Hey everyone,

So i am now in the market for a MINI, and as of right now, i want a used R53, but alas, so many of the ones i really like have painted arches, and i have to say, im not a big fan. Is there a way to replace them with the originals? Is it a simple unbolt and bolt on the new one?

 

I think the R53 fenders attached the same way as the R56 (someone please correct me if I'm wrong here) and if so, all you would have to do would be to order a set of OEM fender arches and you can remove the painted ones (and if you're careful and don't damage them when you remove them, I'm sure you can easily sell them to someone who wants painted ones too!) and install the black ones.

They're held on there with body clips though so when you remove the painted fenders, you'll end up breaking the body clips so make sure you have sets of new body clips.

Celia

 

More like a snap/unsnap. The originals are available at the dealer, and they're relatively cheap (<$50 each)

From what I hear, the clips tend to break when removing them.

You could probably sell your painted arches for more than the non-painted cost.

 

Yep

...and if you happen to buy a Pure Silver, let me know

 

Good to know, thanks. Depending on what i get ill let it be known in case anyone wants the painted ones.

Edit: What about the bumpers? how are they attached there?

 

If you get an Indi Blue mini I would gladly trade/buy the painted arches for my black ones. I think having them painted makes the car look SO much classier.

 

If you go Pepper White you have a trade here.

 

ditto for Hyper Blue. I'd love em.

 

Seems like the general consensus is that people do like them

 

Yep, Here's my bid if it's BRG

 

Look me up if you buy electric blue!

 

jet black checking in if you got em i'll swap em

 

So...how long 'till this thread gets moved to the Buy\Sell area?

 

dang - I'm second in line for a JB

 

dang you beat me too it

 

Another one for Indi Blue!

-Cody

 

Dang, I just missed my front row seat for BRG arches. Why was my first mini black? To hide all the cheapo black trim. Why is my second mini BRG? Because it is dark enough that it still hides most of the cheapo black plastic trim.

 

Just to resurect the semi-dead, and to throw in a different color...Dark Silver!

 

Its a good thing you resurrected this thread, cause i forgot about it completely and theres a need to update

UPDATE: I decided to buy a new R56, so the painted arches are a no go. Sorry if i got anyones hopes up.

Thanks for info and for help,
Marco

 

Looks like there's a money-making opportunity for pre-painted arches.