Still see a bit of chrome there on the back of the roll bars...

 

Thanks, I appreciate it

Wheels and Tire Sets above on the last page are a great price also.

 

It's actually quite easy. I did a DIY complete swap to a customized steering wheel, which included swapping the MFSW controls and lower spoke to the new unit. I primarily relied on the following old thread, as well as the PDF attachment in the first post of the thread:

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

When I did the work, it took me about 45 minutes (not including a 45-minute wait after disconnecting the battery to make sure there was no stray voltage left in the air bag system). It only took this long because I was being extra slow and careful. The MFSW parts and lower spoke mount to the steering wheel base with friction pins that have a relatively snug fit. These pins just pull straight out of their mounting holes. I used a small screwdriver to slowly pry from underneath and gradually work them off.

Having done this once, I'm convinced that I could do the whole process now (air bag removal to completion) in less than 10 minutes. If you're comfortable with simple DIY work, you can do this.

 

Added some badges to grill. I am done with this car I believe.

 

Done? Good luck!

 

I know, but trying to keep a traditional roadster look. Not much more I can do. Happy with it. I'm not much of a fiddler or mod person. I do like to see all the mod stuff though...pretty cool bunch of cars out there.

 

looks damn perfect man!

 

I'll get it. And the white speedo and tach too.

 

I took some more pictures, with the Roadster in its natural glory (aka "topless"/top down).
And no, ECS, still no black wheels.

 

Looks great, black wheels will really change things.

 

Steve, correct me if I'm wrong, but those wheels and tires:
Kind a dirty, I'm not use to your wheels and tires looking lie this. Of course I should talk, I've not been the good care taker of my Lil Roadster this yeast. Too much overtime, no Mini time. Haven't even made to ONE of our CIMI getogethers this summer. We are taking two weeks to the Black Hills, then on into the Rockies. Next week, can't wait. Bill

 

Your Roadster looks fantastic, mdv13. Love it just the way it is. I also like that you didn't choose the viper racing stripe.

 

 

Ha ha, I like this noreen.

 

Couple of shots from MINIs in Foliage:

Hogback Mountain, VT ("100 mile view"):


At Consider Bardwell Farm:

 

Spiney,
Lookin very nice, even after almost two years! Our little roadster is getting lots of looks put here in The Black Hills. I get a kick out walking up to the car when someone is taking its picture. Been happening a lot these past couple of days. Also of note, these mountain roads are really fun. Olga calls them MiniI Cooper roads. Now we're heading down into Colorado for some Rockie Mountain roads. They may be. Bit more scary.

 

Thanks! I'm starting to enjoy playing with clay bars, waxes, etc., which is something I never thought I'd get into. My previous cars got washed when it rained or when they went for service. Now I specifically ask the dealer NOT to wash it! I think this is helping to keep it looking good.

It's hard to imagine, but I got the car in April 2012, so I'm two and a half years in and heading for my third winter. It still feels like a new car to me, and I still smile every time I get in, and look back every time I leave it. Still not finished tweaking either, I have the LED DRLs to install next, and a GP2 front undertray. Rally lights are next once I figure out how to put them on with the mesh grilles. We decided this year that we're keeping both my car and my wife's Clubman for the foreseeable future, so I'm looking forward to more upgrades in the next little while as stuff wears out naturally (suspension, etc.).

 

A couple weeks ago went to the International Peace gardens. The ggardens and most of the leaves were gone... But the Roadster still looked great! LOL

First, here's the main garden. The "stream" in the center lines up perfectly with the tower. This line marks the border between the US and Canada. IMO Canada's half was nicer. They had lakes, trees, and beutiful roads. The US half had music camp or something and while I'm sure nice for some it was not as scenic.


Driving on Canada's half!








And here's the roadster! The motor is in the US and the wing is in Canada!

 

I'll bet they don't often see Texas tags around there...

The contrasting colors of the fall leaves, the blue sky, and the R59 are particularly striking. Thanks for sharing!

 

"And here's the roadster! The motor is in the US and the wing is in Canada! "




lol Great pics

 

Thanks! We did confuse Border Patrol. The entrance to the garden is between the US and Canadian border crossings so we never technically went into Canada on the way back we had to go through the US checkpoint and the agent asked where we lived and when I said North Dakota I think he was about to arrest us. Then of course we were questioned about the Texas plates... LOL. And then we he asked where we went in Canada and said we never went to Canada... AWKWARD!!

 

hoping everyone had a good Thanksgiving!

Here's the MINI in its winter mode - Michelins X-ice3 on its 16" - over Cumberland mountains the day of Thanksgiving, AND after the big snow storm the day before. It was somewhat sunny and beautiful to drive . . . though too cold to drive with the top down

 

Nice shot, TG.

 

Thanks!

 

Nice pic. Thanks for sharing. Good to see a Roadster out in the elements.