Classic Mini Dash Trim

This installation guide is a recommended guideline only and it is designed as a guide for fitting Optimise Automotive products.

This dash trim fitting guide is a guide for fitting the entire range, this includes:

Dash liner panel kit
Padded dash rails

We recommend that you remove and install your new items in the order described below.
 

Preparation

Tools needed (recommended):
Socket set (7/16)
Ph2 cross-head screwdriver (or Ph2 cross-head drill bit)
Clean lint free cloth
Grease removal cleaning agent
Spray adhesive
Brush on adhesive

Before you can fit your new dash trim you will need to remove (in this order) the padded dash rail covers (both top and bottom - only necessary if you are fitting new padded dash rail cover covers), binnacle dash liners, lower dash tray padded cover,  lower dash tray liner (MK3 onwards only) and the heater pipes.

1. Remove the padded dash rails
   1.1. The top dash rail is held in place by 3 bolts.
   
   To remove the top dash rail simply remove the three bolts (one either side and one in the middle - you will have to remove the ash tray to get at the middle bolt). Once the 3 bolts have been removed lift the dash rail upwards to remove it.
   
   1.2. The bottom dash rail is held in place by glue and metal clips.
   
   To remove the bottom dash rail, first of all you will need to drop the heater unit and release the switch panel. To drop the heater unit remove the screws that hold the heater up at the front (the 2 little brackets behind the switch panel) and pivot the heater (so it falls at the front). After you have dropped the heater you can gain access to the nuts that hold the switch panel in place (one either side), remove the nuts and pull the switch panel forward (so it protrudes out of the dash rail).
   
   With the heater unit dropped and the switch panel released you can now start to remove the lower dash rail, first of all remove the trim-clips along the bottom edge and then simply pull the dash rail out (it is held into place with glue and it may take some force, but be careful not to damage the dash rail). To get it over the switch panel, twist it (which will make the switch panel fit through the hole).
    
2. Remove the binnacle dash liners
   
   The binnacle dash liners will simply pull out, with a bit of force. If applicable, you will also need to remove the side air-vents.
    
3. Remove the lower dash tray padded cover
   
   The lower dash tray padded cover will simply lift out (it is held into place by the binnacle dash liners that you have already removed).
    
4. Remove the lower dash tray liner
   
   The lower dash tray liner will simply lift out (it is held into place by the binnacle dash liners that you have already removed).
    

Installation

Install the new items in this order, lower dash tray liners, lower dash tray padded cover, binnacle dash liners and the dash rails.
 

1. Fit the lower dash tray liners
   
   Fit the lower dash tray liners to the dash trays, they simply fit into place (one either side):
   - In front of the windscreen heater pipes.
   - On the front edge, they go under the lower dash rail metal edge. For reference, the dash tray with the cut-out is the driver side tray and the cut-out fits around the steering wheel column bracket.
    
2. Fit the lower dash tray cover
   
   Fit the lower dash tray padded covers to the dash trays, they simply fit into place:
   - In front of the windscreen heater pipes.
   - On the front edge, it goes under the lower dash rail metal edge.
   - Fold the back (the extra length) up and around the heater pipes/wires etc.
    
3. Fit the padded dash rails
   
   Fit the dash rails into the Mini.
   
   4.1. The top dash rail is held in place by 3 bolts.
   
   To fit the top dash rail simply place the dash rail in place and fit the three bolts (one either side and one in the middle - you will have to remove the ash tray to get at the middle bolt).
   
   4.2. The bottom dash rail is held in place by glue and metal clips.
   
   To fit the bottom dash rail simply place the dash rail in place use the contact spray adhesive, once again wait for the spray glue to go touch dry (tacky) before continuing.
   
   Please Note It is vitally important that you wait for the spray glue to go touch dry before attempting to stick the dash rail in place. If you do not wait for the glue to be touch dry the covers will not stick correctly.
   
   Once the bottom dash rail is glued in position fit the switch panel, fit the heater unit (the 2 little brackets behind the switch panel) and fit the trim-clips along the bottom edge.
    
4. Fit the binnacle dash liners
   
   3.1 Install the new left hand side dash panel, the liner slides into place:
   - Under the metal top rail.
   - On top of the bottom dash tray.
   - In front of the windscreen heater pipes.
   - The straight edge is the top, the shaped edge is the bottom.
   
   To attach the side of the panel:
   - Remove the door rubber trim.
   - Wrap the excess vinyl around the bodywork.
   - Reinstall the door rubber, trapping the dash liner in place.
   
   3.2. Install the new right hand side dash panel, the liner side slides into place:
   - Under the metal top rail.
   - On top of the bottom dash tray.
   - In front of the windscreen heater pipes.
   - The straight edge is the top, the shaped edge is the bottom.
   
   To attach the side of the panel:
   - Remove the door rubber trim.
   - Wrap the excess vinyl around the bodywork.
   - Reinstall the door rubber, trapping the dash liner in place.
   
   3.3. Reinstall the side air-vents (if applicable).
    

Final checks

Now that your items are fitted test to ensure that they are secure before you drive your vehicle.