So my MA told me that they need white roof in order to do checkerboard.

The Mini decal, however, has to have a black roof (presumably because it's mostly black with white MINI on it.

But I guess my question is that why don't they make a checker roof decal that overlays white on black rather than just the other way around?

 

When I had my 04 MC i had a Graphic Co. overlay white 2" checks on a black roof and it cost $160.00, less than what the aftermarket and dealer charged just for the decal. I lived in Indy at the time and TKO graphics did the work and did a beautiful job.

 

Seriously?? Have you checked out some of the checkerboard threads around here? One car has a black checkerboard on a black roof...It's subtle, but still really cool. Sounds like someone's blowing smoke....

 

msduncan, your MA needs to check the accessory book again...

Checkerboard Roof Graphic...

White, for Black Roof...part number 51 14 0 140 185
Black, for White/Silver Roof...part number 51 14 0 140 184
(the part numbers listed above are for R56 only)

"MINI" Roof Graphic...

White, for Black Roof...part number 51 14 0 418 662
Black, for White/Silver Roof...part number 51 14 0 418 663
(the part numbers listed above are for R55/R56)

Hope that helps...

 

I'm on the horn with MINI.

My MA is out for the week, but I called to see if that original car with the black top is going to anyone yet. It has already been produced. I'd like them to switch me back to that car if possible. I like the idea of the black mirrors and roof if I get tired of the checkerboard. Everything else on the car is the same.

That original order should still be coming to their dealership, right?

 

The roof graphics are done at the dealership, so it shouldn't make any difference.
The problem with the MINI supplied roof checkers is that they are a bunch of white or black squares, using the roof color for the contrast. If you go aftermarket, you'll usually pay less, the graphic will usually go right to the edge of the roof, and it will cover the entire roof, not just 1/2 of it.
If I had put the factory roof checkers on my MINI 5 years ago and removed them today, it would still look like I had checkers on there due to 1/2 the roof paint having faded while the other 1/2 was protected from the sun.

 

Point taken. I'm going to call Mini back.

 

Wow ok update!

First of all: The Mini folks at Mini of Nashville are fantastic. They put up with all this hassle without batting an eye. I really appreciate them.

I've been moved back to my original vehicle... so instead of waiting for a production date -- I'm PRODUCED! So I'm actually waiting for release to the carrier. Woot!

 

Vendors for checkerboard roof decals?

Can anyone recommend one?

 

Got my checkered roof graphic from Mike at Aesthetic Creations.

It's a full graphic, not the squares. STAY AWAY from the squares !! You put those on and you'll regret it every time you polish and/or wax your roof. You''ll have wax and polish along every line of every square. Your alernatives would be to A) not polish it or wax it (not an option at all, really) or B) tape every edge. YUCK !

Get a full roof graphic and find a local installer to put it on. Total cost of my checkered roof - $375.

 

COOPER FLAGS Just let me know if we can be of service.

Ed

 

OK thanks! I'm going to call my MA tomorrow and see about canceling the roof graphic. I'm also probably going to add a seat cover assessory that costs $275, so I don't think he'll mind too much. :P

 

I had squares (only cost me $30) for 5 years on my last Cooper and never had a single problem waxing. (and don't worry, I waxed my car a lot).

 

And what did you do to prevent the polish/wax from getting in the edges of the squares ? You had to do something... the vinyl could not possibly be less than .000000000000000000000000001 millimeters think, and that's about how thin it would have to be to prevent a noticeable build up.

If you did nothing, then why do those of us with bonnet and/or boot stripes always tape them to prevent the build up ??

 

I'm a little concerned as my wife is resistant to pay out of pocket for a vendor decal instead of rolling it into the loan. And also... the aftermarket ones are more than what the dealer was going to charge me ($300 installed).

 

I always wash and wax my UJ roof just like any painted part of the car and it's been fine for years. Couple times a year I will clay bar where the vinyl meets the paint--lots of dirt seems to stick there.

Ken

 

^ yep, I treat my vinyl just like the paint, too.

And yeah, that clay barring is what I'm talking about... the build up along the edge of the vinyl. But if you're going to clay it, be careful not to use the clay against the edge of the vinyl, go AWAY from the edge. Otherwise, not only will you damage your vinyl, you'll tear up your clay bar.

Your choice, of course. But if you're anywhere near as OCD as I am, you will not mess with the vinyl squares to do the roof.