My R53 journey, First time Mini owner,LOT S of pics

Discussion in 'Car Builds, Projects, Idea's Experiments' started by z_wrecker, May 15, 2017.

  1. z_wrecker

    z_wrecker Member

    Apr 14, 2017
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    Hello!
    I wanted to use this thread to document, learn and share my experience with my first Mini. I will try to be better with taking pictures and posting them as I maintain the car, and do a few things to it here and there. I've always modified my vehicles, but I've been awful about documenting it.

    On 3/14/17 I purchased a 2006 Checkmate edition. Some of these photos were from the listing and a couple I've taken.
    4216EB4A-582A-4BDF-B0B7-6C1CE25248CC.jpg 801FF6FC-1212-484E-A32E-6D3D74461CC7.jpg 4FEEE93F-5ABA-47C2-9F7F-6B5CA5FD2C9A.jpg 5B501A73-D446-4452-AF33-996834FEF96C.jpg 29BE6AA9-53B4-42A6-AD2E-FCD446D786DF.jpg
    Not my legs
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  2. z_wrecker

    z_wrecker Member

    Apr 14, 2017
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    First thing was to debadge the stickers and fix the passenger window. F7BFB6B0-72A0-4470-8BF1-693B8B44D197.jpg
    Installation was easy and I ended up installing some dynamat for sound quality and to make doors feel little more solid.
    FFD2704B-FAC1-4001-BE88-2CA0DC109ECD.jpg
    I also picked up a set of driving light covers in the classified section on NAM.
    B732FB03-591C-46A5-9D48-DF89E3E4F208.jpg
    ince this picture I've removed the badge holder and ordered a headlight washer cover. I plan on installing it after I wetsand the headlights and remove the clear bra. Here is the mini next to my A4
    07E31723-BE0C-4453-9C9B-0CB6A53B5818.jpg
    I've also ordered a replacement scoop to replace this dog collar one which I painted today. Pics to follow soon
    9F023CA9-F273-4E82-8D99-818EA820E3DD.jpg
     
  3. z_wrecker

    z_wrecker Member

    Apr 14, 2017
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    Ended up with a new scoop. Paint matches the roofline perfectly, not so much the stripes.
    [​IMG]
    Also did a quick overview. Looks like the power steering pump is newish, but the lines are leaking. I am going to try better clamps if not I will replace them.
    [​IMG]
     
  4. z_wrecker

    z_wrecker Member

    Apr 14, 2017
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    Picked up a very lightly used Invidia exhaust with titanium tips. Exhaust shield (the bit that goes between two mufflers that is attached to the underside of the battery mount) had all 4 studs snap off while trying to unbolt it.
    9FE5DDF0-E2F3-4F9E-958A-4CFBDD65DFFF.jpg
     
  5. z_wrecker

    z_wrecker Member

    Apr 14, 2017
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    B8A998F4-8294-4282-A139-CC1A065C9A28.jpg 2C3FA596-D176-4A37-982E-CFE4A7405C06.jpg 6AB38AC0-1489-41AA-9D62-8635968FD38C.jpg So the windows were tinted Friday and the project for this weekend was headlight clearing and polishing. When I got the car I noticed how hazed the lights were and it bothered me (along with a few other things). Here are some pics. "Torro" is finally becoming a little car I am truly enjoying to drive.
     
  6. z_wrecker

    z_wrecker Member

    Apr 14, 2017
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    Next up was the steering wheel. I couldn't find another checkmate steering wheel for sale, so instead I found a regular 3 spoke in great shape. More than likely I will be swapping out the seats at some point since I am not the fan of the blue/silver combo currently. As you can tell the factory wheel was pretty beat up.
    749D2D40-032C-4B1E-9D6E-9DA3C4EE3A61.jpg
    halfway done
    FFD2704B-FAC1-4001-BE88-2CA0DC109ECD.jpg
    and finished product. Feel and looks much better! I took the time to really clean the buttons with a small detailing brush and some plastic cleaner.
    E9D7400D-C4F4-4BD2-B620-09FA3BC6E825.jpg
     
  7. z_wrecker

    z_wrecker Member

    Apr 14, 2017
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    Replaced a failing belt tensioner and found that the belt on it was K060535 so I ordered K060532 to go in its place. What I thought was a leaking power steering return line turned out to be just a poorly clamped hose. Tightened it and cleaned it up and no sign of leaks for 9 days now. . Cabin filter installed. Car has a Craven 17% reduction pulley as well as ATI super damper. Also installed upper JCW grill and will hack up the bottom portion soon. Pics to come soon!

    Here is a pretty pic of the sunset yesterday
    0F07109E-A6E8-48E8-BFF3-F71560C98F61.jpg
     
  8. Sully

    Sully Administrator
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    Jul 21, 2015
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    Love it - great pics and story. what are you looking to do next?
     
  9. z_wrecker

    z_wrecker Member

    Apr 14, 2017
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    Thank you! Car needed some love for sure! Next will be front clear protection removal, paint correction and touch up and engine bay detail (once I decide to tackle supercharger service)
     
  10. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Looking good!
     
  11. TATTRAT

    TATTRAT Well-Known Member
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    Great write up!
     
  12. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    Nice car, nice work, nice write up. :Thumbsup: Just my personal taste, but those black wheels would have to go. Not a fan of black wheels on any car, whether painted black or plasti dipped.
     
  13. z_wrecker

    z_wrecker Member

    Apr 14, 2017
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    I agree! I posted them on Craigslist 4 days ago. I think I want to go with 16" wheels.
    And thanks everyone. It's been a blast so far.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  14. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    Great vision and lots of nice work !!
     
  15. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    That car cleaned up quite nicely. Great Job!!
     
  16. mrntd

    mrntd Well-Known Member
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    Looking good. Lots of work paying off.
     
  17. Goldsmithy

    Goldsmithy MINI Alliance Ambassador
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    Jan 30, 2015
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    WOW, I'm impressed...great job, especially on the lights. You're off to a great start. Welcome to M/A...great site and greater people.
     
  18. z_wrecker

    z_wrecker Member

    Apr 14, 2017
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    Thanks everyone! And thanks to Pelican Parts I just ordered
    -oil dipstick O ring
    -throttle housing gasket
    -intake manifold gasket- manifold to intercooler air duct
    -supercharger to intercooler air duct (upper)
    -supercharger to air intake duct (left)
    -water pump O ring
    -spark plug hole gasket (4)
    -valve cover gasket
    -camshaft O ring
    -Oil filter housing to black gasket

    Let me know if I missed anything. I plan on checking the water pump condition and checking the spark plugs. There are new (blue) wires of some sort on the car and I assume the plugs were changed (I know I haven't checked). I am assuming I would need a step colder plugs since I am running a 17% pulley.
     
  19. Sully

    Sully Administrator
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    Jul 21, 2015
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    Quick question - For the Hazed lights, did you use the 3M kit?
     
  20. z_wrecker

    z_wrecker Member

    Apr 14, 2017
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    I used the 3M kit, but I also wetsanded between their dry sanding coats. so 500 grit wet sand, 800 grit wet sand, 2000 grit wet sand and finished with 3m 3000 grit polishing pad, polishing compound and I added a coat of wax.
     

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