After one month of ownership it’s finally time to post my top five mods for the JCW GP so here goes.
- JCW leather/Alcantara steering wheel. When driving any car, the steering wheel is the one item you interact with the most so why not add the best. The JCW wheel is a must not only for a GP but for any MINI enthusiast with a three spoke factory wheel – multifunction or not.
- Rear Foglight. Granted, there are two open spaces on the toggle panel (the GP has no front fogs either) but the addition of the rear fog definitely finishes off the look of the rear bumper and fills up at least one of the open toggle spaces.
- iPod integration – AUX or Dension. Even though the GP does not have rear speakers, connecting an iPod is a must for catching up on WhiteRoofRadio podcasts while motoring in the GP.
- Rubber boot mat (Canadian version is my preference.) A rear boot mat is essential for protecting the carpet for even the lightest runs to the market for milk.
- Auto Up window circuit. So you can keep you hands on that luxurious steering wheel instead of holding the window toggle as you drive away from the bank, ATM or *gasp* drive-through.
Nice list. Where can I get the Canadian rubber boot mat?
^^ go to <a href="http://www.coopersport.ca" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.coopersport.ca</a> and you’ll find it.
Giancarlo, MTL
What about the glove-box organizer (GBO)?? How can you live without it?!?! The GBO from my current MINI is covered in red felt, so it will look perfect in the GP when it arrives!
I’m curious what other mods people are doing to their GPs. Euroshelf? Different rims (to preserve the GP rims)? Gauges? Stereo’s?
The floor mats are available from coopersport.ca but I don’t think they have the boot mat although you can call to see. I got it from my dealer but I hear this specific boot mat is hard to find and only available in Canada. At least the mat I’m speaking of – with the circles on it.
I’m sure I could have made a list of 10 more things but these are my first and top five for the GP.
The glovebox organizer is an essential item but my GP glovebox only holds my manual and nothing else so it will be a later addition.
I didn’t think i would need it but i’m considering on getting the Auto-up mod. Which one, i’m not sure. I think the MCAW sounds good. Anyone have this one? Does it support the passenger window too? Is it able to withstand cold Canadian weather (stupid question)?
Any Canadians able to get their hands on a GP from the states out there???
i recommend getting the JCW Carbon Fibre tailgate handle, looks great with the CF spoiler 😉
They should have included the JCW steering wheel on this package.
WHAT…..How can you list the top 5 mods without addressing the worst feature of the GP…..the hideous mismatched trim
Mod #1 paint trim in body color to match the front bumper
Mark: The GP is the only Mini that is not allowed to be imported to Canada from the US. They’ve actually listed it by name as a no-go, so there’s not much chance of us Canucks getting one.
Todd,
Nice to see you posting somewhere 😉
1 – I agree, but chose the all leather JCW. Like other JCW upgrades, it’s one of those “indefinables” that makes it feel that bit better. Like you, having another MINI (without the upgrade) will re-emphasise the improvement for me!
2 (my 1) – Done it too; but I put in a toggle panel with all switches. OK so the front fog one does nothing, but at least there’s no blank (and I have the only GP with red toggle rings!)
3 (my 3) – Yes! Did it, like you, on the morning after GP delivery in Monterey. I still need to get the iPod working in the “old” MINI too …
4 – Still on my “GP” mats, but I like the rubber mats in the other MINI … food for thought.
5 (my 2) – Also installed at Monterey; of course I wouldn’t be without the circuit would I 😉
I also agree with the glovebox organizer and euro shelf (my 4)
I wish the GP had Xenons (like Gabe, I think they look so cool), but I have no plans to add them.
Whoa, Ian..! What’s with the large print edition comments..? Just because you’ve got a GP, you don’t have to shout about it..! 😉
Here is my “list of 5” for my GP so far:
(1) clear film front bra
(2) full zaino treatment
(3) Valentine-1 hardwire
(4) stubby antenna
(5) M7 strut reinforcement plates
Thinking about an M7 “catch can” too.
The wheels … turns out I … like the wheels, so no need to change that out. But, yes, I’m already thinking about high performance non-run-flat tires.
No car is perfect, the GP for me is a wonderful synthesis (even without the xenon headlights and top-of-the-line harman kardon sound system).
GoodFinder 🙂
<blockquote>Whoa, Ian..! What’s with the large print edition comments..? </blockquote>
I just fixed the post. It was caused by the use of a character that had some text formatting implications, nothing that was done intentionally.
Thanks Dave, I was only kidding, but it did look very odd..!
Funny thing is, I never saw it – I just posted and then surfed away 😉
I see I have somehow stumbled onto the set of some TV makeover show. I’m sure they’ll all be prettier when you’re done, but will they GO any better??
>Funny thing is, I never saw it – I just posted and then surfed away 😉
Ah yes that’s my technique too 🙂
I’m surprised I don’t see “window tinting” for the US cars–seems that without the cargo cover, you’d have nothing to hide–I carry guitars around, and that’s the first thing I’ll do to my GP.
What about the strut brace? Is it unnecessary in the GP?
DD
What are you people talking about? My GP (delivered in Switzerland) has no glovebox. Re DD’s comments there is window tinting in Europe. The problem here is no xenon lights – only standard. The multi-function wheel is more or less useless – no bluetooth option anyhow so forget about the radio/phone button – and who wants to use cruise control on this thing? I would agree about the JCW steering wheel. The other big complaint is the GP number designation on the roof. First, it does look a bit naf, second it is clearly a set of individually applied decals of some sort which I am certain will peel off after I have this thing up to 250km/hr on the autobahn to Munich next week. This should have been either left off altogether, or painted onto the roof properly. I’m thinking of peeling the damned things off and just leaving the number designation on the dash which is really well done.