655 replies to this topic

[MaxAndPaddy]

Sounds painful

[nev_payne]

MaxandPaddy and your avatar pictures blend in after you read this project page for a while... almost looks like one of you is talking to themselves.

[MaxAndPaddy]

We're siamese twins really ....both got BRG minis a bad haircut and magpie tendencies for anything JCG

[bcjames]

We're siamese twins really ....both got BRG minis a bad haircut and magpie tendencies for anything JCG

I'm having a hair cut later!

I now have three green arches on the car! I've not had a chance to repaint the 4th yet since it got damaged.



Rear quarter by bcjamesmini, on Flickr



Front view by bcjamesmini, on Flickr

Front end is looks very unhappy, muddy, but I have some time off at last so I'm going to clean the car!

[bcjames]

After much messing around trying to get the Pioneer and it's replacement to work, I gave up and returned it. I bought an Alpine CDE133 instead, much the same features, and it fitted in minutes and worked straight away. Awesome!

They styling is more conservative and it fits the Mini much better!



Alpine headunit by bcjamesmini, on Flickr

New microphone position, using the sun visor mount. It sits nicely on here, and will do when my A pillar trim goes in. If it works well in practice in this spot then I'll make up a lower profile bracket so it's a bit more discreet.



Alpine mic position by bcjamesmini, on Flickr

Oh and now the window is fixed and I can use the Mcdonalds drive through, I bought a cup holder!

Just need to work out where to put it now.



Cup holder! by bcjamesmini, on Flickr

Much happier with the car today, having time off on a sunny day has made everything go much smoother!

[paul_s]

I bought an Alpine CDE133 instead

Definitely a wise choice - Alpine are far superior units in my opinion. I've always found them to be a bit crisper, although in a mini the differences probably aren't as noticeable!

[bcjames]

Paul, I'm yet to actually listen to it aside a quick test, but I thought it sounded well enough through the standard Rover speakers. I didn't really use the Pioneer to get an idea of it, but I imagine this will be a good step up from the base model Sony I sought to replace. I think some replacement coaxes may go in the back soon, leaving the route of adding front components later on.

The Alpine was hugely easier to fit, and there was really no set up needed for the bluetooth, it just all works as expected. The unit seems but better built, the buttons feel much more sturdy and definite to press. I had my doubts, that were proved right, after buying the Pioneer, but I'm really happy with the Alpine, despite it working out a bit more expensive.

[bcjames]

To webasto or not to webasto. Hmm!

[miniman retford]

To webasto or not to webasto. Hmm!

Dont you dare !!!!! Well not before i do

Edited by miniman retford, 31 May 2012 - 01:03 PM.

[Juju]

To webasto or not to webasto. Hmm!

As Mr Retford has said, don't you VERY dare! (And don't you do it either, Nige. )

Webastos on minis are awful. May as well fit a giant shiny key to one end.

The arches look soooooooooooooooo much better, though, Mr James. Love 'em.

[nev_payne]

Don't webasto. It's far easier to replace metal than it is to find parts for those fiddly little b*tards.

[bcjames]

But driving the webasto Mini last week was amaaaazing on the sunny days!

That said, I'm not sure I could bring myself to chop that big 'ole in my shiny white roof!

I've bought another MG rocker cover. Polishing by hand is very hard work! Theres also a pile of engine bits in the middle of the garage with no progress

[Ace Alex]

Some very nice goodies! This project gets better everytime I read it!!

The colour-coded arches look very good. Have you thought about a wavy grille to compliment the styling?

Webasto it! My '97 Mpi has a Webasto, in the summer it's great. However, in the winter it's a tad cold! My '99 Mini 40 and Cooper Sport both have a standard roof. I forgot how big a Mini roof was to clean without the Webasto!

My '97 Almond green Cooper in the sun....

.

Hope you don't mind me posting the pictures as reference.

Alex.

Edited by Pedal Pusher, 31 May 2012 - 09:10 PM.

[bcjames]

Mmm webasto! A wavy grille will indeed be going on! After the pigeon incident I just bought a Cooper one as it was half the price, but really I should have just bought the wavy one I really wanted. Being a Rover option part, it's welcome on my car too I do have to drive the Mini all winter so warmth is something I probably should consider with regard losing half the roof!

Alex, your photos are more than welcome, that's a stunning Mini! Almond Green is a great colour, it's a shame so few are painted in it, but I guess that adds to it's appeal.

I spent a few hours yesterday cleaning all the inside and outside. Looking at it outside work today between the stormy showers, I really do love the car.

[bcjames]

Rocker cover is getting better. This should suit the blue cylinder head when it finally goes on. Aiming for very shiny hopefully!



MG rocker cover by bcjamesmini, on Flickr