Ok here is a before/after photoshop. I'm trying to decide whether or not to paint my headlight rings, ultimately it is my decision of course, and yes I do like it. But I would like to see what others opinions are as well. FYI I have already dechromed the tail lights, blacked the S side markers (with elec tape for now to see how it looked, will be painted soo), and blacked the belt line.

 

The red looks really good, however, I think with the black stripes, you should continue the black theme, and paint them black. The only downfall to painting them black is there are a lot of MINIs out there with the whole red and black thing going. In the end, it's ultimately up to you.

 

Actually, now that I think about it, you also have the black aero grill, so black would look good. Either way, with the black stripes and black aero grill, the chrome should go.

 

I like the red rings. How about doing a photo chop with the red rings and black joey mod on the headlights? Or possibly another with black rings and red joey mod?

 

I like it, i think the body color rings looks good on any car. I had a Hyper Blue S, and its gone now but i was going to do blue rings, now im looking for a Pepper White Cooper, and want to do the same thing.

 

As I put the first coat of paint on my new halo headlight rings, I can offer this suggestion:
1. I like the red rings--very cool.
2. do the Joey-mod and paint the inside of your xenons black.

why not?

 

While I'm not a big fan of chrome, and I am a fan of black, I'd keep them chrome. It looks cleaner IMO.

 

I haven't heard of this Joey mod...so I'll research that and check it out. But as for black, I've seen pics of them black and just don't care for it too much. Kinda looks like racoon eyes...

 

if you're painting them yourself, be sure to sand the heck out of the chrome surface. try and get as much of the chrome off as possible and down to the bare plastic.
I ordered a painted set from minispeed, and from what I can tell they just painted over the chrome, as ive got several chips after only a few months :(
that being said i LOVE the nonchrome look.

 

Here is my Mini with the "Joey-mod" and painted rings. I chose to mix it up a bit Instead of painting the inside of the headlight housing all black.
IMG_1931.jpg?t=1214386696DSCF0017.jpg?t=1214386445

 

That my friend is F....n Hot. I really like what you have done. What is this Joey Mod that you guys speak of?

 

Check out my gallery for pix before/after with black headlight rings/grill surround. Also just did rear door handles. more blacking-out on tap - belt line/badges/lettering/side markers. Plus a mean dragon for the roof...
So little time...

 

Can the original poster please post a picture of photoshopped black rings on his Red Mini S?

 

Not bad like the red

 

bmwg84 - sure...I'll get that today, shouldn't take too long.

Shooler that looks good, though, I don't know that I really want to take the headlights apart and paint the inside of them. It looks GOOD, but really its more work and time then I think I care to spend...for now at least

 

Thanks! I think I just fell in love with your mini. (love the grille and stripes)

 

^ Thanks I'm in the process of perfecting it for me

I just added the black headlight rings...I personally don't care for them too much, but at least you can see what they look like. Sorry that the photoshop isn't perfect, I didn't spend too much time on it. As you can see I also added tinting the headlight with the black rings, that doesn't look bad IMO.

 

I've also been working on a photoshop with the side of the car. As you can see, matching the red on the gas cap is kinda hard...at least for me as a photoshop newbie...but it at least gives the idea.

 

From the side, I actually prefer the CHROME. Keep the S vent Chrome too..

From the FRONT,
this looks HOTT, the other one with the black rings looks like that dog's eye from Little Rascals.

 

It's a coin toss between




and

 

I vote for the black rings. and tinted covers.. I like the body color scheme on some cars too, but mainly if they have painted arches etc. also..

 

If durability (i.e., rock chips) are a concern, you may want to consider vinyl wrapped rings instead of paint. My double-wrapped black satin rings, courtesy of Lyle at Vinyl Styles, look as good as the day I installed them even after daily driving thru an upper-midwest winter season (which is more than I can say about my lower bumper cover ).

No harm in checking it out as another available option:
http://www.lylesvinylstyles.net/

 

I was actually considering that. I saw their site but I was wondering how how well the color would match, and if the vinyl would have the same glossy look as the paint around it, and not a dull red look instead. What are your opinions on it in those respects?

 

I say you Joey Mod the headlights Red with black trim rings. That would look awesome in my opinion.

 

+1 for Black! and I agree with N2MINI about the tinting the covers, not a big fan of chrome.