I'm looking for a shop in L.A. to paint and possibly install the Aero Kit (front & rear bumpers, sideskirts).

The dealership in Universal City wanted an absurd amount of cash for a paint/install. I've found a place that has done the install before and they wanted $400 for that but wouldn't paint it.

My 2005 MCS Works Mini has been staring at an Aero Kit I got on the cheap and I can't stand it anymore. I need it installed.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,
David

 

ummmm maybe contact octane guy? his business partner orange county customs just painted my scoop for me and they did a great job. Pricing was reasonable as well.

 

Richard (Octane Guy) has a shop he works with (In the same building).

I've also had good results with Northridge Body Works. They painted my aero kit for me, and it was pretty reasonable.

 

I actually called Richard (Octane Guy) and subsequently spoke to Steve (the OC Customs guy in the same building, who probably painted yours) about doing it, but the paint work quote was $12-1300 ($400 higher than the dealership, Universal City Mini) so I'm still hunting.

Any idea what you paid to have yours painted? I am curious what others out there have paid...I need a frame of reference...

Did you install yours yourself? I was thinking about doing it (DIY is so much more redeeming than paying a bill...).

 

I am also interested in finding a quality body shop in the Orange County/Long Beach area. I want to get the M7 Scoop but want it to body match the paint. Anyone with very good experience in the OC/LA area - please let us know.

 

Does anyone know if the black trim on the bumpers is a special paint? I'm planning on doing an aero front end, but I'm trying to figure out how they're gonna do this (to match the existing trim...)

BTW, I've never seen the aerokit in person...

 

The black trim on the bumpers is special paint iirc.

As far as occ... they typically charge some where in the ballpark of 80-100 per hour for work. Between paint, prep sanding and buffing my m7 scoop that they did came out to about 150. I really have no idea what having them do an aero kit would cost. Mine came on my car from the factory.

 

If you are the do it yourself type, the only thing different in the paint is a flexing agent added to regular paint just like what is used on the bumpers. You can buy the paint, add the flexing agent and spray it yourself.

 

I got my kit painted at Northridge Body Works. Off the top of my head I don't remember what I paid, it was over a year ago. I want to say 750 or so? I just suggested Octane Guy because I know he does great work. I didn't install the kit myself but I was having quite a bit of other stuff done at the same time so I didn't see the need.

Wherever you get it painted, make sure you put a clear bra on the front of the car afterwards, or you'll be getting it painted again. I'm on my second bumper and 2nd paint job from rock chips. Right now it looks like it's speckled from all the rock chips.

Also, if you plan on color matching the side fenders, make sure you have them sand them smooth (For the money I'd buy new ones, they're only about $10 each). Any oil or anything will cause the paint to crack. If they don't sand them smooth before hand it's going to be pretty hard to match the paint color.

$400 is ridiculous to install. Call Danny at MINICorsa, I'm not sure what he'd charge but it'd be a far cry from $400. Tell him Nick sent ya.

 

Danny was the one who quoted me $400 for the install. Maybe I just need call him and drop your name ;-)

Where does one find this "clear bra" of which you speak?
Sidenote: anyone have anytime to say about megan coilovers (the ones hat will let you drop the car 1.5")? Have a good offer I am considering taking...

 

I recently had some work done at Collision 101 in Westlake Village. They did it for what I thought was a very reasonable price and their work and the paint were both outstanding.

If you are near the valley, it would be worth the trip.

Jim