So, I'm not sure if this'll get me shot here or not, but I'm getting these for my MINI:
Our MINI is red and black (for Maryland) and we'll be getting custom plates that read ALTANI (the name of our papillon). These are just a cute little accessory to personalize in a special way.

Are there any other unique accessories you've added to your MINI for personalization under $100?

 

I went the vanity plate route myself. My plate is ELMNTRY in honor of my late dog Watson. Other than that I haven't done anything to her yet.

 

Cute. 1 thing though. Those caps are aluminum. They will eventually seize onto the valve stem and you won't get them off possibly leaving you stranded with a low tire and also the expense of replacing the stem that requires tire removal. You need to find ones that are plastic

Side note. Some guys spray silicone on the cap and then screw them on. Some use anti seize. But that is a messy idea.


Just sayin.

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No way!

My Volvo's plate is LMNTRE (only had 7 letters at the time - my last name is Watson). Funny thing though, over 20 years, only 3 people have gotten it right. Everyone else says lemon tree (which has stuck now)

My MINI's have:
05 JCW
06 JCW

 

Thanks, I had no idea about that. Any idea on how long it takes for that to happen? I'm fine if I have to take these off after a year or something.

 

As mentioned, a tiny dab of antiseize would do fine, and never cause a problem.

The stem is brass, and the cap is aluminum. Eventually the differential in metals will cause the corrosion, even without winter driving.

With the antiseize on it, I would not be concerned at all.

 

 

There is a ton of aftermarket do dads from China on eBay etc that are near OEM quality that can get you some cheap personalization. I am referring to decals, mirror covers, door pulls, replacement ***** and such, not mechanical parts. For stuff like that I use what I call my Harbor Freight principal (R) which states "if failure of this part can cause injury, don't buy it there. For around $100 I was able to get a rear view mirror cover, cup holder inserts, dash trim, lock pulls, E brake handle, valve stems, and push button covers in the black jack pattern. The OEM rear view mirror cover comes in at around $100 and it's just a few cents worth of plastic and double stick tape. If your shrewd and creative you can personalize the heck out of your car without too much wallet impact.

 

Yup, I know all about the China sources. I lived there for three years and my wife is Chinese, with many connections. I like the ideas that you gave me though. I was looking for little stuff that I could upgrade, but didn't necessarily think of. Thanks.

 

Galvanic corrosion caused by two metals of differing electrode potentials in contact with each other. An anti-oxidant paste like Ideal 'Noalox' will help. Ask your electrician about combining copper and aluminum wiring some time.

 

This happened on my Ford Focus when I put lighted valve caps on it. I didn't know any better and they got corroded on. I was lucky I had my mom's fiance that could fix it for free, but he had to cut them off and then replace the tire stems. Will never make that mistake again!