Scavenger Posted April 23, 2021 Report Share Posted April 23, 2021 (edited) So, this year I've done a lot of work on B.A. to get him back in good condition. After 15 years and 130K miles, a MINI is going to need some work. I wanted to capture it all here. Maybe this information will be helpful to others. Particular first gen owners. While I had the interior pulled out, I used this chance to replace the stock speakers. I had already upgraded the head unit a few years ago to a nice Kenwood Excelon, but I hadn't done the speakers. Important Note - I have the base stereo system, NOT the Harman-Kardon or DPSM, and also I don't have navigation, those options have different requirements. I ordered some MTX Terminator (rear: 6"x9", front 6.5" component). The rears are an easy job, but the fronts require adapters. The rears aren't visible, and I mounted the tweeters behind the stock grills, however, I decided to use the MTX grills for the door speakers. I modified the stock tweeter mounts to hold the MTX's. The fronts required a bit more working, starting with drilling a new hole for the adapter. I then removed the factory grills and enlarged the holes and added mount points for the new grills. I didn't like the hardware that came with the speakers, it really looked like crap, so I devised something cleaner. The picture below shows the better option (viewed from back) on the Left. and the view from the front. The final piece was to relocate the hands-free microphone that came with my Kenwood. I originally mounted it on the steering column just in front of the gauges. So, I rerouted the wire up to the ceiling and placed the microphone into the factory location for the MINI OEM hands-free kit. This of course meant the sunroof switch moved to the passenger side which took a while to get used to. The grill piece had become brittle and broke, so I had to order a replacement. (broken one pictured) While I had the door panels off, I realized that the passenger side puddle light wasn't connected. I don't recall ever having any service done on that door, so it's a mystery as to how that happened! So, just from taking the car in for service at various shops over the time I've owned it seems to have resulted in a lot of little issues, like broken clips, loose connections... etc. I'm not trying to point any fingers, but it seems to show how important it is to find a really quality shop! It also pays to get to know your car, particular if you plan to keep it a long time like I've decided. Equipment List: Front and Rear speakers - This is really based on personal preference, budget, and other factors. Metra 72-9301 Speaker Wiring Harness (2) - needed for both front and back Scosche SASCN656 Speaker Mounting Brackets -for front speakers Stinger Roadkill RKFR6 FAST Rings Hillman 1/4" Threaded Posts and #8-32 x 1/4" Machine Screws - I got these at Lowe's Home Improvement, makes for a nicer way to mount grills Edited April 23, 2021 by Scavenger Add equipment list 2 2006 MCS, SB/S , "B.A." Performance: DINAN "Stage 5" tune, throttle body, boost kit (fuel pump, pulley), & CAI; JCW exhaust sans resonator, brakes, & GP IC; DDM IC diverter; CSF Racing Aluminum Radiator Suspension: DINAN front strut brace; Alta 22mm rear bar; KW V1 coil-overs; H-Sport adjustable rear control arms; CravenSpeed strut underators Interior: CravenSpeed gauge mounts with Cooper S boost and voltage, & shift well cover Wheels: Enkei PF01 17" Audio: Kenwood Excelon KDC-X994 HU; MTX Terminator speakers F&B Alan @ opensource.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mav Posted April 27, 2021 Report Share Posted April 27, 2021 Im enjoying this thread in particular. Ive been into home audio systems for a while but have been afraid to bust my car open and get in there. My girlfriend has let me toy with her old 2002 Neon and I definitely want to be getting new Mids sometime soon. Even if mine is an F56 this is super helpful for me! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...