R55 Better than OEM MINI roof basket?
#1
Better than OEM MINI roof basket?
Well, the new one at the dealer here in Toronto is almost $600 (), and the one I found used here in classifieds, the seller was to busy sending it... So, I started searching the net. Close and far... After a few days an interesting option came out: I found an ad in one of Audi forums that someone local was selling OEM basket that looked like MINI's only I knew it would be bigger. Price: $175 (:D)...
I contacted the person, and waited if he call me back. Two days after, I got the call and I set up a meet ASAP as there was others on the forum wanting the same basket. I went and picked it up. It was MINT and HUUUUGE! $175 later, I got it!
My first idea was to sell it for profit and buy new MINI basket at the dealer. Placed the ad. I got a few calls with in the day, but no buyer... So, I decided not to wait any more.
So after few hours in garage this morning, I had a custom basket for CLUBMAN. I basically, "slimmed" the AUDI basket to about 55% of the original width. Same length. It is now longer than OEM MINI basket, which is fine. To me it looks fine on Clubman's long roof.
it is narrower than MINI's as well. I like that, too. The extended length of it will be great for lugging my camera gear ( mostly stands and tripods that fit in soft bags longer that OEM basket, so no sticking out). You see, I do make my living by shooting stills and video, so this is puuuurfect!
I did a test drive today, and except a bit more wind noise from the structure on the roof no funny sounds... A called it a success...
I contacted the person, and waited if he call me back. Two days after, I got the call and I set up a meet ASAP as there was others on the forum wanting the same basket. I went and picked it up. It was MINT and HUUUUGE! $175 later, I got it!
My first idea was to sell it for profit and buy new MINI basket at the dealer. Placed the ad. I got a few calls with in the day, but no buyer... So, I decided not to wait any more.
So after few hours in garage this morning, I had a custom basket for CLUBMAN. I basically, "slimmed" the AUDI basket to about 55% of the original width. Same length. It is now longer than OEM MINI basket, which is fine. To me it looks fine on Clubman's long roof.
it is narrower than MINI's as well. I like that, too. The extended length of it will be great for lugging my camera gear ( mostly stands and tripods that fit in soft bags longer that OEM basket, so no sticking out). You see, I do make my living by shooting stills and video, so this is puuuurfect!
I did a test drive today, and except a bit more wind noise from the structure on the roof no funny sounds... A called it a success...
#7
Thanks everybody!
The work was kinda simple... Took it apart first, by unscrewing metal screws. Then made a two cuts of the parts that determine the width of it. Then took out two "floor" elements and put it all back together. The cuts were made on a same angle as original edge so putting it back was simple. I only had a problem making a cut as my vibrating metal saw was to weak for a strong aluminum material... At the end all looks good. Just like "OEM"
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#9
Thanks! Yes, with the width shorten across, there is enough space to mount one ( maybe two) bike racks... I was doing a quick square footage math, and came up with numbers that my custom basket is same Square footage "area" as MINI OEM if not a tad bigger... Only in different dimensions.
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