Classic Mini MK3 Onwards Door Cards Installation Guide
This installation guide is designed to help you fit an Optimise Automotive MK3 onwards (1969 to 2000) door card kit.
If you have any questions during installation or need any assistance, please get in touch and I'll be happy to help.
Your Kit - What’s Included:
Your parcel should contain:
1x front driver side door card
1x front passenger side door card
1x rear driver side quarter panel
1x rear passenger side quarter panel
Tools Needed (Recommended):
PH2 cross-head screwdriver
Trim-clip removal pliers
Hole punch
Sharp knife
Preparation:
Before installing your new front door cards, you will need to remove the door card furniture using a PH2 cross-head screwdriver and the original front door cards using trim-clip removal pliers.
Before installing your new rear quarter panels, you will need to remove the rear seat squab, rear pocket liners and the original rear quarter panels.
Pre-Installation - Front Door Cards:
Before installing the door cards, using a hole punch, pierce the required holes for the door handle through the trimming.
For reference, depending on the door handle set/type you are installing, there are different options to choose from. All of the original options are pre-cut on the door card boards.
Fit the trim-clips to the front door cards. There are nine trim-clips required for each front door card.
I recommend using new aftermarket trim-clips (as photographed below), as they have a wider locking mechanism shaft than the originals. This will help ensure that the trim-clips remain located and do not spring out.
Alternatively, if you are having problems lining the trim-clips up with the holes in the door, which can be difficult to see in and behind the door card during installation, I recommend using 9mm (hole size) x 16mm (shaft length) trim-clips (as photographed below).
Please make sure the shaft length of the trim-clip does not exceed 20mm, to avoid contact with the window glass.
Tree clips have a longer shaft and are easier to line up and install. However, they are more difficult to remove, as they can break easily during removal, and you will likely need to replace them every time you remove or install your front door cards.
Pre-Installation - Rear Quarter Panels:
All later MK3 onwards (1974 to 2000) rear quarter panels are supplied with the holes cut into the boards for the later-style MPi top pocket liners.
If you are planning on installing MPi rear pocket liners, you will need to cut the corresponding holes through the trimming using a sharp knife before installing the rear quarter panels.
Installation - Front Door Cards:
To install the front door cards, slip the top of the door card underneath the retaining lip and line the trim-clips up with the holes.
Starting in the top corner next to the door opening handle, work your way around the door card, pushing each of the trim-clips into the corresponding holes.
Using a PH2 cross-head screwdriver, install the door opening handle, window winder handle and lock latch casing.
Installation - Rear Quarter Panels:
Insert the rear quarter panel into the pocket, locating it fully downwards at the bottom of the companion bin and fully against the wheel arch.
At this stage, the panel should sit outside and slightly above the retaining lip.
Apply pressure along the horizontal plane. Push the panel at the top. This will bend the panel inwards and reduce its height.
By reducing the height of the panel, it will pass underneath the top retaining lip and sit flat against the outer rear quarter panel.
Post-Installation:
With your new rear quarter panels now installed, you can reinstall the rear pocket liners and rear seat squab.
Finished:
I hope you love your new Optimise Automotive interior and enjoy seeing it transform your Mini.
When your installation is complete, please send me some photos of the finished result. I'd love to see your Mini with its new interior fitted, and customer builds are always fantastic to see and help inspire future Classic Mini owners too.
We love being being part of the Mini community!
Please share the photos of your new interior on social media and please make sure to tag us:
@optimise_autotrim