Ted went ahead and ordered the large black & white check dashboard trim so she can keep track of the finish line at all times. On other boards, I've seen pretty decent directions for replacing the passenger side, but pretty hazy on the driver's side. Has anyone done the dashboard trim replacement? If so, can you walk me through it? I sure don't want to screw it up--they're kinda spendy!
The MINI is at Towne's Collision shop for a few more days so it'll be at least that long before I can get the trim switched out. Ted's just going to have to be patient...
Over the years I had pulled the trim of hundreds of cars. Install all types of auto electronics. Have done many BMW's but have yet to ever pull apart a MINI. I remember when I met my wife 22 years ago and she found me with tools on the floor, dash panels in on the seats and my lap. The look on her face was not fun at that moment. In the end she was happy with the outcome and additions. After all she still became my bride. And the car became a show vehicle for 6 years until one of our boys drove it one day. She had a different look on her face that day.
Now because of Tedscar (Kim) putting a thought in my head I wonder if I will need a lawyer. Just kidding. Yet you have given me some ideas.
Back to the question at hand. You might come across some hard to work with areas. My best advice is take your time and work slow. And I mean SLOW. pins and clips can snap before you even know they were there. Then there is the almost always hidden screw. Have plenty of light and use the right tool for the situation. Like I mentioned, I have never taken apart a MINI (yet.....LOL ). It may be easy or it may not. Maybe someone else can chime in. Lastly you may need to incur an additional cost of dog bones. Need to keep Ted out of your hair.
-s
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MiniMo - 2008 MINI Cooper S, Mellow Yellow, Checker glass roof, mirrors and sides, black stripes on boot & bonnet, Piaa black HID Rally lights. Zig Around Zoom Zoom
Thanks Scott. Good advice, I'm sure (and I'm not nearly as handy as you are). There's pretty good directions for removing the passenger side panel is DIY someone wrote up to install the chrome interior. If anyone wants that pdf I can pass it along. Since the author's main objective was different than mine, he kinda blazed over the driver's side--said you just lower the wheel, grasp the trim at the bottom, then putt it up and flip it over while removing it. There is a video that shows that removal on YouTube. There, it looks like someone just used a flat-head screwdriver to pry it off--looks like it went pretty smooth.
Yesterday, Ted literally looked like she was at death's door (she really has gone downhill pretty fast). Today she seems a little better. We'll see. I think we're getting close. It breaks my heart. But I'll stock up on Milk Bones just in case--good call.
Give little Ted lots of hugs and kisses for us! She just misses her MINI...
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Holly
2007 Astro Black [YES IT'S BLACK] MINI Cooper Convertible ("Pepper"); 2013 British Racing Green MINI Cooper S Hardtop ("Bini") and 2013 BMW X5 ("Wilhelm")
Bruto: 07 S PS/W, Alta 19mm Rear Sway, Einkei Wheels, Driving Lights (VIP Custom Parts bracket & Hella 500's), Alta Short Shifter, Stratmosphere coilovers, VIP Custom Parts CAI & Strut Bar
Thanks Nicole. Ted's having a much better day today than yesterday, but I still think we're getting close. I am in no hurry to get her to the finish line, but I really don't want her to be panicked and disoriented at the very end. We have to try to balance her end of life (realistically) with not pushing her too far and making it that much harder on all of us. I could not stand to see her like that.
On a brighter topic, right now, I have the standard issue 'fine white silver' dash trim--kinda looks like brushed aluminum. Ted thought I ought to go for this stylee--http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=438907&siteid=214168&catalogid=5277 . So I finally gave in and ordered it. First they sent the standard "S" small wavy checked trim. Ted said to send it back and get the right stuff. So now I've got the parts, but the MINI is up having its facelift. When we're all back together again, I'll take Scott's advice and s-l-o-w-l-y remover the fine white silver and swap it out for ted's checkered flag. I think it'll look great with the Mellow Yellow color line. Apparently, last year was the last for that, so Ted should have a one-of-a-kind. She'll like that!
). It may be easy or it may not. Maybe someone else can chime in. Lastly you may need to incur an additional cost of dog bones. Need to keep Ted out of your hair.
