I searched the forum but didn't get any relevant hits. I want to remove the downtubes and can get them lose by removing the 2 screws but there must be more to do. Anyone care to fill me in?

TIA,
\pat

 

I'm not too good at this but here's the idea. Pull up and take off the shift ****, remove shift boot and bezel. Might need to remove change cubby, and you will need to remove the aux cup holder. Remove the down tube screws (on the sides) and remove the shifter/cup holders/lighter pod. After that is unscrewed, the tubes should just fall towards the floor as you pull it all out of place. Maybe someone else can clarify any discrepancies.
Good luck

 

Newministuff.com has a really good description with pictures of how to get your downtubes out in the DIY guide for replacing your stereo.

http://www.newministuff.com/new/inde...ion=13&diyid=6

That's the method I used to install my bluetooth kit and it worked like a charm.

 

Depends on the year of your MINI. Prior to the '05 update you could, with a little flexing, pull them out at the top and lift them out.

With the '05 - '06 revisions to the console, you need to remove the consiole and take them out the bottom (they have a lip on them that precludes them being pulled up.

However, if you are just trying to get to the toggle switch bank or radio, you don't need to remove them. Just take out the two screws each side, pop the lower edge of the front dash fashia out a little and the down tubes can be moved sideways enough at the top to access the radio and switch bank.

 

Here's a good thread from my buddy uptick over on nemini.org
http://nemini.org/ForumsPro/viewtopic/t=4017.html

 

MINI2 has the how to somewhere....

 

Removal of the dash downtubes is required for changing the head unit or installing the toggle switch panel.

Each dash downtube is screwed to the radio-a/c-toggle-switch cluster. The top of each downtube is covered by the dash center fascia [surrounding the speedometer and two air vents], and the bottom of each is anchored in the center console.

To remove them, use the following tools and instructions:

• Torx screwdrivers (T40 and T20)
• #2 Phillips screwdriver

1) Remove the 2 torx screws (T40 or T20) from each downtube:2) Provide clearance under the dash center fascia for the top of each downtube by either of the following:3) Remove the gearshift surround:4) Remove the side-mirror adjustment unit:5) Remove the 2 Phillips-head screws now visible.

6) Remove the Phillips-head screw from the middle of each cupholder.

7) Provide clearance:8) Remove the T20 torx screw that secures lower passenger side edge of the dash center fascia near the airbag panel:

9) Provide clearance:

Pop the lower clips of the fascia by grabbing its lower edges and giving a medium sharp tug.

Pull the fascia outward just far enough for the tops of the downtubes to clear.

10) Remove the downtubes:Angle the downtubes toward you, pulling the tops under the dash center fascia, and lift them out of the center console:

 

The instructions copied here don't apply to cars built from about March 2005 - the downtubes can't be pulled up & out of the floor on newer cars!
See http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive..._downtub.shtml

 

Thanks, all, for the great references. Armed with this I'm off to try again!

\pat

 

Thanks for the question and the responses. I just received my new JCW leather downtubes with red stitching, for my GP, and now I've got a DIY project, to get them installed!