So here I am, pondering two things:

1. I have stuff to put on my car. Stuff that in some cases will take a middling ammount of technical skill (Alta CAI, a boost gauge, etc.).

2. I'm always on the lookout for things for the MidOhio group to do with our cars.

So, eventually a lightbulb went off - you tell me how dim or bright that bulb is.

Proposed Event:

MidOhio Motoring "Wrench Day" - a DIY Event.

Description:

4 hour event, to be held somewhere (possibly my place in Dublin, maybe elsewhere if someone out there will a well-equiped garage doesn't mind donating space). We will hang out, talk Minis (as usual) and install MODs - so sort of a DIY MODfest.

I figure that we have a great mix of enthusiam and experience in this group, and most of the lower-difficulty bolt-on type MODs should be pretty easy to do at such an event. Even better, should someone get stuck, there will be extra hands on deck to assist. Maybe we can even talk Aaron from Outmotoring into joining us (if he's not sick to death of MINIs after dealing with them at his work all day long).

DIY projects that would, I think, be great for such an event:

• Full detailing of car (interior/exterior)
• Lighting MODs (footwell LEDs, boot lights, etc.)
• Interior/Exterior accents and accessories (chrome rings, etc.)
• Gauge face replacement (they'll be out very soon I hear!!)
  
• Oil and filter change
  
• AUX stereo cable installation
• Driving lights
• Fog lamp bulb replacement
• Air Box swap
• Gauge installs (boost, oil temp, electrical)
• Seat MODs (racing harness installation etc.)
• Graphics/Vinyl application (Boot/Bonnet stripes)
• Parcel Tray installation
• Exhaust tips replacement
• Rim swap

There's probably others that I'm not thinking of off the top of my head but you get the idea - basic hand-tool jobs. larger stuff like exhaust work is probably beyond the capacity of our workspace and tools (although Chuck could probably handle it ).

Any interest in such an event? We can make it a BBQ, if the site we choose has access to such a device (I do at my place).

 

I'd be into that. I'm debating on a Areo Grill (top and bottom) and I know I would need help installing it. Also would love to see some of your lighting tricks and replace the orange signal lights in the front.

if this happens count me in (even if I don't go with the areo grill)

Dan

 

That's a good MOD for this as well... I know that Mark (CHKMINI) had a trick for installing the lower Aero grille that made it easier - that's exactly the kind of thing I'm taking about.

 

I would see what I can stop by for, I am very busy recently...and i havent even started packing.

 

Packing?

 

Yes, I am moving to WA. You missed that news not being at breakfast.

 

Dude! Congrats! Yeah, I missed breakfast - I was setting up a MidOhio event. Which you didn't attend.

 

Haha, i know. I was working, which i do alot. I am gonig to be poor.

 

Anyone seen these in person?

http://www.m7tuning.com/main.m7/store/10012


and if so how do they look?

 

I have... They... how do I put this... they look like the Gutter Guard scoop grill writ large. Not to say they're cheap - they seem plenty strong enough, but the fine-weave mesh looks like a beefed-up screen door to me.

I know that some people are very keen on that look, though (I see grilles like this on Scions and Hondas all the time). On some cars it works and on others, well...

On YOUR car, they might look pretty sharp in black but silver would, I think, look like a strainer. All that really matters, though, is whether or not YOU like them...

 

I would be down to come at some point...depends on the date. I would want to take my car out of winter-mode first

 

Wel hurry up already Rally, I wanna see this transformation before I head west

I think Aaron has some of those grill at OutMotoring...may want to ask him.

 

hahah I'm trying. It takes a while to get the custom lips made unfortunately....and i havent even test fitted the rims to see how wide i can go. This weekend is going to be the first fitting i think

 

I would be interested in attending something like this? I dont have anything that I'd like to mod yet, but I'm always lookin for ideas!

 

The better half and I should be game. We missed the last one and would love to meet up with other MINI's. It also gives us a viable reason to drive both MINI's somewhere.

 

Hmmm... getting interest it looks like. If we can get a few more, I'll see about scheduling something.

 

For me it all depends on when..

 

But of course...

 

I'll need help with my shift **** ectomy. Tell us when & where Matt. Sounds like a fun time. Try & make it a time that Sean can make. He could detail our cars with a certain companies wonderful products.

 

Yes, yes i could. Taking donations to help pay for gas Cross country,.

 

Now that sounds like fun, and yet a little too personal for a public forum.

 

I see you are lusting after electric cars. You don't need no stinkin gas there Sparky. What you need is a long extension cord.

 

The idea is cool...but I love the sound of a motor...I guess I will have to get some automotive sound tracks to play in the car...