I was planning on installing my Integral Audio sub and amp this weekend along with some toggles for fog flights (since I'll have a good portion of dash panels open). What were the issues you two had?

 

that's why I bit the bullet and had my friends sound shop install it...to much to panels to pull etc...

I'm happy with the result.

 

Nice!! And the dogs love cruising in style

 

Installed my new MINI logo puddle lights and also got my front driver wheel chipped in three spots so I will be fixing that for $125 on Monday...stupid automated car wash. Never again.

 

I did a Integral Audio install in a R59 last year. Not too hard for someone that works on cars often. But it takes more time then you think. So just give yourself plenty of time. Most of my problems was the instructions are for a R56. Getting the carpet up and wires run for the R59 is what took me a lot of time. If in stalling in a R56 and it being my second time. I could fly through the install now.

 

Speaking of Integral Audio, if you've ever thought about upgrading to IA, but just couldn't pull the trigger - looky here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...html?styleid=7

 

Shot a clip of my exhaust tone while circumnavigating the worlds largest mountain

 

To be fair, some of my issues came from trying to do the work in stages instead of one long session. That said, the time required is really optimistic unless you've done one of these installs before. Also, there are some inaccuracies in the instructions that increase the frustration level. That may not be all IA's fault, as MINI has made changes through the run of the R56-series cars. Kevin at Integral Audio has been very responsive, and deserves credit for product support.

Issues I've had:

The first step calls for disconnecting the battery. Be aware that the rear doors/hatch will not open without electrical power in the car.

Re-installing the A-pillars can be a really finicky, time-consuming and frustrating process. I've talked to dealer techs and they confirm that it's tricky to get the tabs and holes lined up.

The IA instructions include a diagram that shows the HK amp mounted under the driver's seat (LHD cars). Not in my 2013 Clubman. A few steps later, the instructions state that the HK amp is mounted in the left sidewall of the luggage compartment. Again, not in my 2013 Clubman: My HK amp is mounted in the right sidewall.

Getting decent access to the HK amp wiring harness required more interior disassembly in my car than the instructions called out. Removing the sidepanel was needed, which in turn requires removing some other stuff.

There have been other frustrations, but those are the high points that come to mind at the moment. Experience makes these suggestions:

Keep very close track of which fasteners came out of which holes. Some panels use more than one size/type fastener.

Have spare panel clips available, as you're likely to lose or break a few, especially on the A-pillars.

Resist project "creep" - aka, "while I'm at it". The IA install is a lot of work, and while it does require opening up a lot of the interior, there is sufficient complexity already, without adding a bunch of other distractions. If you do succumb to this temptation, take photos and/or good notes to help you keep track of what you've done and what you still need to do. Trust me on this one!

If you're shopping for a car with the intent of adding the IA system, avoid cars with the HK system. Having the HK system greatly adds to the complexity of an IA install. Kevin at IA warned me about this, and I should have paid more heed.

Good luck!

 

Thanks Charlie. I do in fact have an HK system. My amp is in the driver side rear (2010 Hatch). Only thing extra I'm going to do during the sub install is add the fog light toggles.
Think I will photograph the work because I have a feeling it might take more than a day to complete. Also like your suggestion of having additional clips on hand. Not even sure if I can get any locally.

 

I really dig that stance! Just one thing...18" rubber on 17" shoes?

 

Not much, just this.....

Time to go play!

 

New wheels.

 

Tuesday: bonnet took a rock from from an open landscaping truck on the expressway. Not your average rock chip either. You can see it from 30 ft away. Today: the top of my shift **** came off in my hand.

Not a great week.

 

Sounds like a good excuse to buy a Whalen Shift Machine.

 

mine did this last weekend while i was autoxing! shifting into second, i think i pull on it or something too much.. pops right back in but still.. that thing should be screwed in

 

I thought this thread was called "What did you do to your MINI today", not "What did your MINI do to you today".

 

Put back on my track tires in preparation for Sunday along with my gorilla nuts I picked up from gvulikh

 

Sad because I'm out of town, I didn't get to run around in my mini today.

 

I parked it in the garage, as tropical cyclone Ita bears down on us!!
Hit Cooktown last night as a cat 4-5 cyclone, now down to a cat 2 as it is over land. High winds and rain for the next 10 hours I expect. Might have to drive the Land Rover Defender for a few days until the local flooding subsides.

Cheers,

Ken

 

"Living in Paradise," minus the cyclones. Glad you and your MINI are O.K.

 

Cyclones, 3m+ salt water crocks, some of the most venomous snakes in the world, dengue fever.... They all add to the charm of living here!

I'll bet you once the flooding hits there will be a video of a crock going up a flooded street in some small town, and it will hit the international news. Seems to happen every year or so..

 

lol

 

"Living in Paradise" means something different to everyone, Mudnut.

 

My Paradise!!

 

Gorgeous!