GBMINI#2 – Page 18 – M&I / GBMINI

Improving the look of your vents

Posted on June 3, 2004February 9, 2017 by Ian C.

If you have an ’03 or earlier MINI, you probably have the same vent grilles as GBMINI, with a foam/gauze piece which collects and clings to dirt, insects and everything else that hits it.
Ever since I saw that the ’04 MINIs had an improved vent grille, I have planned to replace mine – but for a long time buying the vent grille meant buying the old part and not the new part.
But finally I have the new vent grilles installed on GBMINI – and they are massively better looking (old on left, new on right):

This is a low cost mod and gives a good looking result; the parts cost me less than $25 at MINI Peabody (including MA tax). The part numbers you need are: 51-13-7-122-505 and 51-13-7-122-506. Make sure you are getting the new design!

“Niiice” MINI

Posted on June 3, 2004February 12, 2017 by Ian C.

Today, perhaps unsurprisingly, I went to MINI Peabody to meet Richard and install my very last auto-up-windows circuit in his MINI – I am getting proficient now, less than five minutes!
While Richard and I were chatting, a smart Electric Blue MCS pulled in – the first thing we saw was its license plate, then we slowly noticed more customisations – like a “JCW” badge on the front grille, chrome around the front and rear lights, chrome behind the door handles … chatting with the owner, Jim, we also discovered more chrome inside and even under the hood!

Jim will be at MINIsOnTop so if you are going, look out for his “NIIICE” MINI 🙂

MINIs On Top 2004 – almost here!

Posted on May 31, 2004February 9, 2017 by Ian C.

This weekend Margaret & I headed up to Franconia Notch in New Hampshire, close to where MINIsOnTop will soon occur. This is a favourite place with great scenery and also great pancakes, bacon and maple spread at Pollys Pancake Parlor.
Today before heading home we drove the Kancamagus Highway from end to end – most of it will be driven again with 125 other MINIs in three weeks!