I have a 03 MCS that is blue with a white top and mirrors. I would like to take the stock side moldings off and either paint them or get an aftermarket kit and paint them. One shop I want to said because it's plastic there is a TON or paint prep to do and it would cost a bunch.. I haven't shopped around for different options. I wanted to see how many people had the moldings painted to match the car? Where did you have it done and how much was it? Is it holding up well with everyday use? What are the steps involved?

Also I think I read that the dealer can get color matched moldings.. Is this true?

 

MINIs have side molding?

 

If your going to paint the trim, get all new pieces. Pricing range up to $1000 or more. I was lucky that I got an experienced painter were he didn't have to sand like others have done. I paid $235 for six pieces. It took awhile but was well worth the wait.

 

Do they come from the dealer already painted?

 

No

It's a multi-stepped process to smooth and paint.

Are you talking about the arches over the wheels or the side sills between the wheels?

 

Yes. I want the plastic above the wheels and the bottoms of the doors painted blue to match the car. And while there at it I also want to get cowl vents and paint them and some interior parts.

 

I paid $700 to have the arches painted. They did a pretty good job. I have had no problems with the paint chipping or flaking. I think it was worth the money.

 

Cool deal. I guess I will just check at the local body shops and see who could paint them for me. I can take everything apart and bring it to them so the labor wont be as much. Do the after market front and rear bumpers come painted? Maybe I will wait to do this until I decide what after market pieces I want.

 

You might want these
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=124072

 

The reflector isn't a big deal.. I was just going to get the cover up film for them. I want them painted Indie Blue to match my car.

 

I have an '04 MCS but am missing the arch over the front wheel on the passenger side. How do I find out what the part number is so I can shop for a new one? (Bad experience at Delta Sonic but that's another story).
MP