Was wondering if anyone could suggest a good place for decal installation. I'm looking at hood/bonnet stripes, and some angled side stripes.

I talked to Darrin at Tate, and he said they could do the hood/bonnet for around $70, but that they may not be able to do the side stripes.

If anyone could recommend any shops in the DC or Annapolis area, it'd be greatly appreciated. I called HPRCustoms (the guys who did my tint), and they said they'll let me know how much for the install when I stop in for service on monday. (Vacuum windows have started peeling the tint on the passenger side). But it's always good to have more info/recommendations when it comes to getting work like this done.

 

Speedesign Custom Graphics in White Marsh, MD is where I got my shadow stripes installed.
I've recommended that place to several other MINI owners as well (including a couple that had entire roof graphics done) and they have always done a great job.

Website

There is the web link with the phone # and such...the site is under re-construction though.

 

Speed Design did my UJ roof graphic application, and did a fine job. I recommend them as well...

 

It really isn't that hard to do stripes yourself. The key is a spray bottle filled with water and a small amount of detergent.

 

That's the ticket .

Tom, I like your new bonnet graphics!

 

I just had my stripes installed at Sterling today (it somehow got dropped on the order). It was installed by Zebra Stripes in Chantilly. Guy did a fine job. Their phone is 703-802-3000, dzzebra @ aol.com.

- John Connor

 

Speedesign did both our MINIs. Very pleased with results. Nice folks. Good price. Bit of a drive from Arlington, but that's OK by me in a MINI.

 

I ordered mine off of Cooperflags.com about a week or so ago or maybe it was earlier this week..not sure. Just waiting until they get here!

 

I'll examine tha possibility when I get them.

I would really hate to mess something up though, and only have myself to hold accountable. When doing projects I'm unfamiliar with, I sometimes overlook small, even common sense type things.

For example, I painted my entire kitchen and dining room this weekend, because the white was pissing me off, and the some genius decided flat white is good for these areas. It's not. You cannot 'clean' flat paint, so every little scuff, stain, mark, etc... Became a permenant eyesore as soon as it was made.

So I went through all the obvious steps, moved stuff out of the way, laid tarps down, ran tape along the bottom moldings and ceiling... The thing I forgot was that gloss and semi-gloss are like latex. If you don't pull the tabe off as soon as you paint it, it also adheres to the tape, and you end up pulling off some of the paint as you pull away the masking/painters tape. :/ It's not 'too' obvious, but it's still a 'botched' job, and makes me mad.

If I paid a pro to do it, I could make them fix it.

 

Thanks for the tip. I got my stripes this morning, and tried HPR Customs (my tint guys) and they're booked... And Speedesign, and they're not answering. I want these on for the parades, so I guess I'm going it myself.

 

Bad news...

Bah. Botched the hood stripe install. Going over the drop in the hood where it goes from horizontal to verticle (next to the S scoop), the vinyl immediately creased. I tried to stretch it out, but then it kept getting worse and worse. I tried gripping the side firmly as I was laying it down, and the paper holding the vinyl tore away with my thumb/forefinger.

Good news...

I did the sides first, and I like the way they came out. There some small bubbles which I tried to pin-***** and pop, but Dragonflyer said they'll go away with time/sun exposure.

http://www.mappage.net/cmine/albums/...1/P1010003.JPG
http://www.mappage.net/cmine/albums/...1/P1010009.JPG

 

Looking good dude. VERY NICE

 

Sweet Dude

 

I think MINI should offer a fourth appearance package called the Batman Wagonbat Edition! :-) What's the significance of 222?

 

No o in Wagn. Wagn is a special word, which I may elaborate upon at a later date.

222 is my lucky number, and has been for as long as I can remember having a lucky number.

And at the parade I asked Darren about the 3 packages coming out next year, and he swears there's only one.

 

drunk spelling of ****?

 

**** Bat? Is that anything like the Nerf Crotch Bat?

How could I resist?

Will, Beatrice, take care, we'll see you at the next event.

Cheers,
matthew Z

 

Negative Ghostrider.

Wagn is it's own word, not derived from any other, and can be both an adjective and noun.

 

Providing us with the unforgettable "Wagn Wagn", or maybe even "Wagn Wagn Wagn". Think "double plus good".

Waggin'? Hmmm..

Cheers,
Matthew Z.