F55/F56 :: Hatch Talk (2014+) MINI Cooper and Cooper S (F55/F56) hatchback discussions.

F55/F56 F56 Scuttle Decal Removal

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 2, 2016 | 12:07 PM
  #1  
rphox2003's Avatar
rphox2003
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 305
Likes: 3
F56 Scuttle Decal Removal

Has anybody tried scuttle decals? I'd specifically like to know if they can be safely removed without damaging the paint. Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2016 | 06:03 PM
  #2  
TWISTER's Avatar
TWISTER
6th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,973
Likes: 4
From: 27106
Sure, any decal can be removed easily if done the right way without damaging the paint. It's all in the process. I've been installing vinyl for 10+ years.
 
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2016 | 06:24 PM
  #3  
whaap's Avatar
whaap
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 831
Likes: 7
From: Tucson, Arizona
Originally Posted by TWISTER
Sure, any decal can be removed easily if done the right way without damaging the paint. It's all in the process. I've been installing vinyl for 10+ years.
Might have been a good time to tell the op how it's done 'without damaging the paint'.
 
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2016 | 09:44 PM
  #4  
rphox2003's Avatar
rphox2003
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 305
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by TWISTER
Sure, any decal can be removed easily if done the right way without damaging the paint. It's all in the process. I've been installing vinyl for 10+ years.
I'm talking about the cheap decals from China that go for about $10. I'm not sure if they're vinyl.

I'd like to try them out but want to be able to remove them if they don't hold up or look too cheesy. I've used the same type of things on my windows but had to use a razor blade to get them completely off, which I obviously can't do on paint.

What's the best way - heat?
 
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2016 | 06:05 AM
  #5  
USA-RET's Avatar
USA-RET
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 165
From: Bonita Springs Florida
Old Feb 3, 2016 | 06:11 AM
  #6  
TWISTER's Avatar
TWISTER
6th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,973
Likes: 4
From: 27106
Don't use a heat gun it gets way to hot and could damage the paint. You're not going to like what I do but I've used this method for years with ZERO problems. I use a hairdryer to warm the decal until most of it can be removed. Then I use the yellow bottle of lighter fluid for zippo lighters to remove any glue or residue. Do not use goo-gone or goof-off as it leaves a greasy mess that is hard to get off without using harsh cleaners. Lighter fluid is was less harsh than mineral spirits to clean off the glue/residue. It will NOT harm your clear coat or paint.
 
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2016 | 06:12 AM
  #7  
USA-RET's Avatar
USA-RET
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 165
From: Bonita Springs Florida
FWIW, I was debating the same option as you. Trying to save a few bucks with the option of removal if I got tired of them or they looked cheap.

Instead I went with the actual MINI scuttle. Costs more, sure, but it is what's designed for the car. Some guys installed using a double sided tape. I opted to have them installed as recommended by the factory. I really like them and have no intention of removing them so that point is moot.

Going the tape route allows you to remove them if you choose and, if you are inclined, sell them to another forum member to re-coup some of their cost.

Good luck in whatever route you choose.
 
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2016 | 09:24 AM
  #8  
TheBigNewt's Avatar
TheBigNewt
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,602
Likes: 107
From: Arizona
I got mine on Ebay. Open the hood and they just slide into place, no tape. Plug in the wire and that's it. Took 5 minutes for both.
 
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2016 | 07:21 PM
  #9  
vetsvette's Avatar
vetsvette
Moderator
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 453
From: South Central Virginia
Originally Posted by TheBigNewt
I got mine on Ebay. Open the hood and they just slide into place, no tape. Plug in the wire and that's it. Took 5 minutes for both.
Have you got a link to that eBay item? I'd like to have a look at how it's mounted.
 
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2016 | 09:27 PM
  #10  
rphox2003's Avatar
rphox2003
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 305
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by TheBigNewt
I got mine on Ebay. Open the hood and they just slide into place, no tape. Plug in the wire and that's it. Took 5 minutes for both.
The ones I've seen on Ebay aren't much cheaper than originals. Plus for some reason, they're all from the UK (if that makes a difference.)

I thought of the decal route so I won't waste so much cash if I don't like them.
 
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2016 | 09:33 PM
  #11  
vetsvette's Avatar
vetsvette
Moderator
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 453
From: South Central Virginia
I ordered the chinese decals. The colors were wrong and they looked cheap. I canned them and ordered a set from the dealer. He gave me a better price than eBay.
 
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2016 | 07:34 AM
  #12  
ECSTuning's Avatar
ECSTuning
Platinum Sponsor
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 36,758
Likes: 2,548
From: Wadsworth, Ohio
Side scuttle install and removal.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d-removal.html






Some people are showing the aftermarket side scuttle look cheap , like vetsvette had, they had a green tint on them. So watch out for that.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...accents-2.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-scuttles.html


 
__________________

MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2016 | 01:53 PM
  #13  
k9oz's Avatar
k9oz
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Little Rock, AR
Don't waste money or time on the Chinese stick on scuttles. I left mine on about 10 minutes. The colors are just wrong.
 
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2016 | 12:51 AM
  #14  
rphox2003's Avatar
rphox2003
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 305
Likes: 3
I saw a video on Youtube showing how to remove the scuttles by sliding them forward. But it was for a Countryman. The F56 has a rise in the metal right in front to the scuttle, so it obviously doesn't move forward.

Can anybody shed some light on the difficulty/ease of removing the old ones?
Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2016 | 06:22 AM
  #15  
vetsvette's Avatar
vetsvette
Moderator
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 453
From: South Central Virginia
I just did mine again yesterday. All you do is hook your fingers under the bottom edge and lift up and out from the bottom first. The top has a spring clip that compresses when you lift up on it. Don't forget there's a wire plugged into it and it's not a very long one. Replace it bottom first and push the top in to fasten the spring clip. If you have the OEM side scuttles it lend a higher degree of difficulty because of the tight tolerances and the side light being recessed in the scuttle. Then a small trim tool helps get it started.
 
Attached Thumbnails F56 Scuttle Decal Removal-img_1333.jpg  
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2016 | 06:54 AM
  #16  
Eurothrasher's Avatar
Eurothrasher
6th Gear
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (10)
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,864
Likes: 169
From: New England
Decorative Trim ?

Originally Posted by rphox2003
Has anybody tried scuttle decals? I'd specifically like to know if they can be safely removed without damaging the paint. Thanks.
If you referencing the decorative trim "around" the scuttle light, those are supposed to be glued to the body of the car if done by the dealer, with adhesive product very similar to Betalink. If having a set installed, would ask that 3M double faced tape be used instead.

I've never removed a set which had been glued on per MINI installation instructions, GL.
 
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2016 | 06:35 AM
  #17  
ECSTuning's Avatar
ECSTuning
Platinum Sponsor
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 36,758
Likes: 2,548
From: Wadsworth, Ohio
+1 3m double sided tape works if you dont want to use the betalink , betalink is like the seal materiel they use to install glass windshield. Also use for some early gen 1 body kits.
 
__________________

MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2021 | 02:55 PM
  #18  
aggro's Avatar
aggro
Neutral
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Has anyone successfully removed these scuttles and the adhesive behind them?
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tweedbean
Interior/Exterior
1
Jul 30, 2021 02:49 AM
DreamMini
Detailing 101
4
Sep 29, 2011 04:02 PM
raindizzle
Interior/Exterior
5
Oct 30, 2009 02:12 PM
skylarmoon
1st Gear
10
Aug 29, 2006 11:03 AM
jefeant
1st Gear
3
Dec 16, 2005 06:43 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:40 AM.