Hello all! so I finally took the plunge since I couldn't find a black grill surround for the clubbie, and I got the black overlay from Outmotoring. As I see it, it comes with adhesive strips already on it, but the review that I read mentioned that they were not good and I would be better off using my own...my own what though? I was thinking of sanding the chrome surround and using an epoxy to hold it down. I'm a bit leery of using double backed emblem adhesive tape from the auto parts shop as Texas heat has rendered other applications using that stuff as practically useless. so what are some other suggestions or tips that I might look into? I appreciate any information.

 

So intake it Mini does not have an actual black surround piece they use or is theirs a "stick-on" as well? I wonder if double sided 3m tape is any better to use? Either way you don't want anything too thick as it might affect the piece going on flush. What about a more potent adhesive like am epoxy? Albeit a tad more messy situation if removal is needed.

 

If I were you I’d try the double sided tape first. Keep an eye on it, and if it seems to be coming loose, then look for other options. Might as well try the easy thing first. Even the Genuine MINI mirror caps (flags, colors, etc.) are just double-sided tape caps that fit over the original mirror.

I’m thinking of getting something similar. I generally don’t hate chrome trim, but the grill surround on these is really bad.

 

This is absolutely not true. The genuine MINI mirror caps are full replacements, not stick on covers. There are stick on aftermarket versions.

i had a black grille surround cover on my F56 for about a year and a half. The double sided tape that came with it worked at first, but yes, you are better off using your own. 3M trim tape works really well. The big issue with the grill trim cover is that it is basically clear and painted black from behind. Over time, the black coloring begins to “delaminate” and you will wind up with a blotchy looking cover. I eventually replaced the grille surround with the factory MINI piano black version and have had no issues since.

 

The best way is to get an actual part that is in black. It is also the most expensive way.

Another DIY method is cheaper: get some vinyl wrap in black - they have matte, satin, gloss, and carbon fibre of many shades. I'd get the 3M stuff. I did this for my old F60 JCW red surround. I wanted a more subdued look and pulled out the surround and spent some time wrapping it with some wrap I found on Amazon. There are tons of videos on how to do this on YouTube - and some on how not to do it. Practice wrapping something else before doing the surround to see how it works and get a feel for it.

 

Thank you for the insight! Unfortunately mini doesn’t make an OEM black surround from what I can tell. So I’ll just deal with the 3m tape for now I guess, since I didn’t know about the paint on the backside part…. I suppose the epoxy is out since it will mess up the paint.

 

I should have been more clear. They do give you a full cap, but at least in my case, the factory just pre-installed a cosmetic cap OVER the normal shell. Just like the aftermarket ones.

I tried to avoid buying the chintzy eBay caps only to find the part straight from the dealer was exactly that - they just applied it at the factory.

I suppose it could be glued over, but poking around with mine right now it appears much more likely to be the standard foam-based automotive double sided tape.

 

So poking around the internet, found out about 3M VHB 5952 double sided adhesive tape. A bit harder to get at a “non commercial “ quantity, but a friend at a dealer body shop will get me some. The tape that’s on it now is the same looking as the stuff you but at autozone, Walmart or Home Depot. It will probably give out in a year, especially since I run my car through automated car wash routinely. So lol keep you updated.

 

you can get a roll on Amazon:

 

I did look on Amazon, but maybe I’m searching wrong because all I found was “commercial” quantity…I just needed 3-4feet, and all I seemed to find was 35feet or something else that cost $100. That’s the price of the surround itself! Coworker’s husband works at body shop said he would look at it for me. Couple of breakfast tacos and a coffee and it should be on.

 

bro, check the link in my post, it has what you need.

 

I think the dealer may have ripped you off. I have four sets of covers, 2 gen2, and 2 gen3, all standalone. Mine came with a clear protective film over them, but were one piece, painted.

Gary

 

First thing I found on Amazon that’s a little cheaper in Canada. The exchange rate is improving…now I can lament about all the things I bought and paid too much for.

 

Stusquared and airborneMini003… thank you so much for the links! I definitely didn’t do the right search. That’s so much more reasonable when I followed your links.
Additional question- have any of you done this grill surround overlay and we hat are your impressions as far as durability? Fit?

 

I have not, but regarding the tape. I just found the item you listed, but that tape is pretty thick. I would think you would want the thinnest tape possible for adding a trim piece onto another, so here is another version of that tape, but much thinner:

 

agreed, thinner is better but depends where you live and what your installing. The automotive grade has adhesive that is meant to withstand adverse weather. The tape is probably 3 thous thick. For the grill, the chrome shouldn’t peek out because the edge is tucked behind the hood and bumper.

My trim covers from smps had thick automotive adhesive. There is a little that peeks on one side of the taillight (I hate it). I removed the headlight trim to apply the covers and hid the chrome perfectly.

 

I just installed the blackout grill surround trim from OutMotoring. I’ll update if I feel the double sided tape isn’t holding.

The overlay sounds kinda of cheesy, but the fit is quite good. You can’t tell it’s an overlay at all. Very nice product.



Before

After

 

headlight covers and beltline trim are next for you good sir! looking good...

 

This is with the black headlight trim replacements and the grill surround overlay. The body shop guy gave me a special primer on a small sponge that helps adhesion. I’m debating keeping the chrome bar though. I would rather spend the $100 on the taillight overlays.

 

looks great. The chrome bar is nice. Ties it together with some of the other chrome trim. I like the chrome belt line and door handles. Changing your S in front to another color (like the grey from your roof) with a vinyl sticker is a nice subtle $10 mod if you want to kill the red.

 

Thank you for the feedbacK! I didn’t even think about the “S”!! And I’m kinda partial to the chrome handles and belt line and that small strip….keeps it interesting in my eyes. It was just that grill surround and the headlights…reminded me of a catfish with buggy eyes! I suppose there aren’t ready made inlay stickers already made…but some of my wife’s cricut vinyl will do the job just fine! Hmmmm…maybe even carbon fiber look!!

 

I ordered mine “s” vinyl from here.
https://www.artisticreflection.com

I’m sure there are a couple places to get them, but these fit well.

I found the back lights looked really Buick with the chrome surround.

 

Omg!! That’s so funny! And I was actually behind one at the light yesterday and was pondering just why it looked so familiar…where’s Captain Obvious when you need him?!?

 

Who wore it best?

I bet the Buick doesn’t get bugs stuck in theirs. That was the worst for me. It is a graveyard for little fruit flies.

 

Update on this. Over 2 years later and the stick-on grill surround is doing great. No hints of coming loose.

Finally got around to buying tail light surrounds. Actually hard to find for Pre-LCI/Pre-Union Jack taillights. Ordered pairs from Amazon and AliExpress. Both claimed to fit all years (even showed pics installed on Pre-LCI cars) but what arrived doesn’t fit - they must be for LCI/Union Jack lights(?)

Found a UK seller that specified Pre-LCI lights and they fit perfectly.

Car is dirty, but you get the idea. WAY better. The chrome taillights and grill surrounds are the biggest offenders. The belt line and door handle trim doesn’t bother me at all.