OK guys, here's the question. Who has aftermarket flares on their Mini? I would really like to move to a big pocket-flare or something similar, but I can only find two different "body kits" that might give me what I'm looking for.

Duraflex MS-R
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-2006-Mini-Cooper-Duraflex-MS-R-Fender-Flares-6-Piece-/301166758597?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item461ef00ac5&vxp=mtr#ht_3902wt_1076
Vis Euro-Tech
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VIS-Racing-02BMMCS2DET-006-Euro-Tech-Fiberglass-Fender-Flares-Rear-Set-/231158481778?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACooper&hash=item35d21e8372&vxp=mtr
Does anyone have any experience/knoweledge/pictures of these or others? Seriously, someone has to make big pocket flares for these things...

 

Would really love to see some feedback on this thread!

 

Agreed! Hopefully someone will have some insight on this before I pull the trigger. I'd really like a 235 or wider.

 

Bump

 

i would say the durotech would be better since they are primaily plastic, with fiber glass reinforcement whereas the VIS is straight fiberglass, but i have no experience in purchasing of either

 

Bump, anyone pull the trigger and get a set of either? I am in the market and interested in any feedback

 

i've not seen that topic discussed since I've been on several Mini forums for over six months. Have you tried the search function?

 

I haven't found anything beyond a handful low resolution pictures and a single old classified ad. I have been searching this site and alternative interweb tubes. Nothing on if they fit well or how they look.

With my track wheel/tires the fenders slightly cut into the tire and I would rather do something a little nicer than dremel the oe fenders but that appears to be what most folks do. I am not interested in a full body kit etc.

 

Look thru the classifieds. Used to be some on here for sale. New never installed.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...er-flares.html

 

Moohahahaha

I snapped up a set of fiberglass flares at Xmas. They're the ones from the UK. I didn't know they were fiberglass until I got them though (silly me for thinking someone made them out of urethane)

Here's the pic of them installed on the designer's car:


Unfortunately, they weren't cheap - not even close. I haven't installed them yet.

Good find on those other systems. Much less expensive, and if you like the look they'd be worth a try.

 

They do look nice and appear to give a good amount of extra clearance, shipping has to be killer from the UK!

To replace the full fender set it seems like i would need a left and right hand version of 4,7,13,16,17 from this view: http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...es_cooper.html

Looking at the VIS classified ad, it seem like you only get 4 pieces, namely just the 13 and 17 which would likely give me the clearance but would look odd and not continuous like what Jamez posted. To be honest a dremel job would probably end up looking nicer than those. VIS's site is so dodgy too and the descriptions are copy paste garbage which makes me super wary about ordering.

Jamez, do you have a link or any further info on your set? I am due for a vacation maybe I could plan it to the UK lol.

 

I'll dig up a link tomorrow when I hit a PC. But you can search NAM and google for R53 wide arches

I'm pretty sure they're no longer being made, the guy is non responsive.

 

Ah "wide arches" I had been searching "fender flares", thanks for the tip!

 

Here are some links and resources to help you on your search:

Speedfactory UK is the maker of my arches
https://www.facebook.com/TheSpeedFac.../photos_stream

FB messaging and emails were not returned when assistance was requested in January 2014.


Here's the FS posting I bought them from (note the ninja like 20 minute response time when I called dibbs on them)
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...de-arches.html


Another NAM thread that will be useful for you:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...el-arches.html

 

Oh, if memory serves correct, I think I get around 30mm added to the width - but don't quote me on that.

The set is well thought out and has 8 or 10 pieces (enough to do the job properly). The one I have is textured to match the stock urethane.


*note these are not my photos*
Here's one 1/2 installed to show the additional width added:




and the full install:

 

It's very upsetting that that kit isn't being made anymore. It's beyond perfect.

 

Please PM me if anyone is seriously interested in purchasing wide arches

 

That's what I thought until I received them. The fiberglass is a dealbreaker for me.
The fit and finish of them is very nice, but the attention to detail was lacking - there are no mounting points on the rear so I'm going to have to drill them myself.
I'm also concerned about the difference in material vs the rubber/urethane of the OEM - the two materials will have a different shine to them

 

I'm surprised that these aren't more readily available. With the amount of interest I see on the mini forums, it's hard to believe they don't sell like hot cakes.

 

At roughly $850 shipped to US probably not too many people willing to buy.. Atleast that is what 1 guy was quoted... plus jamez doesn't like how they are finished and they don't have all the mounting holes in them...
jamez you bought these in Jan of this year and I'm guessing you haven't put them on yet? I'd love to have a set but not at that price and would hope for better quality and fitment. I'm not concerned about the texture as all my trim has been sanded smooth and painted body color.. If things have gotten better from the Speed Factory please let me know...

 

That pic makes them look just about ideal for me as I need about an inch more clearance. I wouldn't be too worried about the shine as mine is a track car but I was hoping for something affordable (that might need some help from a shop) or if it was expensive something easy to install. It sounds like these would need some "help" to install I do know a good shop but that just adds more to the investment... I presume them being textured means already painted which is good at least.

I keep forgetting how small the mini market is compared to others and generate unrealistic expectations

 

I love their finish - it matches the texture perfectly.
I hate the fact they're fiberglass - it's not going to work for winter at all.
I hate their mounting system - I have to make my own holes.
The hardware they supplied (that I lost) was just nuts and bolts. I want better or at least SS hardware.


Yup they're not cheap, but I think that they're £350 in the UK (about $600USD).


Why don't you all try to FB/email/call speed factory and try to get them to make another run or do a group buy?

 

Messaged speedfactory on the book of faces. They said they do still make them and they are available, €350 + shipping. Responded in about a day. They do list a phone number on their page. However, the fiberglass construction does shy me away...

 

Those that don't like the fiberglass used I know it will not have any flex like the OEM ones but is that your only concern? if not what is and why..
Can't be playing bumper cars of course with them, and wouldn't think cold weather would be an issue? maybe being about froze and then having a rock it them??
The couple of euro to dollar calculators I just used claims 350 euro to be 467 dollar. If they could ship it for 100 bucks, Another $300-$500 for prep/paint but dang that's upwards of $1000 or more..

 

I guess just the flexibility. If someone opens their door too hard into my car, etc