I'm probably gonna order a Volcanic Orange one this weekend. I am inclined to order sans stripes, not because I hate the look but because they're taped on there. I'm interested in how new owners with bonnet stripes like them. I realize if you have them there's a reason, but does anyone see a problem with them fading over time? That's my concern, plus I don't love the look either. I think I know all the other options I'm gonna order. Thanks.

 

You could go unique and get the JCW side stripes instead just a thought.

My 03 had black stripes and after a while they faded ever so slightly.
You could always just get new ones in 5 years.

 

If you're on the fence it is very easy to add them after the fact. Also keep in mind that given time I am sure there will be more options in this arena to pick from.

As mentioned the stripes I think are very resilient and will last quite some time looking sharp.

 

OP,

I'm really pleased with them and I think they add to the overall look of our MCS.










Terry

 

Much depends on color selection, in my opinion. Some colors do well with contrasting stripes to match roof/mirrors, others not so much.

I've had factory stripes on Astro since day one, and no fading at all. I use Rejex to protect the paint and everything else, and keep it relatively clean, though it sees plenty of crappy weather and some spirited driving.

As noted, you can always add later. But no fading to answer your question on my '08 Cooper S.

 

I'd go with no stripes and the car all one color next time. Can always add something down the road.

 

I really like the VO/black combo, with black wheels or silver. I think all VO would be a little much. I think I'll bag the stripes on order. The stripes I love are on the Coupes. Top color on the body (not black) and body color on the top.

 

Yes, fun cars like our MINI Coopers deserve stripes.

 

Agreed and they sure do on a Blazing Red Metallic 2014 MCS IMO.



Terry

 

I think in most colors the F56 looks weird without the stripes, it completes it for me.

I always felt the R56 looked better without them though

 

I think black roof/mirrors/wheels is enough black. I wasn't into the whole blackout thing (light rings, trim etc). I have seen cars with headlight blackout and that's OK, but I don't see it as an F56 option. I may go a little chrome exterior. It's not obtrusive, just a touch.

 

I'm inclined to agree... my first MINI a 2002 PW/B, I went conservative on and got no stripes, and when ordering my 2006 MINI my wife said.."make it fun.. get red and put some stripes on it !" As I looked at it on the configurator I picked a new color, Solar Red, and a Silver Roof(also an new color for roofs) which also offered the option of the matching "U" stripe in silver. I looked at it for so long that without it, it looked totally different..not fun ! So I got them and now it is unique because after six months they discontinued the color and shortly after the "U" stripe disappeared !

 

I plan on Opti-coating my wife's car when she gets it. I assume I can Opti-coat the stripes and that might make it a little more fade resistant. But can I hit it with a polisher with some light swirl remover? Or do I need to mask around it?

 

I tape my stripe edges. My stripes are white with black edges, so I tape over the black because the black can polish off. In addition, I don't have to worry about polish along the edges.
To note, rocket man means polishing before applying opti-coat.

 

No one has really answered the question of fading over time... Big Newt, I have factory stripes and I would recommend going with aftermarket stripe peeps (not kits, vinyl peeps who will do custom job) but, after 3 years my factory stripes were sunburnt and I had the most stupid warranty replacement work done that I've ever seen! I had my stripes replaced for free.

 

@Melangell
There are several hundred strip threads in the Gen1 and Gen2 forums
Stripes have been around for years.
Some guys swear by them and others hate them.

After a period of time I'm sure they will fad just like your paint will
They peeled of the bonnet stripes from my fJCW Clubman after 6 months and it left no residue or shadows
I chose to remove them for a cleaner look
Good luck with your decision either way, but it not a permanent thing, you can always change your mind if you want to remove them after you've driven for a bit with them.

 

I've been hash tagged but none of what you say concern my comments. Op... My advice, go with custom stripes. If you do go with OEM stripes. Mini will replace if the go bad.

Bubba... ???

 

Three years on my R56 stripes and they look as good as new.

 

I am getting some matte black and red pinstripes vipers fitted next week :-)


matt black by John Nunney, on Flickr

 

This is great. Front view?

 

No piccys of the front as this was just a photoshop render to get some dimensions. Glad you like it, the black will be very subtle and the red is a bit darker too to match the 'S' on the grill :-)

 

Where do you go to have those stripes put on? They look great

 

Other than not using an abrasive product on them and not waxing across them, any other advice on keeping them new looking?

I'm sure avoiding prolonged sun exposure also helps.

 

Considering the Op lives in Arizona I would consider not getting the stripes as the intense heat there would probably ruin them after a few years.

 

I'm not going to order it with stripes. Black top/mirrors and wheels are enough black for me. The R56 had myriad aftermarket stripe options available that were different than the factory. I think the factory ones look good thought. The R53 people were all stripey, R56 not so much from what I've seen on the streets. The other look I'm not a fan of is the roof matching body color. Makes it look like a Toyota.