40 replies to this topic

[dangerousdowning]

Current working on (spending money) on the interior - new monte carlo door card set, carpet and recovered front & rear seats are all in.
Now the dash area is next.
I'm going to get a dashboard panel, but not sure about a centre console.

So, centre console - finishes it off or added weight that's in the way?


Sorry, move to styling?

Edited by dangerousdowning, 10 May 2012 - 09:29 PM.

[Twisty]

if you can find a proper mini centre console then its worth it, cant remember exactly what mini it came from but i think its something like the special or 1100

someone much more knowledgeable will be along shortly to let you know

Im not a fan of the wooden consoles just big bulky and look wrong in my opinion although i have owned them in the past and are great for storing stuff and for chucking your wallet in.

try and find some door pockets instead much better

Edited by Twisty, 10 May 2012 - 09:31 PM.

[Black.Ghost]

It was from the 1100 Special. Its a pretty cool, 70s centre console.

ABS Motorsport currently make replicas of it, for £69. When you get to their page, click on Mini and I think it was page 7 or 8. I only know this because Alex_B directed me there earlier.

Look wise, its obviously down to personal taste. I like the look of the 1100 special one certainly more than the custom consoles ones. With my car being an auto its not too much of a problem but if I had a manual I think it would leave little space to rest your foot comfortably? I might be wrong.

Update:

http://www.absmotors...al-console.html

It was page 6

Edited by Black.Ghost, 10 May 2012 - 09:39 PM.

[james962]

With my car being an auto its not too much of a problem but if I had a manual I think it would leave little space to rest your foot comfortably? I might be wrong.

I was just going to say that. It doesn't leave much room at all if you have big feet. I guess you would get used to it though and rest your foot under the clutch pedal rather than to the side maybe? I don't know as I personally don't have a centre console but drove my mates who has one.

[Alex_B]

Wahay im famous! and yeah i have half a wooden centre console that i started making, then tried the drivers side and i couldnt change gear aha, I wear size 10 Vans skate shoes, and i could only just get my foot onto the clutch and it i usually caught the brake pedal so I am now going to go for a 1100 special centre console as it dosnt go all the way to the bulkhead :)

Also my woodworking skills leave a LOT to be desired so the 1100 one will look nicer and can paint it to match my dash when i finish it :)

[mab01uk]

Don't like them in classic Mini's much at all, they just get in the way and clutter up the interior and most look homemade, best design is the factory fitted 1100 Special design from 1979 (available as a repro below)..........however I think Alec Issigonis would have disliked them!

Mini Special Console

This Fibreglass Console is a replica of the Console fitted in the 1979 Mini 1100 Specials.
The console does not have the holes cut for the switches or heater control, so you can fit what ever you choose.
Finished in Black Gel but is designed to be painted
£69.00
http://www.absmotors...centre-console/

Edited by mab01uk, 01 September 2016 - 10:22 PM.

[maggies_minder]

i found that my foot on the clutch hits the heater anyway so its no different to having the centre console in.

i had one and sold it. it did what it was meant to do i just got bored of it.


if you do want one make one, they really arent worth the money you'll pay for one, unless its an ebay jobby.

[Alex_B]

Well Alec said that a car shouldnt have a radio so a centre console would have been completly out of the question, also if he wanted one he would have designed it from day one, and +1 to the home-made look of wooden ones

[dangerousdowning]

I thought it would get in the way. I'm only a size 8, but live in chunky skate trainers. Plus with the dashboard, the stereo will be fitted there. I'm guessing I'm just wanting to add a better finish to the heater and it's controls.

[Alex_B]

Yeah i found when i cut out the back of mine so that i had room for my foot but it then got caught between pedal and the wood so ditched it completly as the shelf i planned would have been very short and useless

[surfblue63]

I have a Custom Consoles one in my Sprite. I don't feel cramped, no problems with the clutch, and it's somewhere handy to bung my phone.

[mrbridger]

Original 1979 item with (Ipod compatible) 1960s radio. I don't have any interference problems with my left foot!

[Black.Ghost]

Where did you get a 60s stereo that's iPod compatible? I'm assuming a retro looking new model? And is that a speaker at in the console as well?

[mrbridger]

Where did you get a 60s stereo that's iPod compatible? I'm assuming a retro looking new model? And is that a speaker at in the console as well?

I got the radio from Ebay a while ago. The seller converts/adapts the internals of an original radio, the Ipod connects with a mini jack lead which you might just be able to see poking out near the base of the gear stick.
The console does have a single 4inch speaker as it was when it came out of the factory. Not very loud but I can still hear the music despite a lack of under bonnet/bulkhead insulation!

[Brad_Raybould]

I have a centre console installed on my and I have to agree that I haven't had any problems with it cramping up my foot space (I'm a size 10-11 size shoe and mostly wear thin'ish casual trainers). When I want to rest my left foot, I just put it behind the clutch. I used to do that before I had the console, so that explains that my console doesn't cramp up my foot space.

I find having the console is great for storage as the Mini isn't the best for storage anyway and mine diverts the air from the radiator more to the feet and cabin better too.