R99

So... I tackled a fairly big job on the car tonight. This is the first time I have done anything of this magnitude on the car myself. To be honest, it wasn't that hard and I'm pretty chuffed with the results! Dash / Speedo / CD player and Centre Console out (the point of no return!!) The heater panel I bought turned out to be from a Countryman - I tried it but it doesn't work fully so for now until I get another, I have transferred the silver heater controls over to the new LCI spec centre console: The sound system was already upgraded with a NewMINIStuff channel swap and tweeter upgrade and TBH, I was happy with the sound. However now the LCI head unit has gone in..... WOW!!! Total transformation in terms of clarity and bass.

Been thinking about what else I could do to move the car on a little.... so someone of MU photoshopped this idea for me (RAL 7040 roof): Good idea or not - whats your thoughts people??

Got the Chilli Red dash in last night at 11pm when I got home, couldnt wait to get it fitted. Bit fiddly to do the left side with the secret compartment, but still only took about 20 mins... Cant wait to get cracking with the interior now

BMW's code for a refreshed model - the R56 (2nd gen) MINI got a refresh in 2011 to include new bits and the black interior was one of them

OK the LCI spec console has landed... Pretty chuffed with them to be honest - however the centre console has the auto heater panel, whereas mine is manual, so not sure if this will work?? There is a manual one available from another breaker for £50 and obviously, I can sell this auto one on.... but to be honest I prefer the look of the auto controls, so I hope they work!

HaHa - world most expensive breadvan right there!

Another update - some new stuff for the interior... LCI spec centre console complete with CD player and speedo head. £130 for the lot - bargain from a breakers in Yorkshire

Cheers mate - personally I just see myself as an amateur!

Some more random pics I took of the car today.... IMG_4091 by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr IMG_4087 by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr IMG_4078 by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr IMG_4066 by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr IMG_4063 by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr IMG_4054 by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr IMG_4052 by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr IMG_4051 by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr IMG_4046 by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr IMG_4040 by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr

Clubman register has no decent content really MiniTorque or MotoringUnderground (US site) both have good followings. Any info on your car mate? I thought for a second there you meant my car had been posted... some nice cars there

Ok, small update... bought myself some brand new Chilli Red colour line dash trims. They cost me £95, but since they retail at £220 ish from a main dealer, they are still quite a bargain! Next up is the lower dash parts to be trimmed in alcantara with a red double stitch - LG Trimming is doing them next month for me.

Update: dropped the Recaro's off today at Will Pedley Racing in Leeds. This is the guy who's doing the work with Lee on the epic RMR Time Attack rotrex build. VERY impressive set up down there - would recommend them for anyone in the North He is designing some custom seat bases for me so I can finally get them into the car!! Also fitted the NewMINIStuff tweeter upgrade alongside the channel swap (which I had already) - WOW! what a difference Focussing on the interior bits now and trying to source a LCI centre console next....

People may say I have faffed over the last couple of years, but looking back at this pic makes me realise how far the car has come along:

Interesting shot showing just how low my car is now compared to a stock FJCW:

Went out on a run today with some other MINI's from the North East - good day all round and the Clubman got a good reception! Red = WIN by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr Scotts R53 Cooper S by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr Chilling at Hartside Cafe by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr R55 Clubman by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr Static by jamesnathanjolly, on Flickr

Can someone photoshop my roof to match the mirrors / wheels?? I may have an idea.......?

Got my mirrors and scuttles back today, so fitted them this afternoon: Better pics when its not raining and dark! All painted up in RAL 7040 to match the rims...

I work at Tesco - so I'll check it out!! Thanks man

The Trendlines are..... HERE!! :COOL: Really happy with the condition, especially since I only paid £375 for them!! No rips, tears, burns etc - and all the bolsters are solid. The drivers seat also has an air pump for additional lumbar support which tightens the back padding up, with a little release button that lets the air out - very cool! Anyone got any recommendations for a cleaner that I can use on the upholstery (the red is suede / alcantara and the centre is black cloth) and any recommendations to get the black plastic spruced up too? Just need to work out the best way of mounting them now, since the Recaro mounts are £265 for a pair!!! I'm wondering if I can just get a garage local to me to do something custom involving the standard MINI sliding rails.... if not, it will have to be the Recaro options! Some pics of them (no cash now until next month for the bases to fit them):

Stumbled across an e-Bay bargain this evening - £45 for these puppies Last bit of chrome going!! (well actually, will need to get the handles on the club doors done to match)

Red grille arrived today, so I nipped out (more bloody snow!!) to test it: The lower grille surround from my JCW grille doesnt fit, so I think I will need to buy a lower chrome grille and get that sprayed up. The problem I've got now though is that it doesn't look quite right with the black grille surrounds - its the grille equivalent of panda eye black headlight surrounds syndrome! To make it work, I reckon it will need to colour code the grille surrounds - but then the danger is too much red!

Small updates... My Recaro's will be here on Tuesday!! Also, bought this CC'd slatted grille, gonna try it with the JCW front end and see what it looks like: Finally, another set of RCA's (CyberSpeeds) for a very reasonable £40, one was missing a centre bolt, so I rang Jerrick at MeisterR and he sorted a replacement one for another £40... So all told, a decent set of RCA's for £80 delivered to my door, result!! These should help to reduce the camber on the rear and pull the wheel into the arch, so I can go lower on the back

Just a snapshot of how low my car is in comparison to a stock Clubman (my Dads car):

Thanks mate Build of Andy's Cooper S is here: http://www.minitorque.com/forum/f272/build-winston-picture-intensive-28353/

So, I have bought seats: Recaro Trendlines. Plus point is that they only cost me £375 in literally as new condition, so much cheaper than the JCW options! Was thinking of getting the red bolsters retrimmed at some point, but I think I can make them work given the car being Chilli Red and my other plans for the interior... Some other pics: