As the Gen Mgr of Import Auto Technicians, Inc. in Colorado Springs, I would like to host a one-day DIY session at our facility on Sat. Sept 12. Depending on the level of interest, we can also have a concurrent Parts Swap Meet.

Availalbe to the DIYers will be 10 service bays (lifts), an alignment rack, and a wash bay. The fololwing types of DIY ligth work can be accommodated:

Lubricatns and fluids change
Brake pads &/or rotors change
Shocks, springs, struts
Belts and tnsioners
Washing and detailing
Alignment (will require one of my techs present. Will charge 1/2 regular rate)
Wheel rotation

Time: 08:00 - 15:00

I will have a flyer to post, with details, rules (safety and use of the facilities), and other logistics. May also require a waiver.

Sign-up on the calendar: MINI5280DIY

Bahman

 

Wow - what a great opportunity to clean under the car all proper-like.
Great idea and thanks for the post.
I'm voting for September 12th which is the Saturday before the Colorado Conclave weekend.

 

Sat Sept 12th it is. Works best for me too.

 

Didn't see front control arm bushings.




I'm thinking about replacing my fuel filter. I'm in as long as I'm not schedualed to work.

 

Dont see exhaust swap either...

 

Michael, it's an inside jock about the bushings. Exhaust swap is doable as long as no welding is needed. Bolt on only.

 

[quote=miniconcarne;2833708]Didn't see front control arm bushings.



We know nothing about front control arm bushings, right Bryan....????....!!!!...nope don't know much 'bout front control arm bushings.....sure don't know much 'bout no fca bushings .

 

Ha. Didn't learn my lesson, I helped on another instal this past Saturday. This makes 3 installs and so far each one was unique!

 

I haven't decided for sure, yet, but I am thinking I might order some TSW springs for my R56. Would installing them during this event be too much, or would it be money well spent to have them installed? Might anyone that has done springs before be available to provide expertise and help so we could get this done?

After Don let me drive his car with these springs at MITM, I was pretty much sold. When I told him that Way brought a set for the R56 to MITM, he told me I was nuts if I didn't buy them so Way could install them. Unfortunately, Way sold the only ones he brought about 30 minutes before, and was installing them on a car when we got back.

 

I am quite familiar with doing this on R53s; it takes about 2-3 hours with the right tools.

We can help you do it here, but it needs to be one of the first cars in the morning, so it won't tie up a lift for more than 2 hours ( with some on-the-ground time).

Bahman

 

Elwood, I'm doing coilovers so come on down!

This a great opportunity for all MINI,Mini owners. Put your cars up on a lift and give it a good inspection/cleaning/fixing/modding!!

 

So, oil change on my R56, getting MINI oil and filter at Schomp, prior.

What tools do I need, filter tool? Anyone done their own R56?

I will not be down until after 1pm, since my grandson and son don't leave until after 10AM for San Diego.

Don

 

If the oil filter cap is similar to R53, we can take care of it; no problem. Regardless, we should have enough tools and stuff to remove any oil filter.

bahman

 

Welding torch? Probably too extreme for an oil change.

 

Not if you want to get all the old oil out!

 

Short shifter install? Can that be done during the DIY day or would that tie up a lift for too long? i understand that the exhaust needs to be taken off. Bryan, you did this on your r53 correct? How hard of a job was it?

I just bought an Alta SSK and the DIY day might be good as any.

C

 

Piece of cake! Bahman happens to be a pro at short shifters!

Come on down, plus we can get some Coronas or Negro Modelos

Bryan

 

OK. I am coming down for a day of wrenching provided that the twins are still baking. If there is time I will swap the transaxle fluid and coolant while the car is on the lift as well. We will see. I like the call on the coronas and modelos as well.

 

Cenk,
Make sure you get enough gear oil (2 liters) and I'll bring the necessary hose/funnel combo.

....and beer around the corner...


Bahman,
Were you still considering a parts swap/sell table at this event? I have some
R53 custom shift *****, s-lites, and other stock R53 bits.

 

That's right!
Leo gonna have bro's, sis's, one of each, or TBD??

 

Bryan,
It's up to the people to decide to have a parts swap meet. We have the space, either inside (if it rains), or outside. If you know of a way to promote it, have at it.

Bahman

 

we found out that they are both girls, i am very excited and scared. Libi is quite uncomfortable and looking forward to the due date. I hope the in-laws wil be in town by the 12th and I can play without time constraints. I have 2 liters of redline MTL.

 

Bahman - I wanted to let you know I have decided not to do the TSW springs yet, so I won't need to tie up a lift for a long time. My son's wedding is starting to look more expensive than I thought it would.

I am still thinking of coming down to lend a little labor, get some ideas, and see what I can learn from the rest of you. Maybe I can install a sway bar, if we can get to it. I'm looking forward to this.

 

Elwood,

Please do come by. The more, the merrier. You and I can help with the short-shifter installation.

Bahman

 

great. I am excited to get some help on the SSK install. This will be a greta time to meet some new gear heads.

i will leave Denver at 10:15. This is the most exciting 5280 event for me, thanks Bahman.