GBMINI#4 (GPMINI) – Page 76

Dynamat Extreme

Posted on February 11, 2007February 14, 2017 by Ian C.

This is a tale of failed experiments on GPMINI … don’t read if you don’t like failure!

The plan: quieten GPMINIs interior to reduce the rumble of road noise, and install new speakers to improve the (sub)bass response.
Actions: install loads of Dynamat Extreme on all the panels I can access, and install Kicker KS6.2 speakers which look to have great low frequency performance!

Results: The Kicker KS6.2 speakers are HORRENDOUS! They only stayed in GPMINI one weekend – and that was because I didn’t drive it! There is so much high frequency from them, they’re incredibly harsh and gave me a headache within 5-10 minutes of listening to them. Turning down the treble on the HU didn’t help much, it just made everything sound muddy. I’d selected the Kickers to get more low end – but they didn’t seem any better at that either! So the stock speakers went back in.

I first drove GPMINI with all the Dynamat installed but none of the rear panels back in. It was amazing how LOUD the exhaust noise was – of course there’s two air vents at the back of the MINI that were not covered by the trim piece under the hatch … I stuffed them with foam, and I re-installed the carpet that covers the battery (and has some good thick foam sound deadening on it); that got the exhaust noise under control again.
But I can’t claim any noticeable reduction in road rumble from the tires, due to the Dynamat Extreme. It claims exactly that – to reduce road rumble – but it doesn’t seem to make much difference (and I added 20lb of Dynamat to the car!)
Of course when I add the rear panels back, there might be some further noise reduction, but the Dynamat is no “magic bullet” for quieting GPs!

My next plan is to stick some foam batting to the back of the trim panels before I re-install them – maybe that will help (at least it won’t add much weight!)

As for improving the stereo, I had an idea to install a subwoofer in one rear foam storage tray but I’ve decided now that all this DIY experimentation isn’t good for me – it’s very frustrating when it doesn’t work as I’d hoped! So, time to find an expert …

Todds Mods

Posted on February 10, 2007February 12, 2017 by Ian C.

After comparing the original and MINI Swag “GP” letters on GPMINIs hood scoop recently, Todd (of ToddsMods, MotoringBadges and WhiteRoofRadio) said he could make closer-to-original badges … so I ordered some and fitted them today – it took ages to peel off the MINI Swag letters (maybe it would have been easier if it wasn’t 20f!)

Here’s an animated photo of the MINI Swag letters, then Todds letters – sorry I haven’t taken a comparion pic of Todds letters to the originals, but Todd did and there’s negligible difference (sorry, I deleted the pic he took!):

Todd makes loads of other fabulous stuff too including a great MTTS magnetic badge that lives on my fridge – well now, it has company! Look at these amazing badges, a must for any enthusiastic GP owner 😉

Each magnetic badge is just less than 3″ diameter, as are these self-stick decals that Todd also sent me (last image).
I can’t find these designs on Todds websites but email him and I’m sure he’ll be happy to sell them to you 🙂

GP bling

Posted on January 30, 2007February 17, 2017 by Ian C.

Inspired by George (who owns GP0154, GP1415 and GP1717), I wanted to install the JCW carbon fiber hood scoop on GPMINI – but I didn’t want to lose the “GP” letters.
So working with MINI Swag, I got perfect replacement letters, bought the scoop and installed it today!
First I tried the red “GP” letters that I’d bought:

But then I decided it would look better with the silver letters, closely matching the original design:

So here’s a close-up of the original and new carbon fiber hood scoops (ignore the foam, which is protecting the paintwork!):

While in a carbon fiber mood, I also got the JCW gear shift knob (again inspired by George!):

It looks fabulous, but it takes some getting used to because you hold the shift knob from the side instead of from the top … not sure if I” stick with it!

Finally, repeating the Chili Red mirror cap highlighting, I changed the white (MCS) door reflectors to red (MC):