Retro-fitting a speedo above the steering wheel

[Chrisbduck]

Hi we've got a MCS on order and the only thing that bugs me about it is the centrally mounted speedo. The salesman has said that the only way to have a speedo mounted above the steering wheel is to have the optional SatNav fitted. Now call me Mr Cynical.. but that sounds like a load of crap.

So does anyone else have their speedo mounted above the steering wheel but not have the SatNav?

I guess I could just order a speedo and mount it myself, but if you're paying the thick end of eighteen grand you should get what you want

[dinger]

Well Mr Cynical.. what your dealer said is true.

Who's ever heard of a MINI dealer talking crap.!

dinger.

[Chrisbduck]

Cheers Dinger,

I guess I've just become quite a sceptical person, It's become second nature not to trust maindealer garages after owning an Elise for a few years.

So I guess I'll have to investigate the possiblilty of getting a speedo ordered separately and mount it myself,

Chris

[dinger]

But then you would have 2 speedos.

dinger.

PS,Elise dealers/salesman are still no better NOW.

[GazzaK]

what, so you will have two speedos???

in Aussie, they I think have a rev counter in the middle and a speedo on the steering column - can the UK not do this???

[Johnboy]

Check out the "General" thread "Great 2004 Model Year Rumour Mill" - It suggests there may be a digital speed readout option coming soon, using the display in the centre of the rev.counter.... unless I got hold of the wrong end of the stick....

This may be cheaper than figuring out how to modify your dash using spare parts.

[Chrisbduck]

I was think of removing the large central speedo and replacing it with a large piccy of Kylie in her undies

[Johnboy]

Quote:

Originally posted by Chrisbduck
I was think of removing the large central speedo and replacing it with a large piccy of Kylie in her undies

Now i'd pay 18 grand for that

[Nic D]

Central thing would be a great place for a TV or a road angel/speed camera detection device. Maybe as Birds who do the Hartge upgrade, they also do interior retrims, used to be the franchise for all interior work on Lamborghini's, good enough to work on their carbon fibre, good enough to work on my Mini!

[Chrisbduck]

Nic,

just seen your pics, what are your thoughts on the Hartge kit? How much of a change in the driving experience is it

Chris

[Nic D]

My thoughts? I can't rate the kit highly enough to be honest, superb is the word. But speaking honestly it's really up to you too drive the modified car to make your own assesment but little stories like the following do it for me!

Went to my local last night for a few beers and some pool, car was at home obviously and after a few beers one of the other guys in there came up to me and went you own a black cooper don't you? Yup i replied a little fearful in case i'd cut him up. Wow he went f-ing amazing car! I was behind you the other day as we both came on to the motorway and you just pulled away like i was standing still! I caught up with you later and i was well impressed is it standard because it doesn't look like a Work's car? Replied with 'yeah its mostly standard...' and smiled broadly. Fella went back to his mates and i could hear him telling them all about the car.

But the real clincher is i only live a mile from the M4 so i know the car was cold and i wasn't even revving past 3500rpm! So imagine what it's like when your booting it up to 7500rpm!

[Chrisbduck]

Like you say, I guess I'll pop up to Birds and try their demonstrator out. Though my mind is pretty much made up, having tried the standard MCS I've come to the opinion that you can't have too much power.

Roll on the delivery date

[Nic D]

They should give me a slice of their commission's...i've recommended them to everyone

Let your car run in before you mod it Chris, say 5000miles first then get it done, will give you time to iron out any potential problems.

[Chrisbduck]

I'll mention you Nick,

maybe they'll throw in a nice exhaust when you next go in..

[Nic D]

That would be sweet