I read a thread recently with a somewhat sketchy description of one person's installation -- but I couldn't even get the brake console off to begin the installation. I'm sure it's just because I don't know the right places to exert pressure/leverage to pop it off. I'm afraid of breaking the hard plastic console so I quit before using too much force.

Thoughts anyone ? ? ?

Thanks,
Joe

 

Silence ... I see ... This is not good!

 

I'd consider getting one if I could only find a picture that clearly shows how far forward it extends. Every pic I've seen is taken at an angle so I can't really tell.

The armest I have extends to the very front of the e-brake boot, which is not quite far enough for me. If the MF armrest extends further I'd be very tempted to get it.

 

>>I'd consider getting one if I could only find a picture that clearly shows how far forward it extends. Every pic I've seen is taken at an angle so I can't really tell.
>>

Scooter Boy: Go to the Bridger.US/MINI website. On the right side of the opening page is a section titled: REVIEWS. Click on the last one, a review of the Mini-Fini Armrest complete with three large photos. The widest part of the armrest when folded down extends forward almost to the very end of the brake handle.

The whole device is an extremely well-built, durable feeling quality piece of work. Just wish I could figure out how to get the brake console off without breaking anything, so I could install mine !

Joe

 

I'd seen those pics, but the top one is cropped so you can't see the front of it and the bottom one is taken at an angle so it's hard to see exactly how far it extends.

You say you haven't installed yours - so does your description of how far it extends come from the bridger site picture or from actually checking it out in your car?

I haven't removed my e-brake console, but as I understand it you have to pry off the cap that's on the end of the brake lever, slide off the brake handle, then unpop the clips that hold the console down and slide the whole thing over the remainder of the brake handle.

I hope you get it installed soon - I'd like to hear a first-hand report. :smile:

 

Hello,

I have successfully installed the MiniFini Armrest. First, let me say, QUALITY is high... Solid construction.... Fits the interior as if OEM.

As far as removing the console goes.... first, I removed the Handbrake gaitor from the console by gently prying up with a flathead screwdriver. Once it begins to release, you will see that squeezing the gaitor frame releases the remainder of the gaitor.

Once the gaitor frame is free, you can simple pull it over the top of the handbrake turning it inside out. Now comes the scary part.

there are four clips holding the console down... two are at the end of the console facing the rear seats ( cannot be seen ), two are visible (with a flashlight) in the opening left by removing the gaitor. In any case, you remove the console by pulling up sharply.

I hope this helps.

Jeff

 

You know there's one thing I'm still not clear on - why does the e-brake console need to be removed to install this armrest anyway? Doesn't it just fit into the cupholder? What needs to be done after the console is removed?

 

>>You know there's one thing I'm still not clear on - why does the e-brake console need to be removed to install this armrest anyway? Doesn't it just fit into the cupholder? What needs to be done after the console is removed?


Scooter: As I understand it, the base of the armrest bolts to four existing bolt locations UNDER the brake console. that's why it has to be removed. One also then has to cut a slot in the bottom of the rear cup holder to allow the vertible support to stick through it when it is replaced. The verticle support has a folding arm to which is then bolted the cushioned armrest.

A recent posting, above, tells how to take off the handbrake gaitor (I think this might be our British cousins' way of saying handbrake boot, the leather covering around the base of the handbrake handle ???) -- His comments are very helpful. I may attempt the installation now.

 

Ah, that explains why it would feel solid. Thanks for that info. I'm very tempted!

 

Given the high cost for a high quality armrest, do I take it that it lacks adequate installation instructions? If so, appears as though MINI FINI missed the boat.

 

Ahh Joe-

Would this be some of those Mods on Rojito?

I'm looking forward to seeing all your mods!!



_________________

Derek

 

>>Ahh Joe-

>>>>Would this be some of those Mods on Rojito?
>>>>I'm looking forward to seeing all your mods!!

