Front lip before and after.

 

Wow that mini was bad but you have done a great job so far bringing it back. So tell us about the slob you bought it from LOL

 

Looks great, what did you use on the headlights and engine bay?

 

Thanks. The amazing thing is that I bought it from the original owner. I guess the lady was too busy to bother with cleaning, but at least she did a great job with sourcing out the maintenance.


Thanks.

 

Can you guys do me a big favor and help me with sourcing a new emblem for the steering wheel? I've searched high and low and can't find anything.

 

There is no factory part other then an airbag replacement. Some people get airbags from other MINIs from the junk yards that are not damaged.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ing-wheel.html

But the company is out of business. I would suggest to try to have a graphics company make one for you like it.

 

Thanks. I'll keep my eye open for the airbag cover.

 

Well, I finally got all the dirt out of the dash and seats. I've literally cleaned the interior at least 3 times.

Today I ordered a new hood emblem, used driver side door panel, used Weathertech floor mats, new NGK BKR6EQUP sparkplugs, 8mm triple square socket for the wheels, a new door sill plate, and I lucked up on a set of rear mouldings for only $280 shipped new. Woohoo!

Here's the interior as of today:










Did some clay bar t00:

 

Looking good. Bet the clay pulled off some grim.

 

It was crazy bad of course, just like the interior.

 

Installed the plugs, front emblem, and rear seals over the past two days. Car is loving the plugs. It felt as though the car was losing power around 4,500, so I've been short shifting. With the new plugs the car seems to continue building power way above.

I am almost content with the car. Once the hood and door is repainted, along with the new armrest cover and insert, as well as the new driver's side door panel I think I'll be able to stop spending for a while.

I did just purchase a new owner's manual off ebay since the original is crap.

By the way, I was driving it today with the top down thanks to the 70F temps. Nothing like a mild sunburn on Christmas eve.

Merry Christmas guys and gals.

 

I started repairing/refurbishing the wheels today. It took 3 hours to get to this point. I haven't reinstalled all the screws yet, as that can wait until they are all finished.

Here's my progress on the first wheel:

Before:



After:

 

Definitely impressive. Is your goal to flip it in the spring? If so you'll likely get top dollar for it as it has cleaned up well!

 

Thanks. Yes, we'll be selling the car this spring once I have it finished. There's no chance in keeping it for my kid, since I don't want her stressing with a manual transmission.

 

Your donor emblem can be found here:

Blown air bag w/cover and what appears to be a good emblem...

Hope this helps & good luck!

 

Much better and very nice.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I just sent him a PM. You should be receiving some performance goodies today I believe.

Thanks. I still have some work to do, but it's getting close.

 

Welcome.

 

sharp looking….Clean, very clean…should bring top $$$

 

Thanks. I spent an hour working on the second wheel tonight. I still need to have the hood and door jam painted. I plan on doing that in the next week or two.

I received the replacement door panel today, and I'm waiting to receive the armrest pad, armrest insert/cubby, Weathertech floormats, owners manual, and LED bulb that was left out of my ebay purchase.

After these items are addressed I'll service the transmission and change the brake fluid. Next I change the power steering fluid and I'm done for a while.

 

Sounds like a plan.

 

If I hadn't purchased my 2011 S JCW HT on Halloween…I would be all over this in the spring….SOLD my '06 S R52 with Aero 6 speed in March 2015. I have a 2 inch curb rash on my front wheel…I like the results on the wheels, I need to send you mine and let you fix her up…. Keep up the awesome work.

 

Thanks, but I think most would want a better example. However, this bad boy will be as close to pristine as I can get it within reason by spring.
As for your curbed wheel, PM me and I'll walk you through the repair.

 

Okay, after 4 1/2 hours tonight I finished up wheel two and have wheel three at 90%. I also installed the LED bulb for the glove compartment as well as the the new armrest.

By the way, I'm waiting until all the wheels are completed before I install all the hardware.

Wheel two:

 

Here's a few photos of the process and tools. The angle grinder and pad made a 30 minute job out of what took 5 hours before.