My question is does any of you know of a "clear-coat" sort of paint that would achieve a "shadow" effect, or must I just look at paint chips to find "just the right dark red" that will LOOK like a shadow on the CR?

My 2004 MCS has NO stripes at this time. But I have been toying with the idea of getting a single solid black one at least from the back of the currently satin-black M7 Extreme scoop to the windshield. I hadn't been able to make up my mind until yesterday, that is, thanks to an unusual experience.

My son and I went out to lunch. At the restaurant, I happened to park so the front of the MINI was plainly visible from a distance of about 100' as we later left the restaurant.

As we came out after our meal, what I saw stopped me in my tracks. There was this MINI, almost like mine, but with a stripe on the hood, JUST like I had been thinking about!!

At first, I thought, "How amazing!" and I felt an urge to run over to look at how the stripe looked up close, because from that distance, it looked GREAT! Then I quickly realized it was MY MINI. As we got closer, I realized that the "stripe" was actually the mid-day shadow of a parking lot light fixture, which happened to be perfectly aligned between the MINI and the bright mid-day sun to create the illusion.

My son and I were awestruck by the effect, as it was so perfect when we first saw it, and it remained so as we got closer to the car, right up until we were staring down at the hood.

The effect was really pleasing, as the sun was shining almost directly down on the car; and the shadow of the fixture, about 12' overhead, was fairly crisp-edged, so that the "stripe" illusion remained perfect for a couple of minutes. I took advantage of the time to look at the effect from all angles. It made me "ooh and ahh" it looked so cool.

Within only a couple more minutes, the effect started to come apart, as the sun moved far enough to cast the shadow off-center and start making the edges less distinct.

My son pointed out that the "stripe" we saw was NOT black, however, but rather a darker ("shadowed") shade of CR.

I have decided that I MUST get such a stripe painted on. After all, a couple of minutes either way, or parking just a little differently in the space, for example, would have nixed the whole opportunity.

The experience had enough of a supernatural feel to it, that it made me think the Universe was telling me, "You MUST get the stripe!"

Wish I'd had a camera!!

Thanks in advance.

 

Check with Aesthectic Creations in the Vendor Directory They may be able to print up just what you need. They do custom work.



06MCS/DS/B/Bbonnetstripes/Whalen8ballshiftmachine

 

Exactly. If you don't like it, it'll be easy enough to change---unlike paint.

 

I agree with Silverbullit and Annewithane.
AC is the way to go.

 

Of course if you want to paint a ghost stripe, just talk to a good paint shop. They should be able to help you create a darker hue of Chili Red if they have the ability to custom mix paints. But definitely, vinyl is cheaper, will look just as good, and is replaceable.

I had a vinyl uni stripe on my '03 Cooper, and liked it so much, was ready to paint it--but then I sold it and got an '05.

 

...indeed

 

Transparent smoke film, like that used for blacking out taillights would give the shadow effect, if you can find it in rolls. Black-tinted clearcoat would also work if you go the paint route. Check with local auto graphics places to see if the smoke film is available, or just look at their color charts to find the right shade of red.

 

Thanks, everyone. Appreciate the input.

Sounds like vinyl "smoke" might be something to look at first.