Hi all,

I searched around, but couldn't find anyone who actually mentioned how much they paid for their bonnet stripes + install (if they opted to have the shop install them). Every shop I've called has said "gotta bring it down and get a quote" but I want to have an idea of what I should be expecting before I walk in there.

Thanks to anyone who can lend their experiences!

 

www.cooperflags.com has some nice custom ones.


Install? Can't you install it yourself?

 

Oh, definitely, but if the cost for an install from a shop is moderately priced, then I'd definitely consider paying someone for it. Just the same as doing tint, etc.

 

It varies. I got a quote from a big sign shop that does only 4 color digital signage and wraps. I wanted something simple, but they quoted $150 for each part---their total quote including installation was over $500!!

That's when I realized I just needed a simple vinyl sign shop. For $250, I got my uni stripe, real URL Logo, Windshield URL logo, side windows cut and installed. That doesn't include the #95 static cling meatballs that I bought mailorder from Finishline Inc. in Florida for $50.

I think the stripe was $75 or so installed, but after the install they told me that to do it again, they would charge more. I was their first MINI, and they hadn't anticipated the difficulty of installing the stripe over the hood bulge--took 3 days! I was there watching and taking pics the whole time--not something I would have attempted on my own.

Later on I paid for a simple graphic installed on another car--and it was $50. Worth it to have them install it, cause if it comes off, they will redo it at no charge.

 

I got my bonnet stripes installed at a local shop for 40 bucks and that includes them taking off the old ones and the material for the new ones. I got mine done at a tinting and sign shop (I have done bussiness with the guys in the past so they probably gave a good price) but I doubt you should pay more than 60 bucks for stripes. And mine have a lifetime warranty (3M brand). :smile:

 

In Colorado, I paid $35 for my bonnet stripes and $40 for the installation.

 

Lucky me, a fellow MINI owner and member of the local club is a sign/graphics guy. He's going to fix me up with custom bonnet/boot stripes in my choice of colors using the good 3M vinyl for $120. Now - if I could only decide what I want!:smile:

 

Thanks - any insight as to why it took them 3 days to perform this? I'm thinking it might be easier to order the stripes from mightystripes.com and apply myself, but I have to overcome (as you did) the Mini flag in the middle of the bonnet. I imagine I'll have to cut around it. Any reasons why the sign shop ran into so many issues?

 

Yep, it's called trial and error. LOL. It was their first MINI. I was there all 3 days. Originally they thought it'd be quick, but it took them some time to figure out how to properly apply it over the center bulge. You can't just lay the stripe down because it won't lay flat. They had to literally stretch the vinyl with a heatgun to intentionally make the vinyl curve over the bulge, yet still appear to be a straight line.

Also cutting around the logo was a pain. The best way is to remove the logo. The problem is even with a brand new Xacto blade, the knife skips across the vinyl surface, preventing a smooth, clean cut. I watched him do this many different ways and had no luck.

My stripe looks great, but if you stand inches away, you'll see it's not perfect. You can see how ragged the cut looks below as he's doing it. He smoothed it out a bit, but it's still not clean. The air bubbles were all removed by pricking them, then heating with a heatgun, and smoothing with this little piece of foam rubber.

Here's the full article on that installation:
http://www.littlemini.us/technical/vinyl/index.asp

 

I'll be happy to help you, I can deliver most stripes to your door for less than 75 bucks. Installation isnt too hard, if you have patience and are skillful with your hands.

Matt W
http://www.mightystripes.com