New '13 MCS owner -- first order of business, things must be blacked out!
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Hey all. Just bought a new '13 MCS yesterday! Woo! I'm loving it so far. Anyway, I've never been the biggest fan of chrome, and I think it kind of clashes with the nice white silver metallic paint. So it's time to black it all out! I've read a ton of threads and did some research on parts, so I just want to make sure I have things right here. This might help as a reference to other new owners who want to do the same as me 
This applies to the standard S body, no JCW kit on mine. I want to go with replacement parts rather than doing Plasti-dip -- definitely want the piano black finish and for everything to match. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'll be doing the ones with the checkmark next to them.
Existing chrome pieces -- easy to blacken
✓Headlamp surround (w/o washer on mine) - via ECS $81
✓Taillight surround - via ECS $52
✓Grille surround top piece - via ECS $32
✓Grille surround bottom piece - via ECS $26
✓Trunk lid grip (must be painted) - via ECS $86
✓Side turn signal thingy (scuttle, many varities available) - via ECS $24/ea
Beltline trim - I think most people are doing this using at-home methods
Fuel door - same as beltline, at-home method
Existing chrome pieces -- more work to blacken
Door handles - at-home, although it sounds like a hard job doing removal
Badges - remove, paint, and re-adhere
Exhaust tips - remove, paint, and re-adhere
Existing non-chrome pieces
✓Windows - tint shop
✓Headlights, taillghts, fog lights, side-markers - all via Lamin-X
✓Hood scoop (must be painted) - via ECS $83
Side turn signal in scuttle - tint custom solution
Rear fogs in lower rear bumper - tint custom solution
So I have a few questions that I couldn't find answers to:
Also, short bio cause I'm new: Chicago, previous car: '06 Audi A3 3.2 Quattro, other car: '95 Volvo 850 GLT 5-spd, was also considering a Golf R, but the size, spec, style, price, and feel of the Mini sold me over the pudgy but punchy VW.
Cheers!
This applies to the standard S body, no JCW kit on mine. I want to go with replacement parts rather than doing Plasti-dip -- definitely want the piano black finish and for everything to match. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'll be doing the ones with the checkmark next to them.
Existing chrome pieces -- easy to blacken
✓Headlamp surround (w/o washer on mine) - via ECS $81
✓Taillight surround - via ECS $52
✓Grille surround top piece - via ECS $32
✓Grille surround bottom piece - via ECS $26
✓Trunk lid grip (must be painted) - via ECS $86
✓Side turn signal thingy (scuttle, many varities available) - via ECS $24/ea
Beltline trim - I think most people are doing this using at-home methods
Fuel door - same as beltline, at-home method
Existing chrome pieces -- more work to blacken
Door handles - at-home, although it sounds like a hard job doing removal
Badges - remove, paint, and re-adhere
Exhaust tips - remove, paint, and re-adhere
Existing non-chrome pieces
✓Windows - tint shop
✓Headlights, taillghts, fog lights, side-markers - all via Lamin-X
✓Hood scoop (must be painted) - via ECS $83
Side turn signal in scuttle - tint custom solution
Rear fogs in lower rear bumper - tint custom solution
So I have a few questions that I couldn't find answers to:
- Do the ECS grille surround pieces (here and here) require the JCW grille (here) and will it match the stock lower grille?
- Are there any pre-cut tinting kits for the in-bumper rear fogs?
- Best way to get a piano black finish on gas cap and badges (to match the standard black mini parts from ECS)? Isn't Plasti-dip more of a matte? Paint shop?
- It's nice to buy all the parts from the same place, but any cheaper outlets for these?
Also, short bio cause I'm new: Chicago, previous car: '06 Audi A3 3.2 Quattro, other car: '95 Volvo 850 GLT 5-spd, was also considering a Golf R, but the size, spec, style, price, and feel of the Mini sold me over the pudgy but punchy VW.
Cheers!
