I know this has been brought up ad nauseum in the forums, and I did do a search and research on the site before opening this thread (so don't link me to a search, please). I just couldn't find a straight answer.

They don't make a black slat grill for the JustaCooper, do they? I can't find anywhere to say a yay or nay. I know they come with the Dooper and the One, but you can't get those parts over here, and I'm not sure they'd fit even if you could.

I don't want the aero or the JCW, as I like the bar/slat look. I'd just like it better if it were in black.

Also, I know the advise if there isn't one is to "just vinyl" them or paint them. The problem is, I've never modded a car in my life and have no idea how you'd apply vinyl (which the searching seems to indicate is a better option than painting, due to potential rocks chipping it.) All I've been able to find in terms of vinyling, is that Pep Boys makes a roll that will fit the slats. For a complete abecedarian, there's nothing to say how you actually put this stuff on.

Of course, the better option still is to find a MC slat-grill that's already made in black. But I think I've come to the conclusion in searching, that that just doesn't even exist.

Since this site seems to be full of helpful and knowledgeable people </shamelss up-sucking> I thought I'd just ask.

 

You don't have to install vinyl yourself. You probably can find a shop in your area that will do it for you. Call your Mini dealer and see who they recommend for clear bra installs. That same shop should be able to do your grille for you.

You might contact Vinyl Styles. If you send them a grille, I'm sure they'll wrap it for you and send it back. The only thing standing in your way is money! Grille installation is another matter, but I bet there's a Miniac near you with the ability to help you out.

 

If you want the slats black on your grill, you can buy them from the dealer. You have to buy them for the "S". They are interchangeable. See my sig and gallery. Mine Cooper is not an "S".

They are not expensive to buy.

 

^ He/she has a R56 though; the grills are different between the S and Cooper

 

Yeah, and from what I can tell, the R50/53 grills aren't interchangeable with the R56.

"My MINI dealer" is 100 miles away, so finding out who they use might not work too well. I could probably find someone here, but telling who's reputable or not is a different story.

Thanks for the direction, y'all. I felt like a goon asking the questions, but y'all're a benevolent font of information.

 

Go to the hardware store and buy a roll of 1 inch wide black plastic electrical tape ... or, if you want to get fancy get the 3M stuff

And pick up an X-ACTO knife - careful, it is sharp.

Get a stool and park yourself in front of the car. Clean the slats REAL GOOD. Maybe even wipe down with some GooGone. The start applying tape...cut away the excess

CONGRATS.....You've done your first mod.

If you don't like the job - tear it off and do it again.

Still don't like it, find a 'professional' - you're still only out $10......

 

Lol. And we have a new chapter for our Idiot's Guide to Modding book.

How long would the tape stay on? It stays pretty humid here, what with the Gulf just a 5-hr drive away.

 

Put the tape on and let us know how long it lasts! Ya got nothin' to lose but a few bucks and a little time.