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General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
So what the problem take them off and paint them! I can't stand the black arches and trim. I am taking my wife's off along with the wiper arms ane any thing else I can get off and paint body color. All I have to do is get out of this hell hole that is also known as New Orleans and back to Florida.
I've been looking into this as well. Would the fact that the bumpers are sort of plastic change anything? Or I suppose the sanding step would make them smooth like the body of the car.
Sanding just roughs up the surface to give the paint something to adhere to. Smoothness in the paint is all based on painting technique. Like i said earlier, if you want a professional look, it's best to leave it to the professionals
The basic steps are to clean the plastic with Prep Sol, and then spray them with a plastic etching/adhesion product such as Bulldog. Then you begin layering primer coats, sanding between coats until the substrate is smooth. Typically 5 to six coats of primer. When primed smooth, spray the topcoat and clear.
I am very sorry to hijack this thread but does anyone know what wheels are on the white r56?
And to bring it back around, I would bring the wheel arches and the other plastic you want painted to a body shop. You want to have them sand the texture out of the plastic to get a smooth finish. You could do that yourself but unless you do body work you might end up with plastic that's wavy when done. aka sanded too much in one spot not enough in another
I am very sorry to hijack this thread but does anyone know what wheels are on the white r56?
And to bring it back around, I would bring the wheel arches and the other plastic you want painted to a body shop. You want to have them sand the texture out of the plastic to get a smooth finish. You could do that yourself but unless you do body work you might end up with plastic that's wavy when done. aka sanded too much in one spot not enough in another
The wheels are CCW Classics. Just got my JCW aero kit and elected to paint wheel arches at dealership bodyshop. Glad I did! Totally love the new look!
Agreed you should take it to a body shop. It's a little pricy to get it done but sooo worth it. I'll post some pics of mine later.
^my old chili red r53 was professionally done and it looked amazing!!! the only complaint i had with it is it chipped in a couple spots, over 4 years, on the edges and the old ugly black plastic showed its face. just very small chips that no one other then me could see but it still bugged me haha
^my old chili red r53 was professionally done and it looked amazing!!! the only complaint i had with it is it chipped in a couple spots, over 4 years, on the edges and the old ugly black plastic showed its face. just very small chips that no one other then me could see but it still bugged me haha
If it chipped they either sanded the texture off instead of building up the primer base or they didn't use a plastic etch sealer along with at least 4 coats of clear. See Post#6. when the texture is removed it opens the plastic substrate to release more gases which, over time, releases the primer and topcoat. The sealer reduces the gas release.
Newbie here... Just picked up the MINI a few days ago and its been great! Would like to paint the plastic tire trim to match the color. Anyone have any before & after pictures they can share? Also, looking to extend the bonnet stripes down the fron and rear. Anyone have experience in that area? Any info you can give me would be much apreciated. Thanks.
I extended my stripes by buying a set of matching color roof stripes from MINI. They the perfect size to do the front and back with a little left over just in case. All you have to do is measure those areas and cut them to size (add a bit extra to your measurements).
I went with OEM stripes so I knew it'd be the exact color match. Got them for a great price at Sewellparts.com
Appreciate the reply. Looking to add the stripes on the bumpers and color match the plastic wheel trim. Once this is done, would like to clear-bra the front. Any advise, comments or concerns you (or other readers) can share?
Originally Posted by TerminalVelocity
I extended my stripes by buying a set of matching color roof stripes from MINI. They the perfect size to do the front and back with a little left over just in case. All you have to do is measure those areas and cut them to size (add a bit extra to your measurements).
I went with OEM stripes so I knew it'd be the exact color match. Got them for a great price at Sewellparts.com
If you just want painted arches, you can order pre-painted ones directly from MINI. There is a name for them (cant place it without checking), and the JCW accessories catalog has a detailed picture with description and parts numbers. It says something like "for those who cant get enough of their body color..."
Seems like it might be easier to just order the oem painted arches instead of matching colors aftermarket?
They come in the same textured black. Dealerships have painted them in the past before delivery also. The Aerodynamics packages do come pre-painted dependent on color and availability. Maybe that what you were thinking about?
Superb collection of color matching with the tires and body specially black sheet on it.I look first time to this color on car with great and attractive matching.Any body tell me the price of this car?
