Countryman D 112 - Greetings from France
 

Hi everyone,

I am Camille, 29 year old from France and here is a brand new adventure for me : first Mini , first time on NAM (first english forum also :lol: )

Here is my white bird :roll: 2012 Countryman Cooper D 2.0l 112hp with an automatic gearbox, and 71k miles. I am preparing a full presentation (maybe this week-end) with mods etc ...Cheers

Welcome. Looks like you already have the upgraded spyder DRL headlights

Edit *double post*

Thanks :wink: I'm blown, I did install the spyder DRL :nod: (speaking of headlights, do you know the type of bulb they are using ? H7? H9? - I would like to buy some LED bulbs in replacement).

I plugged the LED cables on parking lights because I wanted it to be switchable (on/off). A contact(+) would not allow it.

Before :
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...6da8d51d49.jpg

After :
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...aa4e9bec5b.jpg

My front grill was damaged for an unknown reason (oil splash based on what the ex-owner said)

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...14db57dc7d.jpg

So let's go for a Plastidip (+ Glossifier) session for emblems and grill :popcorn:

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...2d07002eb0.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...156c6624f6.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...5eece8055d.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...0921cce18e.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...f89b78a894.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...b4368d9d20.jpg

I also changed the parking and licence plate lights with LEDs.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...b9c67373df.jpg


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...550e5026f9.jpg

Next step is an engine reprogramming next Wednesday, to give back my 2.0l its full capacity :thumbsup:

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...2813164ac4.png

Hi and welcome to NAM!

Welcome to NAM Camille. Good job on blacking out the chrome. I'm doing the same on my clubman but using vinyl wrap instead.

Thanks :thumbsup:
Actually I also bought 3M gloss vinyl but I am really bad at applying it :lol: (even with a heat gun)
I tried last week to tint my rearlight, and it is curvy AF. I had to remove the vinyl before putting the light back on the car
Not bad at all by night and by far :lol: but this was a disaster (bubbles, creases, ...)


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...ba25d00977.jpg


I would love to wrap the mirrors caps, but imo I need a pro to help me out :nod:

I feel ya. I had terrible results the first time I wrapped the chrome headlight surround. I re-did it 3 times (getting better every time) till i was happy with the result and I found it easier to wrap things whilst they're still on the car as compared to removing them, wrapping and re-installing.
There's a lot of videos on YouTube that helped a bit. It's still not perfect but pretty close.

Thanks for the good advices :wink: indeed it was quite difficult to hold the rearlight, and apply the vinyl with only 2 hands :lol:
​​​​

There is a youtube video which I can't find at the moment with a great method for wrapping irregular shaped items. Basically stretch vinyl over a bucket that has an air hole cut out at the bottom, tape the vinyl to the bucket. Then heat the vinyl to proper temp with heat gun and push the object into the vinyl. I tried it once and didn't control the heat very well so it tore at the last moment. But it would be pretty easy to do if you practice and know the correct temps. A helper with a laser temp gun would be best at getting it right.

I've seen that video but never got around to trying that approach mainly because it did seem like a 2-3 person job

Welcome. It’s looking good!