15 replies to this topic

[Benoit_Dupont]

Allright, so It has been a busy saterday, I can tell you. 

 

Following a suggestion from Mini forum member (Chris1275gt) , I wanted to explore the possibility to make another leather strap for interior. And here is what I came up with:

 

 IMG_20191012_190057-W1000.jpg   41.69K   2 downloads

 

picture is a bit dark as I just finished and it's now pitch blacks in the french alps as I write. basically, on my desk it looks like this:

 

 IMG_20191012_190328-W1000.jpg   18K   2 downloads

 

it is a (quite heavily modified) guitar amp handle. it's called a fender strap for a reason, hence the title of the topic today. 

 

I ditch the terrible plastic strap and made my own (automotive grade) leather handle. it's back stitched by hand using cross stitch point. similar to what you find on steering wheel, to some extend. Of course, again, once on the door, you don't see it. but I know it's there and it's well made. that's what matters.

 

 IMG_20191012_190346-W1000.jpg   29.5K   2 downloads

 

turned out that the suggestion from Chris1275gt is a good one. it's still a pain in the b*** to make but it will keep the strap flat while driving. :)

 

cheers guys !

 

 

[Curley]

Looking forward to seeing the whole door assembly once all your projects come together.

[Chris1275gt]

Looks good Benoit.

[Benoit_Dupont]

Looks good Benoit.

Thanks and it was a good idea.

[MikeRotherham]

Just a thought, if the strap is flush with the door panel, over time the vinyl of the door panel would get worn with the driver's hand grabbing hold of it wouldn't it?

[Benoit_Dupont]

Just a thought, if the strap is flush with the door panel, over time the vinyl of the door panel would get worn with the driver's hand grabbing hold of it wouldn't it?

Hi Mike,

 

Well, to be honest before you wear out a door panel that you put your hands maybe only 4 or 6 times a day at worse, it will be quite a long time, probably your car will breakdown before it. 

 

It's really not an issue.

 

I also did modify the metal fixing that normally are meant for amplifiers: they have pins to dig in the wood of the amplifier. here I grinded everything and smoothed all the edge so it does not harm the leatherette of the panel.

[Benoit_Dupont]

Hi guys,

 

I promised you better photos and yet I did not have the time to do this right... so this week-end, I took the time to do it right. I mean. really, really right 

 

As a photographer, I have quite some gear lying here and there. So I decided to make a bit of a studio session. I waited until dark and I used about 1000 W in 2 light boxes. here is the set-up:

 

 DSCF0680s.jpg   33.34K   6 downloads

 

It's really tricky to shoot because of the windows that reflect light everywhere and the care is tiny, so it's kind of challenging to get the angles right: if too direct, then it looks terrible, like a flash picture. if not direct enough, well, you don't see my shirt 

 

after fighting for about an hour to try to gey a shot through the door, I gave up. it looked terribe, so I raised the camera and shot through the back window, getting my light to cast cool shadows, without having all the background. here it is:

 

 DSCF0677s.jpg   37.85K   16 downloads

 

I kind of like the outcome. it looks almost like a decent car-shot with enough mood in there. 

 

the car was cleaned for the occasion, but the lightbox are not very forgiving, so you see all the little dirt remaining on the floor and the wiring loom dandling from the steering column. 

 

but all in all, I think it's ok.

 

what do you think ? 

Edited by Moke Spider, 28 October 2019 - 06:03 PM.
Please mind your language this is a family friendly forum - my mum reads it too

[Chris1275gt]

Hi Benoit
All looks very arty not sure about the yellow gear knob though!

[Benoit_Dupont]

Hi Benoit
All looks very arty not sure about the yellow gear knob though!

Well, that's the one that came with the car. I think it's an original :)

[Curley]

Not sure any of the wood trim are 'correct' but isn't that the fun of owning a Mini? They all have their own individual details.

[Benoit_Dupont]

Not sure any of the wood trim are 'correct' but isn't that the fun of owning a Mini? They all have their own individual details.

Agreed. The dash is made in France. It's inspired by the custom scene of the 70s. :)

The Gear knob came with the car. So i really don't know where it came from. Always thought it was the original one. :)

[Petrol]

Gear knob looks like it's from an Austin Allegro or maybe a Morris Marina. Showing my age here

[Benoit_Dupont]

Gear knob looks like it's from an Austin Allegro or maybe a Morris Marina. Showing my age here

Interesting !

[Chris1275gt]

Benoit just thought I'd throw it out there, but a gear knob with the same wood as the dash? Do you know what wood it is?

[Benoit_Dupont]

Benoit just thought I'd throw it out there, but a gear knob with the same wood as the dash? Do you know what wood it is?

I got no Idea. But that's a good Idea :)
I did not plan to change it. But if I do, why not. :)