Alcantara...just PM me and I'll forward you the sellers info. I paid $80 a yard shipped.
 
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Old Apr 12, 2010 | 10:28 PM
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Originally Posted by nkatsim
Thnx for all the replys! I got the alcantara for I believe $70 or $80 a yard shiped...I have the sellers info some where and i'l post post it. And yes, it is genuine alcantara...lol. For the center armrest I used dbl sided tape and for everything else 3m spay can from home depot. I first removed the vinyl then applied the glue...worked great, no wrinkles and looks factory. Photos suck...I'll try and post better ones.

Jcw alcantara steering wheels is next on the list too.
What's up NK,

I know i'm a bit late into this thread but this actually something that I was looking into and your thread was just perfect (including the videos on how to take out the panels) Now, I see on the post i'm quoting here, i see you mentiond you "removed" the vinyl... are you talking about the OEM vinyl that came with the car?
See the only reason I ask is becuase I'm going to be wrapping my car some time next week, the actual paint in my car is Mellow Yellow and I have the Mellow Yellow leather/vinyl looking trim around the door handles (interior) and dash; however, that's not going to match the wrapping... so i thought i would do something like this and just do black to make it more standard... did you put the fabric material on top of your original or you completely removed it then used this one?

Thanks and sorry for my long post
 
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Old Apr 12, 2010 | 10:41 PM
  #16  
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I planned on wrapping my colorline in suede but ended up listing it in the marketplace and going with the cream color.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2010 | 08:12 PM
  #17  
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Will,

Yes, I removed the OEM vinyl from the door armrest and wraped the suede over the foam. I guess you dont need to remove it...just make sure the material you are using is not too thick. If so, it may be an issue when you snap the armrests back in place. Shoot me a pm if you have any questions or need some help...

Nick

Originally Posted by willjv
What's up NK,

I know i'm a bit late into this thread but this actually something that I was looking into and your thread was just perfect (including the videos on how to take out the panels) Now, I see on the post i'm quoting here, i see you mentiond you "removed" the vinyl... are you talking about the OEM vinyl that came with the car?
See the only reason I ask is becuase I'm going to be wrapping my car some time next week, the actual paint in my car is Mellow Yellow and I have the Mellow Yellow leather/vinyl looking trim around the door handles (interior) and dash; however, that's not going to match the wrapping... so i thought i would do something like this and just do black to make it more standard... did you put the fabric material on top of your original or you completely removed it then used this one?

Thanks and sorry for my long post
 
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Old Apr 13, 2010 | 08:23 PM
  #18  
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Thanks think. I found 2 different local fabric places which i'd be visiting tomorrow or Thursday to get pricing and see what materials i go with. Def will be using your video and guide to get it done.
Thanks for offering to help, i'd keep in touch with you if something comes up...
Thanks agai!
 
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Old Apr 16, 2010 | 12:10 PM
  #19  
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Also look into Micro Suede.......... I think it's cheaper and has the same look.
 
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Old Jun 11, 2011 | 11:38 AM
  #20  
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Long term durability update?

Hey there,

I was wondering if you could provide some comments on the long term durability of this mod?

Did the armrests and center armrest hold up to the use? Any noticeable wear areas?
How well has the spray on glue held?
Any issues with stains or cleaning the Alcantara?

And lastly, would you do it again?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
Tom
 
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Old Jun 11, 2011 | 12:12 PM
  #21  
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Not only does it look great, the durability has been
Excellent...no issues with wear, stains or cleaning after almost 3 years. I would certainly do it again and have. I just posted a new one on the market.

Originally Posted by tcowden
Hey there,

I was wondering if you could provide some comments on the long term durability of this mod?

Did the armrests and center armrest hold up to the use? Any noticeable wear areas?
How well has the spray on glue held?
Any issues with stains or cleaning the Alcantara?

And lastly, would you do it again?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
Tom
 
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Old Aug 8, 2011 | 07:14 PM
  #22  
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Great to hear it holds up after a bit of time. Definitely on my to-do list on the color line bits, I have the standard blah grey.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2011 | 06:52 PM
  #23  
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Thanks!
I have a new never installed 5 piece genuine alcantara set for sale if anyone is interested.
 
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Old Sep 22, 2011 | 08:09 PM
  #24  
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That looks awesome! I now have a new project for my r53
 
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Old Oct 23, 2015 | 10:33 AM
  #25  
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Hi OP,

Necro post, how's it holding up so far?
 
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