14 replies to this topic

[Knuckles]

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This weekend i got round to fitting my new sports pack arches and alloys. So pleased with the paint finish on them.

I used mini spares templates to work out where to cut from wings and drill holes.
Angle grinder 1mm blade along the cut line then reformed a new arch lip using grips. Painted lip

KAD steering rack limiters were installed to prevent alloys rubbing the inner wing. You lose one whole turn on the steering wheel doing this but makes it safer for the tyres.

At the rear remove fuel tank from the left to gain access to the inside of panel

The sports pack alloys grip the road so much better than the 4 inch rover alloys - They have eliminated all the body roll i had previously.
Next job is to fit my new adjustable heavy duty front tie bars and bushes. Both steering rack gaiters are perished and split so will do them next weekend along with new track rod ends

I plan to remove the mini cooper decal from the boot and fit a winged badge. Also want to remove the 1.3 badge as it looks untidy due to the chrome worn off.

[gwatkins15]

Looks ace, making me want bigger aches more... Looks a lot better but also subtle =) Your boot changes sound good too, a chrome boot light cover might look tasty on it too

[Jakeclubby]

how important is it to have the limiter and if so is it easy to install and where can i get one??

[Knuckles]

how important is it to have the limiter and if so is it easy to install and where can i get one??

http://www.kad-uk.com/mini-parts/mini-suspension?product_id=19

follow this link to buy the kad limiters.
they are important because without them on full lock the wider wheels would rub on the inner wings.
you will lose one full turn on the steering wheel which makes 3 point turns interesting

To fit them you have to pull back the rack gaiters to gain access to the track rods. I had trouble fitting my limiters as the plastic is quite tough. I removed the steering arms from the top of the hubs , which then allowed me to remove the track rod off the rack and slide the rack stops on the shaft of the rack. Refitted the track rod with lock tight. Then secure rack stops using cable ties which are supplied in the kit.

[Knuckles]

Looks ace, making me want bigger aches more... Looks a lot better but also subtle =) Your boot changes sound good too, a chrome boot light cover might look tasty on it too

thanks fella

i was thinking of getting a new one as my one has corrosion and flaking paint. You cant get the original black number plate lamp anymore so chrome one may have to be an option. Same story with the wiper arms. My old black ones were weak so had to go for the chrome jobbies

[Jakeclubby]

ok thanks could i not just stay away from full lock and be careful?? and do these come with instructions??

[Jakeclubby]

?

[Knuckles]

ok thanks could i not just stay away from full lock and be careful?? and do these come with instructions??

you cant stay away from full lock. When getting in or out of parking spaces and doing 3 point turns your bound to forget and take chunks out the tyres.
yes they do come with instructions but i didnt fit them the way they said.
i fitted them by removing the track rods off the rack

Edited by Knuckles, 31 January 2012 - 10:18 PM.

[nev_payne]

Did you use the strengthening strips inside the wing?

[Knuckles]

Did you use the strengthening strips inside the wing?

no

all i did to make it strong again was create a new arch lip by bending it upward all the way around then used a angle grinder flap disc to smooth down the sharp edges created from the cutting. It regained its rigidness by doing this.

[Knuckles]

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New pictures from this weekend !

I removed the early cooper decal from boot and added wing badge. Also removed the 1.3L and replaced it with matching cooper sport badge. Used wire wool on the tail pipe to clean it up a bit.
I Went to mini spares center to get new rack gaiters & track rod ends only to be told that sports pack mini's came with 5mm spacers as standard fitted to the rear. So i bought some and fitted them too. The wheels fill the arches much better now

The tramlining is quite weird when going down an uneven straight road

Edited by Knuckles, 04 February 2012 - 10:21 PM.

[nev_payne]

The tramlining is quite weird when going down an uneven straight road

I would stock a spare set of ball joints and bearings as well chap depending on how heavy/regularly you drive. The Sportspack wheel weight and offset give the drivetrain a lot of work.

Edited by nev_payne, 13 February 2012 - 08:04 PM.

[Mini_Magic]

Looks great, you should change the front indicators to clear ones to match the Sportspack cars.

[gwatkins15]

The boot looks much better! When you took to 1.3i badge off was it attached with pins into the boot lid or just stuck on? I hate having mine on, and just want it bare but then i dont want holes there either :L

[MiniRFC]

Love the colour