40 replies to this topic

[Doovydoo]

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.

Damn right it does, heats up nice and toasty!

[surfblue63]

I like how you have used the end of a spare three clock binnacle for the mounting of your extra gauge.

[mrbridger]

I like how you have used the end of a spare three clock binnacle for the mounting of your extra gauge.

It looks like the end of a spare binnacle but it was actually made from scratch. I used aluminium, fibreglass and black leather with adhesive plastichrome trim which I found in Halfords...here's some pics of the 'project'.

[surfblue63]

That's pretty good.

[Mini Mad Drakeley]

just to ask, if a repro special centre console is £69, how much is an original centre console with possibly all the clocks and stuff still in it?

[climaxedcooper]

Mini Mad Drakely - I bought an original Mini Special 1100 console last year, with the speaker grille and clock intact and the old shape radio hole untouched. Its in lovely condition. I was going to fit in my GT, but decided against it because I thought it a good idea at the time but then fussily changed my mind. It gives you far more room for your left foot than a modern MDF type. I'm thinking of selling it, it cost me £75 plus p&p. Email me [email protected] this weekend if you're interested in buying.

[Scorp]

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.

What speaker pods are they?

[mini-luke]

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item336fcbc67b

Look like these

[tiger99]

Some consoles can look good and work well. I had one on my 1976 model, some aftermarket thing, which was a bit flimsy, but did hold the radio ok. It extended back as far as the handbrake, but was very narrow at that end, of course.

One thing to beware of is that you really do not want to surround the radio with hot air, so you may want to be a bit creative with the heater outlets. The life of electronic equipment is typically halved for a 7 degree C temerature rise, quarter for a 14 degree rise and so on. Modern, complex digital consumer-grade equipment has a poor life expectancy anyway, so wants to stay cool. Old, primitive radios were more robust, and possible to repair, which most modern ones are not.

I don't know how modern consoles are fixed, but at one time the cheap ones had several metal strips which screwed through the floor with self tappers. Not brilliant, as it can introduce corrosion, water leaks, and sharp points underneath which will surely get you when you are doing maintenance in the gearchange area.

If I ever fit one again, I will weld some lugs to the floor, and bolt the console in with mushroom head allen screws through the sides, which should be stronger, neater and less troublesome.

[zinzan]

Posted many times previously, but here's templates to make your own if so inclined. Hat tip to the Cardiff Mini Club!

http://www.cardiffmi...i projects.html

[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.

What speaker pods are they?

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item336fcbc67b

Look like these

Yep that's them.

[dangerousdowning]

For the moment, i think I'll pass on the centre console. There are so many addon's for the mini, that if you fitted them all, you may as well drive around with a passenger in the car......and that's no fun!

[miniman24]

Just incase you change your mind, heres mine which I got for a fiver





The best thing is that Ive now got a good location for the radio, as my dash is standard.

[nev_payne]

Wouldn't mind a centre console, they certainly neaten up the heater matrix. I had the standard black trimmed one in George but given oversized shoes, changing gear was made even harder.

If they were slightly easier to pop in for display purposes, I'd get one again no problem.

[miniman retford]

I love my console, never had a problem with room for my foot.
It's a custom consoles one with the heater vents in the front to match the dash ones, nice to be able to direct the air where you want it.