BendersMINI

Will join at Point of Rocks

Been a couple of weeks now, but added the NM-Engineering Power Module. Tucked in behind the air box. There’s a surprisingly noticeable (and welcome) difference measured on the butt-dynometer… Also, the de-chrome mentioned a while back continues to move along. Various trim bits, belt line, and smoked the stock side marker lights… though LED replacements are inbound. Count me as another very happy customer of NV Coatings. (EVO Gray powder coating)

Latest update... cancelled for 2021. MINIUSA seems to be planning a new version of MTTS for 2022 (rather than simply postponing “MINI Takes the Colonies”), but not quite sure. The website is showing the same route and implies postponement... again... but the embedded video seemed to imply a different route or event format.

I've recently caught the de-chroming bug, too. Ordered directly from killallchrome and was impressed with the speed of shipping from the UK, especially with current shipping delays. Only took about a week to arrive. All 6 door handle covers, front/rear light surrounds, and a couple of rolls of different belt line tape. (I have a ton of matte black vinyl leftover from my current stripes, but saving that at the moment for a future update.) Already had the grill surround from OutMotoring and installed a few years ago. I've only test fit all the pieces so far, but I really like the fit and quality. As posted elsewhere, the handle covers snap on really tightly. Waiting until weather warms up and clears up to put all this on. Planning to remove current stripes and give it a good cleaning, then may put a different stripe design on. May depend on the amount of paint shadowing/discoloration left from the old stripes... And then it'll be time for NV Coatings and the wheels!

Wow, that's a lot of work and impresses me (cost vs benefit)! Thanks for sharing the details. Your MINI does look fantastic, too. Definitely gonna file this NV Coating info away for future thought...

Check out MINI FINI or perhaps even give them a call. See the pic on this particular page. ( They've supported their fellow MINI owners with cool solutions for many years! Actually ran into one of the owners at MTTS a few years ago. ) I installed their sport link (leaves two little cylinders poking out that look like James Bond oil spray gadgets) on my R57 around 2012-2013. It took a little more work than I expected, but did it in the driveway one morning. All a matter of what one calls "not too difficult." Used it with an attachment base that included a 2" receiver hitch. I never towed with it... only used for a bike carrier. I don't have that car anymore, but I *think* I may still have the attachment base stuffed away somewhere. If you go the MINI FINI route, I would be happy to pass it on to another R57 owner... Cheers, Stephen

For those who may not have already subscribed to the MINI USA link... - Postponed to Summer 2021 - MINI USA says they plan to use the same routing planned for 2020 [yay for us on the East Coast!] - Exact dates TBD

Maggie does look great! Nice to see a hybrid joining. I look forward to hearing your longer-term impressions - I want my next car to be a hybrid or completely electric. Likely to still be several years away, but...

This looks fun - I like the idea of the past/modern comparison. Will have to RSVP tentative, though; I have to fly to Atlanta that day for a work trip. Maybe I can catch the first few hours before heading to the airport...

Crossing my fingers the timing and routing works out. I like catching the start of MTTS, but that's not an option this year due to work. *Maybe* I can catch the last few days!!

I'm also arriving just in time for the driver's meeting, but will continue through BBQ, and can't miss those fantastic cupcakes at Sweets!

( Videos are moving photography, right?) Mark you calendar for Nov 22... There are some teaser videos at these links. https://www.smithsonianchannel.com/videos/this-is-how-mini-jcw-turbo-engines-are-built/60865?an=culture https://www.smithsonianchannel.com/videos/why-mini-jcw-cars-are-so-similar-to-go-karts/60847?an=culture

Nice turnout and great to see everyone! I think we all enjoyed the location. @wyretrip Sorry I took off too early before you could see the mod! Next time... I missed a few of the MINIs in attendance by not going outside earlier to take photos

After seeing and hearing about the simple install by @Coopah, I had to get one of these Cravenspeed auto shift knobs: Totally agree about the great feel and sitting at a perfect height relative to the center arm rest!

The private dining room is set aside for us under “DC Minis” There’s some sort of beer tasting event going on tonight, so no guarantee of a big enough table in the main dining area.