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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.
While I am not in the habit of running out to the salvage yards when an R50 hits the lot - An '04 R50 popped up. Other than waiting for paint to dry; I had little to do today. So I headed out - Just for the heck of it.
I assume this is what this thread is referring to:
Although this particular Aero spoiler I scored does not bear the official Mini embossed stamp as pictured in one of the posts above, it is undoubtedly
an aftermarket produced and fabricated FRP (laminated Epoxy), rather than PUR.
Although my Mini is an '04 R53 - I think it's still a nice unexpected find as a result of a lazy day with nothing to do.
That's an awesome good score!
Always love it when a nice find happens, especially when going in blind with minimal details to a yard that doesn't post pics.
Sad seeing the drought of 1st gen cars on the yard lately, at least in SE seems to be a dry spell, I'm very envious of the Cali folk who've got so many yards to choose from in a fairly concentrated area because I do too much mileage just going to check on bones that oftentimes turns out to be a bust then I'm bummed. LOL
Was that spoiler difficult to remove?
I've removed a couple of the small normal R50 spoilers and both of them were stuck like a b!tch and took much sweaty effort on my part to get it off without damage, just triggered flashback memory to standing on a tire in the hot sun and sweating profusely in battle with that damn thing! LOL
They made a SHIP TON of these cars...Sold a SHIP TON of factory and AM accessories... and, they are not as 'precious' to MOST people out there that own them as they are to us "enthusiats' ... Hence the 'finds' that are out there to be had.
Great find... probably an Orranje brand spoiler.
Of course... the web sometimes has people thinking they have the a true GEM like some of the top 1% MINI's out there... when in reality, they have an average car in average or below-average condition... sometimes an uneducated MINI buyer will come along... go through the steep learning curve (or not) ... pay too much and then try to sell their headhache for too much much money... or a freakin used shift-light for $1000....
I like that there is a very high quality, readily available, affordable replica of this spoiler in both GRP and Carbon Fiber out there to buy !! (Orranje)
Heavy dacron upholstery thread is a great 'saw' for removal of the adhesive or VHB tape used to stick these down... Just make sure you have some handles to wrap it around on both ends (some small dowels or stiff radiator hose work well)
Always love it when a nice find happens, especially when going in blind with minimal details to a yard that doesn't post pics.
Sad seeing the drought of 1st gen cars on the yard lately, at least in SE seems to be a dry spell, I'm very envious of the Cali folk who've got so many yards to choose from in a fairly concentrated area because I do too much mileage just going to check on bones that oftentimes turns out to be a bust then I'm bummed. LOL
Was that spoiler difficult to remove?
I've removed a couple of the small normal R50 spoilers and both of them were stuck like a b!tch and took much sweaty effort on my part to get it off without damage, just triggered flashback memory to standing on a tire in the hot sun and sweating profusely in battle with that damn thing! LOL
Drought is a pretty accurate term indeed. Certainly in regards to a R53.
I really enjoy spending time at salvage yards. I explore any car that may be of interest to me just to see what they're like up off the ground in a dismantled stage.
As much as I like to shop the yards - Let me first say; My R53 is not put together with salvaged parts. Like everyone else that has a deep affinity for their Mini, we have also come realize how expensive or rare it is to find even some little part that is needed that just makes the Mini "whole" again. For example: In one of my previous posts with regard to the early steering wheel / airbag center caps/tin emblem. I don't believe a replacement was ever produced or made available without having to replace the entire airbag unit. I managed to score 2wo of them today that weren't in too bad of condition. Removing them without damage remains an art in itself. (FYI) bring a plastic computer spudger and a sharp retractable blade.).
Back to the subject of the Aero Spoiler -
As soon as I remembered this thread and remembered to look at the spoiler; my 10mm was already out. Just one glance seeing that swooped extending lip - I knew that it was an opportunity not to pass up...again!
The first thing I did was the "tap & sniff" test. Right away I knew it was an aftermarket FRP.
I was fortunate in the sense that the spoiler was mounted by a "half-asser". The bolts were loose. After removing the last of the 10mm bolts, the spoiler practically slid off the hatch before I could even grab a hold of it.
As much as I deplore half *** workmanship - I had also heard that the mounting adhesive securing those wings almost requires the aid of a 4x4 with a winch. In this instance; I should be grateful
As much as I deplore half *** workmanship - I had also heard that the mounting adhesive securing those wings almost requires the aid of a 4x4 with a winch. In this instance; I should be grateful
Absolutely true..!
Large pads of very sticky double sided tape on each end.
I've been driving my car without any wing / spoiler for a few months. Just didn't like the factory wing.
Was that spoiler difficult to remove?
I've removed a couple of the small normal R50 spoilers and both of them were stuck like a b!tch and took much sweaty effort on my part to get it off without damage, just triggered flashback memory to standing on a tire in the hot sun and sweating profusely in battle with that damn thing! LOL
Originally Posted by mountainhorse
Heavy dacron upholstery thread is a great 'saw' for removal of the adhesive or VHB tape used to stick these down... Just make sure you have some handles to wrap it around on both ends (some small dowels or stiff radiator hose work well
mountainhorse is right.
While not necessarily a departure from the subject of the aero spoiler -
I was recently out at a salvage yard and happened upon an interesting looking rear spoiler mounted on a Toyota Camry. I had an idea for a project and decided to pull it.
Having the bare minimum of tools on hand, I found a small 8" strand of braided wire for a hatch release laying around. I worked feverishly for 2wo hrs trying to cut through the adhesive mounting foam/tape.
I finally improvised removal with the help of some brake fluid from the reservoir which made quick work of the matter and I managed to remove it from the Toyota...Only to soon discover it was made of PUR.
Aggravation and time wasted. I want NOTHING PUR being added to my car if I can avoid it. It is one material I detest the most.
Regardless: The helpful point I hoped to make is that - brake/hydraulic fluid worked wonders with helping with lubrication and dissolving the tenacious adhesive.
However I would also like to emphasize that I would never use this measure on my own car at the risk of ruining my paint.
