R50/53 Dorky cheapskate modification
#652
Just found an easy solution to the broken dip-stick problem.
I have had two OEM dipsticks break so I was in search for an alternative.
Just happened to check the oil in an 2011 Hyundai Elantra and noticed the dipstick is about the same size. The Hyundai dipstick is a nice metal wound wire type that bends easy but should not break.
Pulled the MINI's dipstick and found the Elantra one is about 1/2 inch longer, all plastic that could be trimmed.
I tried it the Hyundai dipstick in the MINI and it went in very smooth.
I tried a few more times to see if there was any problem with it being inserted or pulled out. Still all good.
The handle part that goes in the tube for the Hyundai version is a little narrower so I took the rubber o-rings off the MINI dipstick and put them on the Elantra dipstick.
Great fit.
So I bought an 2011 Elantra dipstick from the Hyundai dealer, moved the o-rings and have a non-breakable dipstick for about $25.
I have had two OEM dipsticks break so I was in search for an alternative.
Just happened to check the oil in an 2011 Hyundai Elantra and noticed the dipstick is about the same size. The Hyundai dipstick is a nice metal wound wire type that bends easy but should not break.
Pulled the MINI's dipstick and found the Elantra one is about 1/2 inch longer, all plastic that could be trimmed.
I tried it the Hyundai dipstick in the MINI and it went in very smooth.
I tried a few more times to see if there was any problem with it being inserted or pulled out. Still all good.
The handle part that goes in the tube for the Hyundai version is a little narrower so I took the rubber o-rings off the MINI dipstick and put them on the Elantra dipstick.
Great fit.
So I bought an 2011 Elantra dipstick from the Hyundai dealer, moved the o-rings and have a non-breakable dipstick for about $25.
The following users liked this post:
Onizukachan (09-07-2022)
#654
Bluetooth for only $10.13
My car didn't come with factory bluetooth, so I installed an AUX cable, but kept getting tired of dealing with the cord. So I sought the cheapest solution...because I'm broke.
After some searching, I found 2 devices, and on eBay, they were the cheapest.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...9135311511.jpg
The first thing I needed was something with bluetooth. If you search for "USB Bluetooth A2DP 3.5mm Stereo Dongle" you should find many of them in different prices...cheapest...$2.29 + $5.99 Shipping. It comes with a 3.5mm cable, but I opted to use my retractable one instead.
Then I needed a power source. (you might already have one) I opted for a color matching solution. I also wanted one with Output: 5VDC / 1000mA, so I could use it to charge power hungry devices. The adapter I ordered cost $0.99 + $0.86 Shipping.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...9135028350.jpg
Once I plugged everything up, I paired it with my phone & instantly Butters started to sing (music transferred from phone to the car). Now when I am walking to my car with my music playing, the music automatically switches to the bluetooth when I start up Butters.
Just for the added convenience, I also set up "Car Home" to automatically start when it detects Butters' Bluetooth.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...2722415175.png
Definitely cheapskate & looks dorky to me, but hands free & wire free for only $10.13!
After some searching, I found 2 devices, and on eBay, they were the cheapest.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...9135311511.jpg
The first thing I needed was something with bluetooth. If you search for "USB Bluetooth A2DP 3.5mm Stereo Dongle" you should find many of them in different prices...cheapest...$2.29 + $5.99 Shipping. It comes with a 3.5mm cable, but I opted to use my retractable one instead.
Then I needed a power source. (you might already have one) I opted for a color matching solution. I also wanted one with Output: 5VDC / 1000mA, so I could use it to charge power hungry devices. The adapter I ordered cost $0.99 + $0.86 Shipping.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...9135028350.jpg
Once I plugged everything up, I paired it with my phone & instantly Butters started to sing (music transferred from phone to the car). Now when I am walking to my car with my music playing, the music automatically switches to the bluetooth when I start up Butters.
Just for the added convenience, I also set up "Car Home" to automatically start when it detects Butters' Bluetooth.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...2722415175.png
Definitely cheapskate & looks dorky to me, but hands free & wire free for only $10.13!
