6 replies to this topic

[Tyrant.]

Hiya everyone.
So, now I am really getting into the whole mini thing.
Recently, I have bought a new walnut effect switch panel surround , as per this link from ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.co.u...me=STRK:MEWN:IT

As yet, I havent bought the manual for the car so I havent got a clue how to do much on it , but I want to replace this panel.
Anyone have any clues how to get this panel replaced. I have a 97 P reg cooper, with Walnut dash. I am hoping I dont need to remove all that , just to replace this panel.

Rgds
Neil

[JamesM]

Umm that is not fun.

As far as I know (on my 93 Cooper) you need to remove the bottom dash rail, which is secured with clips and a couple of screws.

Then you need to release the heater cable under the bonnet and undo the bolt that holds the handle in place behind the switch panel, then withdraw it through the bulkhead from inside the car.

Same for choke on early cars, but not yours as I would guess it has auto choke.

Then disconnect the switches, making sure you mark which cables are for what. You might find disconnecting teh battery a good idea so nothing shorts out.

Put the new switch plate in place and bolt the heater control back inplace to hold the switch panel in place, run the cable through the bulkhead and resecure under the bonnet. Check you have full travel on the cable so that when you pull the control fully open you get full movemnt under the bonnet (likewise for choke if you are doing this on an earlier car).

Put the switches back in and replace the bottom pad. Reconnect the battery.

Told you it wasn't fun

[Tyrant.]

Bl@@dy hell....

[ryan69]

I bought a chrome one of those then realised i had to disconect the cables - MiniBoss have ones that will fit on with out having to remove any cables at all..

Clicky

:erm:

[JamesM]

I know, the trouble is that everything runs through it. Those knobs either end of it, Heater in your case but Heater and Choke in most are held in place with nuts that actually hold the panel in place.

It's a Mini!! You didn't think it was going to be easy did you

I have to say I have never had one off that has only had one control on it so I am unsure as to how the other end is held on with those, I suspect it is pop rivet which will need to be drilled out.

[998dave]

hehe, you don't need to remove the bottom rail, if you can fiddle your fingers around enough.
But I wouldn't fancy doing it... sorry... cables are easy to disconnect and reconnect as long as they don't fray. and the switches can easily be disconnected. It's rethreading it all that takes a little mroe time.

[Bungle]

Yep done one fo thoughs its a bugger of a job :sad: dont think i would do one again in a hurry