I was never a huge fan of the aero kit (except for the grill). I mean, I like it, but I always thought the cost was way too high for what I think is a fairly subtle improvement.

That said, I've (almost) decided to have my arches and related trim painted, most likely body color (but a voice inside is saying go with white [my roof trim, and stripes are all white, and I plan to go with white wheels when my runflats give it up]. Saw a thread tonight with a BRG that did white everywhere black was [bumpers, arches, skirt]. Like the look...I think)

Anyway, I was wondering how costs compared between buying aero kit parts already primed (primered?) that require no prep versus having the cheaper stock parts prepped and painted.

1) The arches definitely have to be replaced, but the skirts are the big items. Replacement stock skirts are probably much cheaper than the Aero skirts (true?), but the aero kits require no work other than the painting. Thoughts?

2) I have heard that it's better to buy new arches (makes sense) but what about the bumper trim? Are the black parts on the bumper separate pieces or is the bumper one piece (like the aero kit)? If they are one piece, can the trim be repainted or would that be risky vice buying a new part for painting?

3) When the new painted arches are installed, do they snug up nicely to the body panel or are there gaps? If there are gaps, are they worth filling?

4) Where can I get a deal on replacement arches and clips?

Last consideration...I paid good $$ to have a clear bra installed. Not sure I want to give that up so soon by replacing the bumper. Anybody know if they have a clear bra kit for the aero kit? I would assume so but...

Overall thoughts and recommendations?

Thanks!

 

i don't think it's neccessary to really buy new arches and trim, only if it has any damage on it that may cause fatigue to the arch. other than that, it needs priming and stuff, i'm sure the apperance of the original arches won't make a difference.

the clips are dirt cheap.. my shop got it for me within the price i was quoted for the job.

hope my opinion helps~

 

A primed Aero kit still needs to be prepped.

All new arches should be obtained. If any trim dressing product was ever used on the arches most likely the paint will fisheye.

The bumper arch trim is molded in with the Aero bumper cover. Do not need to purchase seperatly.

New arches should fit fine unless painter warped them somehow.

 

6-Piece arch trim can be purchased for around 60-75 dollars. I highly suggest going that route if your planning to paint.

 

That also gives you the option of ordering the wheel-arch trim without the reflector cutouts, if you want to go that route.

For the non-aero 'S', there's something like fourteen pieces to replace if you buy all new trim to paint, but that's the route I went on my wife's car. I'm going to be doing all the sanding/prep/paint work myself, and I didn't want to take the chance on having adhesion/fisheye problems with using old trim that's had lots of trim dressing applied to it.

 

Hey guys this is my first post as i recently brought my mini here she is and i have just spent 2 hours replacing the standard top grilles to aero and sprayed the lower grille mat black will be pleased to ansewer any questions

 

I've never painted a car...what needs to be done after the primer?

I understand that...I meant the stock NON-Aero bumper.

Thanks.

 

Not the experience of most members of this board. Any treatments that may have been applied can interefere with the paint bonding. Besides, the act of removing the old trim can bend the trim

Thanks!

 

OK, but the one question I am really interested in...how much to prep/paint the stock skirt vice a pre-primed aero skirt? I like the Aero skirts, but they cost too much. However, if I can save some money (lot little?) by not having to do as much prep on them as compared to the stock ones, then maybe I can justify the aero parts.

Same with the bumpers...the cost of doing just the trim vice replacing the entire bumper...how do they compare?

Thanks!

 

get the Aero kit.

 

I bought the factory painted aero skirts from Classic in Ohio for $250 a piece + shipping which was like $50. The only downside is the wait time-was almost 6 weeks from when I ordered it.

I'd highly recommend this route--the quality is fantastic--otherwise you will pay a body shop to prep it, spray it, wetsand, and polish it---but the inner parts are very hard to polish by machine--so you risk a half *** job being done in it.

If you properly prep the stock skirts and paint them--you won't be saving much money.

I got the Strassentech front lip mounted on my stock front bumper. I'm happy with the look of the modified oem parts.

Richard

 

Thanks OG, that's what I suspected. Now if I can get the type of answer for the bumpers...

 

I use X-Pel clear bra's on all my cars. They have pre-cut patterns for MC, MCS (with and without Aero kits) and GP cars. They make a great product and they're Autobahn tested...by me!

Linky:

https://www.xpel.com/products/paint_...&submodel=1914