Did you ever get around to wrapping the scuttles? I'd like to see them if you did.

 

updated pics on page 1

 

Looking great! Which AFE dry filter did you use?

 

Now you need to put a medium dark tint on all of your rear lights and paint the MINI logos gloss black. The taillights are ruining your theme!

Don't blackout the lights, just darken them a bit.

 

I believe it's aFe's Pro Dry S filter (with Clint's own urethane flange).

http://www.defendersofspeed.com/cold...er-combo-deal/

 

I hear ya. A medium tint would be nice, but it's something I'm not comfortable doing myself. I have a lot of experience with spray painting but I've seen too many capable DIYers accidentally go too dark...and I don't want to become a complete cop-magnet!

I've plastidip'd and vinyl wrapped the emblems but haven't been happy with the results. I'm thinking about trying Plastidip's new smoke spray. Just saw another member with his emblem painted and it looks nice.

I still want to see if we SoCal MINI owners can get together for a little meet.

 

Oh ok. I wasn't thinking. I thought it was one AFE sold that would fit the DOS intake beside the dry filter Clint developed.

 

I was feeling adventurous today and decided to wrap the steering wheel inserts. Mostly successful, not sure how long it will last around the MFST buttons though. Easy to do just mind the airbag, wires etc..disconnect neg battery terminal! I also took apart the controls to wrap them better around the buttons, I did not take out the big round dials though. They seemed to be a bit more permanent, didn't want to test its durability

 

I did my centers as well

 

Very nice!
It's amazing how reflective the carbon vinyl is when it's hit by a camera flash. Did you use 3M 1080 vinyl or something different? Also, nice job keeping all of the carbon weaves going the same direction...this can often be forgotten when doing more than one piece.

 

I used 3m scotchprint, it should hold up rather well I hope. Although it's very easy to get at them again if need be. Next adventure is mirror covers, I'll have to order more before I do them though. Trying to finish up what I have left on some interior bits first

 

I have a few questions, I want to do my HL, TL rings and possibly my gas cap this up coming weekend. Could I go to a home depot or Lowe's to grab some 3M 1080 gloss black vinyl? or is there a better type of vinyl to use? I don't feel it's worth it spending $135 for HL and TL rings. Thank you for future responses!

 

I use metrorestyling.com for all my vinyl, and they've been great. I highly doubt HD or Lowes would carry a vinyl like 3M 1080. If you order from them just ask for another inch or two of extra width (14"). It really helps when wrapping the headlights.

 

+1


Exactly what AdrenaliNate said!

 

Quick question: what are the small, rounded metal things in your tools picture? On the top right. Look super useful for rounding off edges.

 

Those are feeler gauges. They are all different sizes and i believe they're used to space piston valves, but I could be very wrong

I picked them up at O'Reilly's auto store. I used to use them to set the clearance on my mountain bike disc brakes. They obviously have many uses.

 

AdrenaliNate, how do you keep maintenance on the vinyl? Can I wash my car easily? I want to make sure I am keeping the color alive and the edges okay. Thank you!

 

Thanks bud. You've inspired me to wrap the chrome exterior on my R53. Gonna do some interior as well. Hopefully I'm handy with a heat gun!

 

Keep in mind that I keep my MINI in my garage when I'm home and I even convinced my work to let me park under a pop-up tent, but I've been diligent about coating all of my plastics and vinyl with 303 Aerospace Protectant (SPF 40). I do this at least once a month, if not more often. I've been using 303 since 2005 when I bought my Tacoma. When I sold it to buy the MINI in 2011, the plastics looked nearly new even though the truck had been parked outside for most of its life.

You can find it on Amazon and a dozen other sites, but I buy most of my detailing supplies from Autopia.com.

I'll admit I miss vinyl wrapping now there isn't anything left to wrap!

 

Rob, I forgot to mention that yes it is easy to wash your car with vinyl. I recommend (for both car paint and vinyl) a genuine wool mitt or ultra soft Korean microfiber sponge and LOTS of soap. Treat the vinyl like the paint. If you've tucked the edges (I also recommend using 3m 94 primer for short/sharp edges) then you shouldn't have a problem.

Hope this helps.

 

Looks great. Heard you just got a nice set of Wet Okole's for the front seats. You'll need to post some pics when you get them on.

 

Ha! I was able to score them from a really nice guy. The sooner he ships them the sooner you'll see pics!
Thanks again Jim!

 

Wow that is amazing work!

 

Thanks!

 

Nothing new to you...but here they are! Drove to work for the first time with these...and LOVED THEM! It's almost a nostalgic feeling since I had these in my Tacoma for years.

Living in SoCal I thought I'd never need or appreciate heated seats. That has changed. Too bad we're headed into the hot season. Also loved the air-cushioned lumbar support.

Thanks to jefros for a smokin' deal on these dreamy WOs...good bye leatherette and sore back.