OK....it's 2003 and I am about to get a raise. This means that I can actually start doing some stuff to my MINI and I am starting cosmetically. My shadow stripes will be taken care of by the fabulous Matt at CooperFlags (I am so excited about them!!!), I have picked out my wheels (hopefully I will have enough money for them this summer....) and I will more than likely be doing a 35% tint.

I am also going to be modifying my taillights. But I am totally torn. I can't decide if I want to tint or go with the clear package (tails and brake). Pics of MINIs such as those owned by HARMINI and Caddman have been swaying me toward the clear, but I also think that with the shadow stripes on the boot that the tinted tails could look very sweet. What do you guys think? At this point I am not really leaning in either direction, but I know I want to do one of the two options.

I drive a pure silver and black Cooper. Any feedback would be appreciated! (As long as it's not mean and nasty feedback. )

 

IM(not so)HO

The clears look great with the lighter colors. The tints may give you a color you don't want (dark red?).

My vote: clear!

and, not to hijack your thread with the 1st or 2nd reply, but which wheels do you like?

 

My gut tells me that with your color scheme, tinted tail lights is the way to go. I think that the combination will blend really well together. I'd think that the clears would stand out too much, too much contrast, and with the shadow stripes I'd guess that isn't the look you are going after.

Now I've got an IB/W which would be more conducive to clear tail lights, but I'm not sure that look is really for me. I AM thinking of going with the clear center brake light. That should blend with the white roof really well.

Just my 2 cents, take it for what it's worth.

T J

 

You know what my vote is L....Go with the tinted taillights and clear headlights. With the black roof and the dark tinted windows it will look to sweet. My vote is Tint.

 

The central question you need to ask yourself is:

"Am I trying to make my MINI cuter or aggressive?"

If your answer is cute, then tinted tails is not for you.
If your answer is aggressive, (which I believe you will say given your want for shadow stripes) then tinted tails is for you.

I personally don't like the clear tails one bit. Reminds me of mid 90's Honduhs with aftermarket tails. The tint is more VW, less Honduh. Does that make any sense?

R

 

See, I am with Davbret...I used to always knock cars with clear taillights (although I do like them on some MINIs). Thanks for the input so far guys...this is really helping!

I am going for more aggressive...as Davbret said. And here are my new wheels that I will be getting. In 17s.

 

very nice wheels. are those the wheels in the tirerack banner?

 

Do you want to contrast or blend?

Contrast (since you have a black roof) go for clear

Blend(since you have a black roof) go for tinted


See, simple.

 

Well the wheels would be my first choice, you WILL notice the difference. I did mine and enjoy the ride even more!With the Smoked stripes, I say go with the Tint job on the taillights, I never really liked the Clear ones...I'm waiting on some nice white with red circular lights.

Oh, CONGRATS on your RAISE!

 

I believe they are...yes. I hadn't noticed it before! :smile:

And I wanted to ask the tinted taillight people....what do they look like lit? Any pics?

 

Thank you! It goes into effect on April 29th I think.....I hope they give me lots and lots more money.

 

I am going to ge the altezzas and paint the silver parts...

 

Excellent, they're very good looking wheels. how much a pop?

_________________
2002 Dark Silver MCS. Premium / Sport / Nav

 

^ ^ $179 at TireRack, but I have another source where I might be getting them at a more discounted price. :smile:

 

Congrats on the raise! Wheels look great, and tint the lights. It'll look great with the black roof.



Craig

 

Here's a shot...

 

Oh, and get some springs or coilovers if you haven't already.

Cheers,

Craig

 

Good news about the raise, congrat's, and nice choice on the rims, they look
awesome.

I really like the look of the tinted glass and the tail lights. Mine is a DS/B and those are my only mod's so far, and I love the look. Hopefully I'll be putting
some new "shoes" on mine in the near future too.

Cheers-
Jim

 

I am definitely doing my suspension later on down the line. I would like to do everything before the end of this year, but we shall see.

And Albert....beautiful MINI! I am now leaning heavily in the direction for tinted. In fact...yeah I am going to go with the tinted. Thanks everyone for the great comments and input! :smile:

 

The wheels are nice...but think you must like to spend a lot of time cleaning :smile:

Have a GREAT day!!

 

My suspension will be the first thing I'll do here in the coming months. I just love the look/handling of a lowered car. Can't wait.


Craig

 

>>Here's a shot...
>>
>>


Albert your car looks great! Is that a black gas cap? Where did you get that if you don't mind!

Craig

 

I would go with the clear tail lights personally but that is just my $0.02. I wouldn't want to cut down on the amount of light emitted from my tail lights by tinting them. Either way it will look cool!

 

Does anyone know how much dimmer the lights would be if I were to tint them?

 

Well my 2 cents is probably biased, co clear all the way baby, if i had a black car i would go tinted, but i think every other color i would stick with the clear!!