Interior/Exterior Finally - Custom Gauge Faces
Holy freakin' cow! That's a PITA. Apologies to everyone that has an 05-06 dash and I said it was 'easy'! I had no idea it was changed that much!
Me.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 2
No worries... I never would have thought that they'd change it to that extent... I thought initially that it was a cabrio thing and only learned later that it was on ALL 05-06 models. It's certainly 100X more solid this way, I bet - good to know if I ever get in a crash. 
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 2
OK, better news... I talked to another NAM-er that knows the later models, and he advised that you CAN get to the cluster fasteners via removing the 3 painted trim peices. He gave me the order of removal and reassembly and I'll be attempting it later this week. If he's correct (and I have no reason to doubt him - just my mechanical skills) then it sounds like the 05-06 cars might actually be EASIER to work on than the 02-04s. Cross your fingers for me!
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 0
From: Rowland Heights, CA
OK, better news... I talked to another NAM-er that knows the later models, and he advised that you CAN get to the cluster fasteners via removing the 3 painted trim peices. He gave me the order of removal and reassembly and I'll be attempting it later this week. If he's correct (and I have no reason to doubt him - just my mechanical skills) then it sounds like the 05-06 cars might actually be EASIER to work on than the 02-04s. Cross your fingers for me!
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 2
Absolutely... the whole reason for doing this is to shoot a How-To for Outmotoring. Their new gauges are sweet, indeed... Can't say anything more about them right now (not sure if Aaron has finalized his colors or the final sale price), but they're exceptionally clean and sharp.
You know, you can just pop the spedo and passenger trim pieces without and get the spedo out that way, right?
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Montecito, California & Franklin, Statesota
Suddenly a set of white-on-black...
OK, better news... I talked to another NAM-er that knows the later models, and he advised that you CAN get to the cluster fasteners via removing the 3 painted trim peices. He gave me the order of removal and reassembly and I'll be attempting it later this week. If he's correct (and I have no reason to doubt him - just my mechanical skills) then it sounds like the 05-06 cars might actually be EASIER to work on than the 02-04s. Cross your fingers for me!
Still have the Chrono Pack problem though.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
05-06 dash issues
The 2005-2006 and 2007 conv cars are actually easier. Instead of 4 screws, there are only 2 torx screws holding the cover in place at the top
I work at the MINI dealer here in PA. You DO NOT have to remove any pillar trim, or dash cover. Only the front cover around the instrument (speedo) cluster.Just be careful when you pull the covers off so you don't break tabs or lose the clips.
I work at the MINI dealer here in PA. You DO NOT have to remove any pillar trim, or dash cover. Only the front cover around the instrument (speedo) cluster.Just be careful when you pull the covers off so you don't break tabs or lose the clips.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 2
Looking good... I'll try to get to this before I go out of town on Wednesday morning... Worst case, it will have to sit till the weekend. I'm SO glad that I won't have to try pulling out the dash cover!
Oh - did you have to pull off the vent rings prior to removing the gauge facia, or do they just pop off along with everything else? I think I remember reading that they are removable by pressing and turning counter-clockwise, but I can't remember exactly... I know that the hazard and dimmer rings just pop straight off...
Oh - did you have to pull off the vent rings prior to removing the gauge facia, or do they just pop off along with everything else? I think I remember reading that they are removable by pressing and turning counter-clockwise, but I can't remember exactly... I know that the hazard and dimmer rings just pop straight off...
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX & Boston, MA (Babson College)
Looking good... I'll try to get to this before I go out of town on Wednesday morning... Worst case, it will have to sit till the weekend. I'm SO glad that I won't have to try pulling out the dash cover!
Oh - did you have to pull off the vent rings prior to removing the gauge facia, or do they just pop off along with everything else? I think I remember reading that they are removable by pressing and turning counter-clockwise, but I can't remember exactly... I know that the hazard and dimmer rings just pop straight off...
Oh - did you have to pull off the vent rings prior to removing the gauge facia, or do they just pop off along with everything else? I think I remember reading that they are removable by pressing and turning counter-clockwise, but I can't remember exactly... I know that the hazard and dimmer rings just pop straight off...
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 3
From: Las Vegas
Do you really think so? Have you ever thought about what goes into manufacturing these? They are high quality, and for the quality, I honestly believe they are an EXCELLENT value.
Anything less expensive has the possibility of being real junk.
When people think they are too expensive, at what price point would they think they are affordable. People complain, but never really say what they are willing to pay. I think that will put it in perspective.
These are not easy items to manufacture, I think people just don't realize how complex the process really is.
Anything less expensive has the possibility of being real junk.
When people think they are too expensive, at what price point would they think they are affordable. People complain, but never really say what they are willing to pay. I think that will put it in perspective.
These are not easy items to manufacture, I think people just don't realize how complex the process really is.
User Title's are Silly
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 0
From: Arvada, Colorado
Understandable, but I think value comes to the person that is doing the mod
...some may consider it small, but for me, it is HUGE as it helps to complete my interior. I personally don't think it is that much at all, $150 for the set is a small price, IMHO, and I have modded the heck out of my car.
I agree 100%. When you start leaving the realm of cookie cutter mods and going to real customization, the costs go up exponentially. Just for me to change my dash to blue and have black faces is going to be close to $500 all said and done. Roll cage? Thats another $1000 to $1200 after powdercoating. You get the picture.
User Title's are Silly
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 0
From: Arvada, Colorado
exactly....when you want something specific, and you can't get it at any parts vendor, you have to pay....Pay to Play I am starting a custom interior leather project, doors, dash, steering wheel, shifter boot, etc....nothing out there that I can just slap on, so like you said, the cost goes UP!!!!
I am starting a custom interior leather project, doors, dash, steering wheel, shifter boot, etc....nothing out there that I can just slap on, so like you said, the cost goes UP!!!!
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Brawley, CA
Had Ralph install a charcoal set in my DS '05 cabrio at AMVIV and I think it looks great. I do think its a little expensive for what it is, but as others have said its a really unique mod that sets your MINI apart from the rest and we all have things we think are a "waste" of money. A couple of pics...
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 2
I hear that there may very well be an interesting announcement soon on an alternative to the Cockpit Specialties' gauges... But I've said too much already. I know nothing. NOTHING I say! Move on citizens! Nothing to see here. Move along... 
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 0
From: Midland, Ontario, Canada
I have a set of these, Union Jack style..
They are of pretty good quality. Pricey, but you get what you pay for. yes there may be cheaper products out there of similar quality... but for now, these are it.
J
They are of pretty good quality. Pricey, but you get what you pay for. yes there may be cheaper products out there of similar quality... but for now, these are it.
J
Vendor - 15 Years
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 39
From: Knoxville TN
...revised production samples are done and once we retest fitment and lighting changes we will have the following avaiable:
White
Black
Grey
Red
Green
Blue
Checkered (black/grey)
Union jack (black/grey)
ac,
White
Black
Grey
Red
Green
Blue
Checkered (black/grey)
Union jack (black/grey)
ac,
__________________
865-223-6335
OutMotoring.com: Home of the finest MINI Parts + Accessories.
Shop online at www.OutMotoring.com
OutMotoring.com: Home of the finest MINI Parts + Accessories.
Shop online at www.OutMotoring.com
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,337
Likes: 8
From: oh10
Who will be the first to hook people up with electro luminescent gauge faces? (not that i would install them...but still )
note: i do know they are offered in japan...just wondering when in the US
)note: i do know they are offered in japan...just wondering when in the US
