I've decided to get a checkered flag graphic for my sunroof, like so...




I'm just wondering if I should go with the one MINI sells (pictured above), or if I should go with an aftermarket option.

I can get the MINI one online for $132 + shipping. Not too shabby.

Aesthetic Creations wants $165 for theirs.

Cooper Flags is either $130 or $160 depending on whether I get solid or performated vinyl. I'm leaning towards the solid, as it requires less maintenance.

So what is everyone's thoughts? If you have a sunroof graphic, who did you buy from, and how happy are you with the product? I need to narrow it down so I can buy this bad boy!

 

I got my roof graphic.. ( the union jack flag) from Aesthetic.. and would do so over and over again. I am extremely happy with it, and would'nt buy elsewhere..

 

I bought from Mike at AC and am very satisfied.

 

I have bought lots of graphics from Mike at AC. And I have OEM bonnet stripes on the two MCs. I can say with certainty that AC's vinyl is of higher quality than the OEM vinyl.

I can also recommend you do NOT get the perforated vinyl. While it does allow you to see through the sunroof, the cons outweigh the pros, IMO. It requires special care. And even with that care, it's life expectancy is considerably shorter than the "normal" vinyl.

Oh... and one more thing:

DO THE WHOLE ROOF !!!

 

That garage ROCKS!

 

is the red fading or is this just a funky angle affecting the color?

 

:impatient It's not red. It's HOT PINK! It was installed in Dec 2005 and hasn't faded.

 

Interesting that AC's vinyl is better than OEM. That is good to know, and makes the price difference more understandable.

I do like how the whole roof looks, but I prefer the white outline of the roof with the checkers in the middle. Oh, and thanks for your input on the perforated vinyl. Like I said, I was leaning toward solid, and your comment just pushed me over the edge.

Yes, yes it does. Very nice man!

 

Thanks, ratt and batcatwildgirl , for the compliments on the garage.

Had to make a nice home for our beloved MINIs.

 

Hey CR&PW&JB, do you know if AC offers a NAM discount at all?

 

Another thing to consider. If you are doing checks, make sure that the pattern on the vinyl is checked, not just individual white checks that have to be placed with the glass making the black checks. AC rocks!!!

 

Hmmmm, I thought that they were all just white checks. No?

I would actually prefer JUST white checks, so that some light still comes in through the sunroof. Is that not an option with the AC graphic?

 

I agree with payne... don't do that !!

You'll regret it when it's time to detail and wax your graphic. The materials will catch on the edges. And when you have that many squares in the checkered vinyl, that's a whooooooooooooooole lot of edges !!

 

That makes sense, but then no light will filter through unless I get the perforated, which I don't want. I'll have to open my sunroof to let the light in. Hmmmm, I may need to rethink this a bit.

 

It won't be dark. I have an all black interior, and it isn't too dark.

 

My graphic is only on the sun roof.
Didn't want to cover the white roof.
Chose the solid, thought it was a better look.
The bonus is it looks like stained glass from inside.
There is a pic in my gallery if you want to see.

 

I can confirm this. It's not like having a hard top, if that's what you're thinking. SOME light still comes through. In fact, I can see the black and white checkers through the glass. That wouldn't be possible if there was NO light coming in.

You won't regret it. You have my personal guarantee. (not sure exactly what that's worth, but you have it, nonetheless)

 

I'll have to check the NAM calendar I have at work to see if they have a monthly discount code to use. Of course, it might be December and you won't want to wait that long !

Otherwise, no... the price on their website IS their price.

And if anyone else says they get a discount, Mike and I are gonna have a loooooooooooooooooooooong chat.

 

LOL about the guarantee. Well then, I think I'll call up AC and order one ASAP! Hopefully my tint guy can install it as soon as it comes in!

Thanks everyone for their response! Much appreciated!

 

oooooOOOOOHh... i see your pink now... i mean i see the pink... i mean... i see that it's pink

 

I had mine done at AC, Mike is the best!!!

Mine:


check out the story at https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=110495

 

I think that looks great

 

Really? What sort of special special care? That's sort of dissapointing...

 

I'm not sure WHAT kind of special care, but I had three graphic installers all tell me that same thing. I would guess you have to treat it with some vinyl conditioners as it's thinner and fragile.

They also said it typically lasts about half as long as the non-perforated vinyl.

 

That's not a garage, that's a display case. Would you dare to do an oil change in there? I don't think so.

Yes, do the whole roof. I would try to find out who is using the best quality vinyls. There are three year vinyls, and ten year vinyls...