My MINI is a "certified pre-owned" MINI which clearly has at least cosmetic modifications.

First the stripes, clearly DIY, and a terrible job (at close observation). How difficult would it be to remove those stripes and apply new ones without destroying the paint?

My other question is apart from the botched striping and my driving lights, what other mods would I look for common on 1st Gen cars? Specifically, under the hood and carriage. I am not a mechanic and wouldn't know an aftermarket part unless its name was blazed right out at me.

Thanks in advance for the input!

 

Unfortunately, it's hard to say because you don't know how they were put on. My guess is that if you can catch your fingernail on the edge, you should be okay as they are probably vinyl.

Things you should look for, make sure they are not painted on and make sure they are not clear coated over.

If you're overly concerned or hesitant, take it to a professional body shop or graphic design location.

 

They are just stickers. Peel them off and replace.

 

Removing the vinyl stripes is no problem. It's best to take them off on a hot day...or use a hair dryer or heat gun to warm them up. They should just pull right off with no paint damage. If there is a little adhesive residue left you can clean it off with a little polish/cleaner. I removed my bonnet stripes after two years with no paint damage.

 

In general removing vinyl is not too hard on the paint. Let the car sit in the sun to warm up the glue. If the sun has stopped shining warm there as it has here in Chicago a hair dryer will work. Don't use a heat gun!!!

There will be spots of the glue everywhere you start to peel the vinyl. There are scrape sticks and plastic razor blades you can get from sign shops but don't use anything else!

After you have the vinyl off you can get the spots of glue off with some clay.

The process won't be fun but you won't hurt the paint if you are slow and careful.

 

They are vinyl. I noticed looking at the boot that they were cut real uneven at the top and its so visible up close. They also cut the strip apart an inch either direction of the "Cooper" emblem.
I'm just a "if you can't do it right, get someone else" kind of person and its bugging me to look at along with what could be lazyily installed mechanically waiting to go wrong that I don't know about.

I also had to tighten the driving lights cause they would point lower when driving a while.