>>Derek

Yes, Derek, that's one of them . . . but one that so far, is uninstalled. But I think you'll like the striping that's been done on Rojito all the way around the car, front, back, and both sides at bumper height . . . some light tricks too including, of course, the brake/rear fog one but also another one I read about on these threads that's quite nifty. And then a few chrome doo dads to brighten up the interior and exterior. Rojito will definitely be more for Enjoying and for Show rather that for racing -- although I guess the "Go" part won't be too slighted with his JCW kit, rear sway bar, Alta Short Shifter with a custom screw-on Whalen ****. And soon maybe a Pilo Intake too. Clearly this is my retirement toy and I certainly am enjoying it !

Joe

 

>>You know there's one thing I'm still not clear on - why does the e-brake console need to be removed to install this armrest anyway? Doesn't it just fit into the cupholder? What needs to be done after the console is removed?


Once the console is removed, there are four bolts that secure the base of the armrest. Before is can be installed, I had to trim away some of the base directly under a relay of some type. Additionally, I had to cut out the bottom of the cupholder.

I think there are no instructions because Minifini is in cahoots with dealers. Since it can only be purchased at a dealer ( in the US ), they probably want the dealer to get the labor to install... just speculation.

 

I have the printed instructons @ home, if anyone wants them... I can scan them, tho I have no way to make them PDF (suggestions???)

 

>>I have the printed instructons @ home, if anyone wants them... I can scan them, tho I have no way to make them PDF (suggestions???)

Wow, ZFXR ! How did you get instructions? Mini-Fini ignores my requests even though I bought one - the Mini dealer from whom I bought it (Classic Auto BMW in Mentor, OH) hasn't been able to run down any yet -- you are lucky.

I'm not very computer literate -- but if you are able to scan them, couldn't you just send the image as a .jpg for instance like you would a picture? Or do you think it might come out too fuzzy? Just a thought.

I sure would like to have proper instructions ! My email if you want to try is: joesantoyo@aol.com

Thanks,
Joe

 

>>I have the printed instructons @ home, if anyone wants them... I can scan them, tho I have no way to make them PDF (suggestions???)


I would really appreciate a copy.... coopj@optonline.net. Thanks very much.

 

Classic Mini sent then with the instructions, I will scan them this weekend.
It even includes a temlate for cutting out the rear-cupholder!

 

Classic Mini sent then with the instructions, I will scan them this weekend.
It even includes a temlate for cutting out the rear-cupholder!

 

Here's some pics of the parts:

http://outmotoring.com/mini_fini_arm_rest.html


Everything that's been said seems to be accurate as far as know. At the normal position the armrest will not interfere with the ebrake when it's fully pulled, but it comes close and is nearly as long as the ebrake lever, you can, however reverse the arm pad and it is short and narrower, but I'm not sure if doing so will make the back too long and possibly hit the rear seat when you pivot it up. The hardware is top notch, build quality is very nice and yes it expensive, but at the volume they're doing, they justified in charging what they do. The couple that I've had had serial numbers that were 102, 103 and so forth, so volume is low....cost high.

I have better pics coming soon.

 

instructions in PDF format, sitting on my hard-drive now :smile:

 

instructions are on bridgers excellent site...

http://bridger.us/mini/howto/minifini_armrest.pdf

Here

 

not sure if i like this...

 

Time to upgrade my RSpeed armrest with pocket. Why? Everytime I accelerate which is everytime I shift, the armrest slides back.

Yes, I know to put a stop in the pocket, but then why have the pocket which is at best good for pencils ad pens. It's the armrest that we need. The cost is high yet what the heck.

For those who have already installed; is the cost worth the value?

SMKKVK

 

check this out...

http://www.outmotoring.com/photos/20...CN4290_JPG.htm

http://www.outmotoring.com/photos/20...CN4425_JPG.htm

 

Hello,

If you don't have DSC, here's a pic of the DSC sensor bracket you will also need for the install. Cost me $6.89. Part #34 51 6 757 388.



Dan