Last edited by Not4no1; 07-20-2012 at 07:11 AM. Reason: Added direct links & Attached Thumbs because all I see are red Xs
#657
C ya,
Dutch
#658
hey! i did like, the Same thing! lol. only i stuck my BT device right inside the knee bolster, right under the steering wheel, then ran some extension cords for power and audio
** be careful about those ebay BT devices, they often say "Stereo" sound on the ad, but when i bought one for like $13 or something (that claimed it was stereo sound) the instruction booklet said MONO sound all over it! contacted the seller, asked wtf, they refunded me so i wouldnt leave neg feedback...
** be careful about those ebay BT devices, they often say "Stereo" sound on the ad, but when i bought one for like $13 or something (that claimed it was stereo sound) the instruction booklet said MONO sound all over it! contacted the seller, asked wtf, they refunded me so i wouldnt leave neg feedback...
#659
#662
#663
#664
#665
#667
Figured I'd through a cheap one in the mix..... Found a bit of model paint in my attic the other day. Someone else did this also with vinyl.... JUST SAW IT sbarr9... Great minds think alike!! I did attempt this with vinyl, but failed miserably.. hahaha.
Last edited by brody78; 07-24-2012 at 01:16 PM.
#668
Pretty cool.
I actually have had a couple sets of those R53 badges like these for a couple years now, and can not bring myself to put them on my car. But this looks pretty good man. I don't have the ***** to do all that, but cool - none the less....
#669
Added a rubber shift boot!
You can see my post here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hift-boot.html
You can see my post here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hift-boot.html
#671
^^ That's hilarious, my clothes dryer also has "Whiptastic Handling", and actually DOES dry the clothes faster (though that could be attributed to the high-efficiency washer we added with a faster-than-the-speed-of-sound spin cycle)
AND...
... my downstairs "beer fridge" sports magnetic autocross numbers and magnetic flames!
Wonder how many other folks have modified their appliances this way?
AND...
... my downstairs "beer fridge" sports magnetic autocross numbers and magnetic flames!
Wonder how many other folks have modified their appliances this way?
#672
Been awhile since I posted in my thread, since I got all snotty with a JCW.
Saw somewhere else where someone bought a JCW badge, for something north of $78! Were asking about about placement on the boot.
Which made me think I should post this here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53074154@N00/7508961772/
Since I had to take the grill off to install the light bar anyway, I relocated the JCW grill badge. Get this, the only rust I have found on this car were the lock and regular washers, and the nuts were PLASTIC! Freaking-a man, JCW being cheapskates?!?!? So I rummaged through my parts stash, and found proper washers and self-locking nuts that came from bicycles! Not to mention centering it, just to be different.
Saw somewhere else where someone bought a JCW badge, for something north of $78! Were asking about about placement on the boot.
Which made me think I should post this here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53074154@N00/7508961772/
Since I had to take the grill off to install the light bar anyway, I relocated the JCW grill badge. Get this, the only rust I have found on this car were the lock and regular washers, and the nuts were PLASTIC! Freaking-a man, JCW being cheapskates?!?!? So I rummaged through my parts stash, and found proper washers and self-locking nuts that came from bicycles! Not to mention centering it, just to be different.
#674
Great thread! I had a few small parts on the way before reading, but after reading I had to head to Lowe's for those door panel plugs!
As far as other cheap mods, H11 fog light bulbs are only 15 bucks from outmotoring. Scuttle turn signals and fender marker tint film are about $30 each. I'll post a pic when it's all installed.
edit - those who've done a pool ball shift ****, is it heavier than stock? Weighted ***** add a great feel to shifting - I have a 2 ball waiting!
As far as other cheap mods, H11 fog light bulbs are only 15 bucks from outmotoring. Scuttle turn signals and fender marker tint film are about $30 each. I'll post a pic when it's all installed.
edit - those who've done a pool ball shift ****, is it heavier than stock? Weighted ***** add a great feel to shifting - I have a 2 ball waiting!
Last edited by no.9; 08-02-2012 at 08:42 PM.
#675