love the GB decal ...

 

What's the source of the matte black stripes? Any vinyl shop?

 

Please check the following URL.
I bought two set of stripe kits.

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...tripe-kit.html

 

Here's a problem. I got Mini bonnet/rear hatch stripes. They are white and my local Mini dealer installed them along with a set of side stripes I got from EBay.

Problem is the bonnet stripes are getting stained. I'm seeing rusty spots ONLY on the stripes it not on any other part of the bonnet. My dealer tells me it's tree sap. All they would do is clean them when they washed the car. If I want good white stripes I can but another set and the dealer will install. ($350) I told them that won't happen.

Any ideas on what's causing the rusty spots? I've tried everything to clean them but other than scrubbing with a cleaning polish, the spots stay and the rust kinda comes off.

 

It's so unfortunate. I've never seen a such case. But, I also think it's obviously rusty spot.
I imagine that your Mini's bonnet was damaged by scratching or something when your dealler installed the stripe. Pherhaps, the problem is the bonnet rather than the stripe.

 

Time for a clay bar and heavy polish. Doesn't seem like vinyl can rust. I can see a fair amount of swirls too, so I might get in touch with a detailer.

 

I totally concur! Vinyl is fairly impermeable. Remember that to rust under the stripes would mean that there would have to be exposed metal under the stripes. If there was pitting or irregularities at that depth in the paint's surface, your stripes would show depressions where the irregularities are. It looks like the surface is smooth so...I believe you're looking at stains on your vinyl.

As Mojito has stated, you need a very mild abrasive to remove the stains. I have used Griot's Machine Polish #3 on a soft cloth for stains like these and it works like magic. Remember that after you have cleaned the stains, make sure to put several layers of a good wax.

I prefer synthetic formulations and especially like Klasse. They have a polish and a sealer. The polish is a mild cleaner and a polish while the sealer is just the thing you need to protect the stripes from staining. The white stripes on my '04 R53 JCW are as white and shiny as the day I bought the car.

Griot's Machine Polish #3:


Klasse Polish:


Klasse High-Gloss Sealant Glaze:


HTH,

 

Just got striped. Photos in my gallery.

 

 

while this is for countryman, those were so unique stripe you had. I'm sure others would enjoy seeing them.