ok so who owns this Mini
where did they get the front grill
or how
part numbers please if you can

 

Appears to be a stock MCS grill with the chrome painted black.

 

yeah thats what i thought but i read that paint wont stick to the chrome part too well so i thought that someone ordered it this way???

 

You would have to sand the Chrome to get the paint to stick, but it should be an easy task for any paint shop. but i know you can not order the grill like that. good luck

 

if you look even closer you may notice its half aerokit...and half normal grille!

The usual chrome part has been swapped for the aero trim .... then they must have chucked the mesh away to keep the slats

good idea and very different

 

now that makes sense
it sure looks good
thanks for the feedback

 

Nope, It's a 2005. (notice the headlamps) The chrome grille surround on an 05 is all smooth.
Jim

 

nope they are stock parts, just painted black.

 

<--goes off to check his MINI bible...ahhh yes new model minis are now smooth...but probably just as easy to mod the aero grille instead of worrying that paints gona peel off

 

I have painted chrome parts in the past by sanding the chrome. It doesn't work. Etching the chrome works a little better, but not good enough to stick. The only effective way I have found to paint chrome is to have the plating removed from a chrome shop.

 

Was this done to accomidate the driving lights? When you use the Aero-Kit's upper black grille, what happens to the light brackets? Don't the driving light brackets stick out from between the stock grille slats? If this is the case, then how do they insert the brackets on the aero kit? Do they cut through the aero kit grille and slide the brackets through?

 

Metal Chrome or Plastic Chrome?

 

Yes, you have to cut slots in the aero grill for the Rally Lights. If you read in the Driving Light instructions on Motoring File, you will see how it is done. They have cut marks molded right in to the grill on the back. New Note: they now also have a template for cutting them out. looks like to many dealers can not do it correctly....

 

I have painted chrome (plastic) and still no problems besides a few rock chips (so i changed to vinyl)....i just painted my grill.....see pic in my sig. I got some ultra fine steel wool at home depot and scuffed the chrome entirely...then primed a few coats, then paint. Its easy

 

The MINI One has black slats. A dealer should be able to help with the part number. It just not imported into the USA. I have also heard of people using tape to cover the chrome.

 

yah....the only problem is that its far easier to paint them then to have them shipped in from europe...and none of the cars come with the outer chrome part painted which is what he is interested in. I think the only option is to paint it or put vinyl on it

 

I am halfway into the grille swap and what a *****. I have enlarged some of the tab holes and cut off the louvers on the lower grille slot, but getting the aero grille modified and fit is proving to be quite a hassle.

Any tips for cutting this thing up, besides a solid and charged dremmel with a cutting wheel?

Thanks!

TJM

 

That Mini is not in the US of A. Check out the wipers...they wipe the other way, to the left when looking at the front of the car. Mine wipe to the right when looking at the front.

OK...everyone go outside/into the garage and check it out now.

It must be a right hand drive Mini then.

 

which would explain the front plate

 

Cooper S Ire is in Ireland!! From the beginning of the thread, I had just assumed this photo was not taken in North America.

Where is this car, Cooper S Ire??

 

Wow that is crazy hot!

What are those lights? Not OEM right? They look a little bigger. I want that setup, hot.

 

I presume you have the motoring file write up in hand?