R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Whats the craziest (and best) custom DIY mod you've ever done?

Old Feb 21, 2006 | 02:43 PM
  #1  
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Whats the craziest (and best) custom DIY mod you've ever done?

Post pictures and/or descriptions of the craziest (and best) custom Do-It-Yourself modification you've done to your MINI.

I'm not talking about buying a product and installing yourself. (though, you still deserve kudos for that)

I'm talking about hand wiring/custom made/molding/cutting/tearing/one-of-a-kind modifications that you did to get something just the way you wanted! Post something you think you have that no other MINI in the world does!

I just started thinking about ideas, but I'm curious as to just how far one might go to get exactly what they want!
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 03:11 PM
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Since I carry my two dogs around (when they are clean) in the Mini, I wanted to have nice even surface along the back. The storage well that exists behind the back seats bothered me, as the dogs would tend to either fall in or refused to get near the drop. A friend fashioned a cool, custom wood cover that we are currently refining that will serve as both a shelf to bring the level of the storage well up to the back of the seats (with foam padding included) as well as a nice serving tray/chess board/beer table (when all is said and done). I will post photos of this project in progress later today. I think its cool just because the woodwork is custom and is somewhat unique.
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 03:28 PM
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I installed a red button in my parcel shelf to control the garage door opener It's a secret button...
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 05:13 PM
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i had to modify the GRS diverter.. twice! first to make it sit higher so air wouldnt be stuck in an empty space in between, simply a piece of aluminum back then

now.. dremeling out the grs, dremeling out part of the M7 ram air scoop to make it fit better with the new cooler

next up, custom diverter that will sit on the bonnet itself... hopefully i can diverge some air down this time... i have plans on my head, but just school and work has been.. hectic...
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 05:57 PM
  #5  
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I built a cold air intake for my old Integra out of PVC tubing and a modified K&N cone filter (they didn't make a direct replacement for my model at the time). It sounded as good as any aftermarket unit. As for hp increase, my butt dyno said "meh".
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 06:24 PM
  #6  
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GBT drawer

Nothing fancy, but it is unique.
I made a drawer for my GloveBox Tidy to hold small things like flashlight, sunscreen, tire gauge...
See my gallery for pics.
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 06:33 PM
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i put gobbles of wasabi in a pork cutlet and fed it to my brother in law.
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by kenchan
i put gobbles of wasabi in a pork cutlet and fed it to my brother in law.
Post pix of his reaction?
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 06:41 PM
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Rear skirt .. I have some orders from others that want me to make them.
DON'T fire back at me !
They are NOT wind tunnel tested, no claims as to downforce, just cleans up the rear end. I just know someone is going to jump on this..

My triple gauge cluster.

Heat shield to section off engine and intake area.

Just opened up the front grill and playing with a "force scoop".

Wire mesh replaceing foam in bonnet vents.

Motorcycle grip on E brake (I LIKE THIS ONE !!!, but my rear tires don't)

Oh and I have swiss cheesed the sub fire wall to allow air in on drivers side and, air out on passengers side.

Look at my gallery (didn't want to post a bunch of photos)
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 06:47 PM
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Your gallery need pictures of what you've described please
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 07:04 PM
  #11  
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COR BLMY
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From: Concord, California
wire mesh
Grip
and "holes" are what is missing ...

I'll work on that
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 07:08 PM
  #12  
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Painting my rear brake calipers, yup that's about as wild and wacky I get without professional help...
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 07:27 PM
  #13  
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I posted the first picture months ago, and surprised that no one has ever asked what kind of wheels they are. Too stealthy? I call them R66's. You might laugh if you recognize what they are. Any guesses?




 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 08:29 PM
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I don't know about crazy, and certainly not my best, but certainly DIY. It contains the XM Direct antenna too!


As an Australian I can now call my MINI: Bruce.
phil
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 08:37 PM
  #15  
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Not too original, but when I got rally lights I didn't want them controled by the highbeams. So my Dad installed an extra toggle in the panel that turns them on and off.
 
