Hey all,
I've been lurking on this site for the past four or so months trying to get answers to my questions about my new (to me) 2012 CMS. Coming back to a FWD car from AWD (subaru) was/is harder than I expected. I already regret not forking over the extra cash for the AWD. I don't have any good pics of my car to share as I've been slowly and painfully peeling off the stupid vinyl that the previous owner installed and allowed to bake onto the roof. Once thats done I'll probably start a "build thread". So yeah... I've got nothing else.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome to NAM, officially. Is the vinyl only on the roof that you're attempting to remove? What else do you have in store for your new MINI?

 

it was a massive red white and black stripe down the middle of the car. I was able to remove the vinyl off of the bonnet and boot fairly easily. the roof is proving to be a pain in my rear. I'm assuming thats due to the fact that the roof is black and was able to bake the vinyl to a crumbly crisp.

Other stuff I want to do? I'd like to coverup (perhaps with plastidip) the chrome trim that Mini decided looked good, roof rack with spare tire up top, rally lights, and figure out the least expensive way to stuff some meaty AT tires onto the car without lifting it or making any MAJOR modifications that I can't remove and return to stock within a year or two. While I love this car, the skittering over a bump with FWD is annoying as hell, and I'd like to move into the All4 version

 

I was set to get a Focus RS. But in the end its an extra set of shafts and drive bits,,,,, and pulling the engine and gearbox is so simple on the FWD mini's, With A limited slip diff and some mods I have enough handling to keep going and power to pull hard out of most corners. If you have good tires try and find a safe, good, place or class to slide, it may not be rear drive but the mid torque and neutral set up is fun. Also if you have to travel a lot of rough roads try 16 in wheels with conti dws. its quite different and easy to switch.
FWD is still a top rally set up for independent racers and ahhhh there is that mmmm lever brake thing I never do,,,,

 

Ya, old vinyl can be a bit of a pain to get off. I've always found luck with using a blow drier to help with removing it, depending on how caked on it is. Are you going to put new stripes or leaving it stripe-less? I like the de-chroming. Think it looks good. If you want some help with the rally lights let me know. Would be happy to send you over some prices on LED and just regular light options.

 

I just picked up a heat gun from a coworker, I'm hoping this makes quick work of the PITA vinyl. I was considering going with the Union Jack theme at first, but have now decided to go with a simple Black and Silver stripeless (thats not a real word, but I don't care because it feels like it should be) I'd be happy to see what kind of offers you have!

 

Welcome to NAM and congrats on your purchase. Need help with repairs, service, maintenance, accessories or performance upgrades? Just visit our site for articles and application guides, and be sure to ask any and all questions! You are sent for many years of grins ahead!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.