I have a MCS on order and have the bonnet stripes, but am thinking that this could be a regret in the end. Even though I love the way they look, I'm trying to figure our how they should actually be cared for (i.e. should I just wax over them as I do the rest of the car?) Anyone have any advice on this? I'm wondering if I should call the dealer and have them removed.

 

If you garage the car they will last a long time. Otherwise they look cheap in short order (a few years). You could always pay a bodyshop to remove them and really paint them on if and when they get ratty.

 

I just wax over them ... and accept the possibility of replacing them in the future.

 

Thanks for the advice. But while I have them on the car, how do I care for them? Should I be avoiding waxing them or go right over?

 

Fair Enough

 

Wax will not hurt - except the difficulty on any wax building up on the edges. Use a micro-fiber buffing cloth.

Give Tech 2.0 wax a try - easy on - easy off - AMAZING beading action.... I can wax my entire crew-cab truck, roof, hard tonneau and all in a couple hours if that. A MINI would be nothing to wax..... I like the liquid, but they have a paste and even a spray....... Gotta love Mequair's products. I swear by the tech wash and #40 vinyl rubber treatment every 3 months. (6 months on a garaged car).

Not impressed with their "aloe" leather treatment products. Been using Lexol on my leather seats every 3 months.

 

I'll agree with you on the NXT wax (I prefer the paste to the liquid). Also, I really like Meguir's #7 Mirror Glaze. The paint will really pop after using it. Blackfire is a great product as well, but more expensive and really time consuming (but amazing results). I've always used lexol for leather. Can't beat it.

 

You can also contact the guru of car graphics here: http://www.toddsmods.com/blog/

Todd has done over a 1000 Minis for MINI and many others. Here's his gallary: http://web.me.com/dmpproductions/tod...ing_MINIs.html

He should have some advice on how to care for graphics. I know waxing is fine. Quality 3M graphics will typically will last 5 to 7 years in regular use.

 

Who sells the stripes that go all the way down the bumper in front?