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 09:05 PM
  #16  
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Best DIY mod I did for my performance was a track day I recommend it for EVERYBODY!

I made a small camera mount that fit to the trunk cover thingy, too, and it worked pretty well. That one was VERY DIY though

When I was young and idealistic I'd planned on putting shift lights in the steering wheel a la Enzo, then realized how much work I'd be doing and how infrequently I hit the redline, and I backed off that idea :impatient
 
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Old Feb 22, 2006 | 05:39 AM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by MINIclo
Post pix of his reaction?

unfortunately for me, during this experiement, i found that wasabi
looses its spice after it is deep fried.


i was expecting a !

but he ate it like nothing happened.
 
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Old Feb 22, 2006 | 06:54 AM
  #18  
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Kenchan...try this next time. Have your brother-in-law place a good portion of wasabi on a piece of meat/fish and instruct him that the common practice is to slowly and carefully place the portion upon the tongue so that the wasabi is on the top. Then have him gently, yet firmly press the wasabi into the roof of his mouth. That should get the reaction you were hoping for. You are on good terms, no? ...erm...did we get off topic?
 
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Old Feb 22, 2006 | 06:57 AM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by kenchan
unfortunately for me, during this experiement, i found that wasabi
looses its spice after it is deep fried.
i was expecting a !
but he ate it like nothing happened.
awww... I would pay money to see what would happen if it wasn't fried...

((shudder)) that unbearable tingle crawling up the nose ((shudder))
 
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Old Feb 22, 2006 | 07:09 AM
  #20  
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I LOVE Wasabi. Nuthin like that initial wave of panic when you think your sinuses are gonna melt.

As for DIYs, I made my own CAI of sorts. I kept the stock intake box, but managed to install a cone filter inside it. I then cut out the back of the box and the firewall where they meet. Instant noise!
 
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Old Feb 22, 2006 | 07:17 AM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by Kentiki
I LOVE Wasabi. Nuthin like that initial wave of panic when you think your sinuses are gonna melt.

As for DIYs, I made my own CAI of sorts. I kept the stock intake box, but managed to install a cone filter inside it. I then cut out the back of the box and the firewall where they meet. Instant noise!
not that you have a dyno in your back pocket, but did you notice any power gains from that?
 
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Old Feb 22, 2006 | 08:26 AM
  #22  
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Possibly a bit. It's really hard to say. I certainly don't think it's any less of a gain than most other aftermarket intakes out there. The best part is the sound, and the price!
 
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Old Feb 22, 2006 | 10:50 AM
  #23  
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red erik- being the master black belt ninja that i am, my next attempt will
be even more severe. ...

im going to scoop up wasabi with an icecream scoop and put it on
a nice glass dessert dish. then tell him, here's your
green-tea (maccha) icecream.




Originally Posted by Red Erik
Kenchan...try this next time. Have your brother-in-law place a good portion of wasabi on a piece of meat/fish and instruct him that the common practice is to slowly and carefully place the portion upon the tongue so that the wasabi is on the top. Then have him gently, yet firmly press the wasabi into the roof of his mouth. That should get the reaction you were hoping for. You are on good terms, no? ...erm...did we get off topic?
 
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Old Feb 22, 2006 | 01:57 PM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by GyroJunkie
Nothing fancy, but it is unique.
I made a drawer for my GloveBox Tidy to hold small things like flashlight, sunscreen, tire gauge...
See my gallery for pics.
Okay, now i'm afraid..very afraid of you ..I'm just kidding...but the bubble wrap? ..again I kid. Very nice idea
 
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Old Feb 22, 2006 | 07:07 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by saakey
Okay, now i'm afraid..very afraid of you ..I'm just kidding...but the bubble wrap? ..again I kid. Very nice idea
Not bubble wrap; tool drawer liner from Lowes . The tray was made from a "No Trespassing" sign ($1.99 I think).
 
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