13 replies to this topic

[LionelMonza]

Hello

on my 2000 mini Cooper I have a corked aluminum dashboard which is damaged.

I look at the usual sites for spare parts but I only find the aluminium dashboard.

What do you think? Does it come complete and ready to install or do you need parts?

Or do you think we can save and repair the old one?

thanks for your info

here is the link to buy new, but I don't see if it's adaptable or really compatible is there all the parts to mount it or should we plan something else

 

 

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[fokko]

You seem to have a Mini Cooper 40 LE (40th anniversary limited edition). This is the dashboard it originally came with and they are not available in new condition, only used. Can you explain what is wrong with it? I would certainly try to repair it or get a second hand genuine replacement part from ebay.

[LionelMonza]

No, it's a red and gray sport cooper (the roof).

and the plugged metal part is peeling off everywhere.

unless you can find a new dashboard, and have a thin aluminium sheet made to stick on it.
 

 

[bartman]

I do not think you have any chance of finding a new one. secondhand most will have some imperfections due to there age. i have 3 of the cooper sport dashboards and all of them have a few small marks. The instrument binnacle can be stripped and repainted, but the actual alloy dash finish seems unique i have looked long and hard for something to replicate it well and cant find anything

[stoneface]

The photo isn't that clear but it looks like the finish on that dash is what we call "engine turning or engine turned finish"

Google it and you can buy Ali sheet or vinyl wrap with it.

You can produce it yourself if you have a drill and the patience.

[bartman]

The photo isn't that clear but it looks like the finish on that dash is what we call "engine turning or engine turned finish"

Google it and you can buy Ali sheet or vinyl wrap with it.

You can produce it yourself if you have a drill and the patience.

 

 

you wont replicate this, i have bought various vinyls and none are close of have the correct texture. although it looks like engine turned the texture is more pronounced almost like its been pressed into the sheet of alloy.

[wilsonch]

I am also in this predicament. Looked long and hard for an ally sheet yo stick on but not found as yet.
My das was bubbling on a couple of corners.
So (as an experiment, not a professional repair) i cut away the metal, drilled small holes in the wood, made a barrier, filled with liquid metal, smoothed, sprayed.
It looks 'ok.. ish'
I will post a pic when i am next in the garage.

[wilsonch]

http://www.theminifo...n/?fromsearch=1
My original pot here.

[wilsonch]

Heres the repair.
https://www.flickr.c...2/shares/ms7879
I know its not great buy its a start.
Colour match could be better, obviously needs some more finishing off.
My thinking being, I'll try and if its nit good enough ill just get a new front...

So the question is. If mini spares sell them, where do they get them from and some one myst still sell the turned metal sheet.?

Edited by wilsonch, 18 August 2020 - 09:17 AM.

[stoneface]

 

The photo isn't that clear but it looks like the finish on that dash is what we call "engine turning or engine turned finish"

Google it and you can buy Ali sheet or vinyl wrap with it.

You can produce it yourself if you have a drill and the patience.

 

 

you wont replicate this, i have bought various vinyls and none are close of have the correct texture. although it looks like engine turned the texture is more pronounced almost like its been pressed into the sheet of alloy.

 

I've not seen a dash so can only go by the photos.

But what about embossed engine turned sheet like this; https://www.realgoldinc.com/Vinyl

Not exactly the same but they do from 1/4" circles upwards. It's embossed and looks textured.

[bartman]

The photo isn't that clear but it looks like the finish on that dash is what we call "engine turning or engine turned finish"
Google it and you can buy Ali sheet or vinyl wrap with it.
You can produce it yourself if you have a drill and the patience.

you wont replicate this, i have bought various vinyls and none are close of have the correct texture. although it looks like engine turned the texture is more pronounced almost like its been pressed into the sheet of alloy.

I've not seen a dash so can only go by the photos.
But what about embossed engine turned sheet like this; https://www.realgoldinc.com/Vinyl
Not exactly the same but they do from 1/4" circles upwards. It's embossed and looks textured.

This looks quite good, but I wonder if it is actually textured or just made to look it.

[GraemeC]

For a really nice finish, the only way is to replace the covering with proper engine turned aluminium or stainless:

https://jamesepearce...workshops4.html

[wile e coyote]

This any good? - think it's the closest match yet???

 

https://www.realgoldinc.com/Vinyl

[stoneface]

 

 

 

The photo isn't that clear but it looks like the finish on that dash is what we call "engine turning or engine turned finish"
Google it and you can buy Ali sheet or vinyl wrap with it.
You can produce it yourself if you have a drill and the patience.

you wont replicate this, i have bought various vinyls and none are close of have the correct texture. although it looks like engine turned the texture is more pronounced almost like its been pressed into the sheet of alloy.

I've not seen a dash so can only go by the photos.
But what about embossed engine turned sheet like this; https://www.realgoldinc.com/Vinyl
Not exactly the same but they do from 1/4" circles upwards. It's embossed and looks textured.

This looks quite good, but I wonder if it is actually textured or just made to look it.

 

No idea but since it does say embossed I would think so. Best ask them to confirm.

You might want to check the orientation of the pattern as well as it's not clear if it is along or across the length.

Edited by stoneface, 18 August 2020 - 01:59 PM.