Cooper (non S) Modifications specific to the MINI Cooper (R50).

I deleted my rear seat and spare tire (WOW,WHAT A DIFFERENCE!)

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Old Nov 20, 2007 | 07:59 AM
  #1  
Chilipeppa03's Avatar
Chilipeppa03
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I deleted my rear seat and spare tire (WOW,WHAT A DIFFERENCE!)

Hey guys, I have a 2003 base model MINI Cooper with just sport seats. I finally decided to take out my rear seat (very easy) and my spare tire. All I can say is WHAT A DIFFERENCE! The car is acutualy quicker now and handles slightly better. Feel like the car revs faster and more free. But there is a downside to removing the rear seat. ROAD NOISE! I do like the louder exhaust note though! Will a rear seat delete kit reduce the noise and also much weight you guys think I took out the back of the car? (60-70 lbs?)
 
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Old Nov 20, 2007 | 08:30 AM
  #2  
davisflyer's Avatar
davisflyer
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From: Knoxville, TN
Cool! According to the rear seat deleate manufacturer, once you install their kit, you've lost 36 lbs. A a wheel and tire that probably weighs 25+ pounds and yes, you've dropped some weight!










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Old Nov 20, 2007 | 08:35 AM
  #3  
skillet's Avatar
skillet
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From: Cornfields of Indiana
The rear seat delete kit will reduce the road noise a little, but not by much. Mine was is carpeted, so that might make a little more of a difference. If you really wanted to, you might be able to put some insulation underneath the RSD kit to help quiet things down a bit more.

And yes, doesn't the car feel great without the rear seats?
 
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Old Nov 20, 2007 | 09:09 AM
  #4  
Chilipeppa03's Avatar
Chilipeppa03
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Yes it does! A free and easy mod! Do you guys have any pics of different rear seat delete kits. Also which kits are the best?
 
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Old Nov 20, 2007 | 09:29 AM
  #5  
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skillet
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There are just a couple that I know of. One being the Original Rear Seat Delete kit, a couple homemade one's, and Carbonized's homemade one. You might be able to catch a glimpse of it at some point in your life, but don't plan on owning one It's made out of Carbon Fiber, and it slick as ****

I have the Original Rear Seat Delete kit with the harness cut-outs. It's very durable, and it's the one I recommend
 
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Old Nov 22, 2007 | 01:38 PM
  #6  
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Chilipeppa03
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Thanks guys!
 
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Old Nov 22, 2007 | 10:31 PM
  #7  
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rjtrout2000
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How easy is it to take out the rear seats?
 
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Old Nov 27, 2007 | 08:33 AM
  #8  
spaceblue's Avatar
spaceblue
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When I did my stereo installation, I put b-quiet sound deadening throughout the interior, and my car is dramatically quieter than stock. 2 layers on the floor from the bumper to the floor should fix your problem. It weights only about .3 lbs/sq-ft.

I like b-quiet as I've found it easier to work with and have superior adhesive than other damping products. www.b-quiet.com
 
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Old Nov 27, 2007 | 10:46 AM
  #9  
UKCoopeR's Avatar
UKCoopeR
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From: Herndon, VA
Originally Posted by rjtrout2000
How easy is it to take out the rear seats?
15 minutes the first time, then 5 minutes after you have done it once before. i am pretty sure you only need one socket size and one set of hands to complete the job

there is a how-to somewhere on this site, dunno of the top of my head, but if i find it, i will post the link here
 
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Old Nov 28, 2007 | 09:36 PM
  #10  
dj4elements's Avatar
dj4elements
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After seeing a few pics of that rear seat delete kit, I gotta say that it looks really clean!
However, I really think a $150+ price tag is a bit overpricing it. so i was thinking, I already have a few sheets of a similar plastic and the tools, i think i will go the DiY route..

P.S...Anybody want to be so kindly to let me know the dimensions of theres if they have one, I can't sem to find the specs to the one on http://www.rearseatdelete.com ??

thank you in advance
 
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Old Nov 28, 2007 | 09:54 PM
  #11  
COR BLMY's Avatar
COR BLMY
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From: Concord, California
Let me know if I can help



 

Last edited by COR BLMY; Nov 28, 2007 at 10:00 PM.
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Old Dec 6, 2007 | 08:43 PM
  #12  
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Jeffy
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As for ease of removal of the rear seats, just open the back hatch and look for the 10mm bolt head between the two seats and remove it. Fiddle with the latch that was secured by the bolt and out come the heavy seat backs.
-Jeffy.
 
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