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Gosh, I don't even have my MINI yet and I'm thinking up all sorts of things to think about! Okay, here's the latest question...if your MINI has stripes, do you wash it any differently to make sure the stripes don't peel? Can the stripes ever "go bad" (i.e. discolor or peel) because of the way its been washed or otherwise?
If you wanted to go over the top (and I generally do... :D ), you could be sure to run your wash mit ALONG your stripes instead of ACROSS your stripes (in a parallel direction to).
Even more important to your stripe health would be using a good quality vinyl protectant like 303 (what Cooper Flags recommends).
There are lots of good sources for vinyl protectants and conditioners. I'm sure that the folks at Detailers Paradise could help you out (great reputation on NAM).
I just ordered my CR/W non-S mini and got bonnett stripes. My MA told me that they weren't vinyl, but were painted on. Is he correct? I'd rather not have them if they were vinyl.
Painted-on stripes would be a full-custom thing... I've only heard of a handful of people who have done painted-on stripes. I'd be willing to bet large amounts of cash that your MA is wrong as long as you are talking about a new MINI from the factory. Perhaps your MA would like to place a bet? :D
Modern vinyl is pretty good stuff and holds up well. Don't get scared away from it. If you don't like it, they peel off with some heat and patience.
I ran my finger across my friend's clubman and definitely felt a raised edge on the stripe. I don't think it was painted.
That's because they AREN'T painted...they're vinyl...and over-priced.
I recommend contacting your MA...if you are getting the stripes as part of one of the packages, I highly recommend requesting other merchandise in exchange: apply the $100 towards driving lights, boot protection (GREAT for protecting the horizontal surface where the bumper meets the boot), etc. If your MA "offers" rubber mats as a compromise, DECLINE...this is because most (not all, but most!) dealerships toss-in the rubber mats for free when you pickup your MINI. (In other words, you'd be getting nothing you weren't already getting.)
Good luck!
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Became a proud 1st time MINI owner on 01/13/07!!!
'06 HB/W, #1, #2, #3, #4 (Prod. date: 10/20/06)
