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I recently added driving lights to the Mini and looks great. However, I never thought of the rather basic fact that that the lower part of my dashboard is some kind of Alcantara material, where as the lights switch trim is Caron black standard trim. So, I wanted to ask:
1. How do I remove the switch trim?
2. The original trim is wrapped in Alcantara. I can easily take it off and do a cutoff for the switch itself. But, does anyone have experience "wrapping" Alcantara over the standard material? How is it glued together?
Last edited by CachacoMCS; Dec 29, 2020 at 07:17 PM.
Is there an alternative place you could mount the switch or a more generic, easy to replace trim panel you can cut instead of the Alcantara one?
I bought the optional 1st gen factory extension harness that relocates the switch to an existing switch blank by the handbrake. The part number for a replacement rally light switch shows 1st and 2nd gen fitment so the harness might also work with the 2nd gen wiring. The harness is only $2.50 and would be cheap to see if it could work, or you might be able to get an idea just from looking at the pics.
Is there an alternative place you could mount the switch or a more generic, easy to replace trim panel you can cut instead of the Alcantara one?
I bought the optional 1st gen factory extension harness that relocates the switch to an existing switch blank by the handbrake. The part number for a replacement rally light switch shows 1st and 2nd gen fitment so the harness might also work with the 2nd gen wiring. The harness is only $2.50 and would be cheap to see if it could work, or you might be able to get an idea just from looking at the pics.
I realized I missed your original question regarding the switch. You should be able to disassemble the switch by pressing on the 4 tabs towards the bottom and removing the bottom cover. The main housing is probably a single 5-sided piece including the face plate. You can see the tabs in the 2nd and 3rd pic here: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...n/63120144134/
It’s easy to damage the switch or lose parts when doing this so go slowly and look carefully how the insides go back together. Also, there is probably at least one spring inside so use eye protection in case something goes flying or the case or tool breaks.
I realized I missed your original question regarding the switch. You should be able to disassemble the switch by pressing on the 4 tabs towards the bottom and removing the bottom cover. The main housing is probably a single 5-sided piece including the face plate. You can see the tabs in the 2nd and 3rd pic here: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...n/63120144134/
It’s easy to damage the switch or lose parts when doing this so go slowly and look carefully how the insides go back together. Also, there is probably at least one spring inside so use eye protection in case something goes flying or the case or tool breaks.
Thanks for this. I just want to remove the whole Carbon Black trim piece and wrap it in the matching Alcantara. Do I need to disassemble the switch itself? From your description I'm not sure I'd venture there.
I recently added driving lights to the Mini and looks great. However, I never thought of the rather basic fact that that the lower part of my dashboard is some kind of Alcantara material, where as the lights switch trim is Caron black standard trim. So, I wanted to ask:
1. How do I remove the switch trim?
2. The original trim is wrapped in Alcantara. I can easily take it off and do a cutoff for the switch itself. But, does anyone have experience "wrapping" Alcantara over the standard material? How is it glued together?
Is the area marked in red the part you want to wrap so the plastic isn’t showing on the Alcantara, or are you asking about another part?
If so, taking apart the switch should give a more finished result for the oval cutout around the actual button. You can try to make a template and cut the Alcantara off of the piece and the glue it on to the assembled switch, but it might look more DIY. Either way, it’s going to take a little skill to get a professional looking result. Also, have you thought about the extra thickness that would be added by wrapping the Alcantara around the edges. It might make the switch look “puffy” and the spring tabs the hold the switch in might have to be adjusted due to this.
Another way might be to just brush on some glue on the face and edges and use craft store flocking to give the face and edges a “suede” look without adding thickness to the back of the switch face. Now that I think about it, I would experiment with this method first on a scrap piece of plastic to see how close it matches the a
Alcantara. MINI interiors are usually closer to a very dark grey instead of pure black, but it might be good to buy a couple of different shades of flocking if it’s cheap.
