So I got the hyper blue paint for the car from Minspeed (my car is hyper blue). I painted some interior trim and to tell you the truth didn't really like the way it turned out. Some of it could have been my fault for sucking at spray painting, but still.
So I was planning on painting my headlight rings in body color as well, but I'am afraid that I'll mess it up and ruin it.
So...should I have it professionally painted? If so, is there some kind of color code for hyper blue that they can use?
Or should I just suck it up and do it myself?

I know some of you have done this same thing yourself with the Minspeed paint. Do you guys have any advise, tips???

 

I tried painting body color with the minspeed paint before and it didn't look good at all. Paint didn't match well and the sparkle lay was horrendous. This time around I took it to a professional and it looks perfect.

If it doesn't look good, you can always paint it black which would look good on your mini.

 

Try giving Minspeed a call. They might have or be able to paint up a set of headlight rings for you. I know he has some in the shop but Im not sure if they're 1st gen or 2nd gen.

 

I have a pair of chili red rings that are done professionally. i held them up to a mini in a parking lot- and WOW. for the price that it would cost to get them done at a shop, i'd just do it that way.

they are for sale btw, my car is black.

 

Minispeed painted headlight rings for my Chilli Red and the quality was great. Let them paint them.

 

I have used Minispeed paint before, twice in fact.

I had no problems either time and it looks as good as when I have used my spray gun.

I used Dark Silver and the paint matched very well on my 06.

Search the internet for professional tips on how to paint, it will help you do a better job.

 

I have decided for sure to have them done in body color. Far too many people have got black rings.

So you say Minspeed will paint them if I ask nicely or what?
Thanks for the help everyone.

 

They are listed on Minispeeds web site:
http://www.minspeed.net/PLR.htm

 

WOW! $225

Glad I know an auto painter. Had rings, side markers and aero spoiler painted for $30 bucks.

 

Just did this mod- See below for my $.02...

Step 1: Buy new headlight rings:
http://new.minimania.com/web/item/NM.../InvDetail.cfm

Step 2: Soak in a covered plastic bucket of muriatic acid for a week to remove the chrome:
http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com...026d50717a3370

Step 3: Have the body shop that paints your local Mini dealer's aero-kits paint your new head light rings.

Step 4: Remove your old headlight rings & double sided tape on the headlight lense.

Step 5: Apply new double sided tape & install painted headlight rings:
http://www.superiorcarcare.net/3m-do...ided-tape.html

Step 6: Wait about a month for the freshly painted surfaces to fade so it will match the rest of the car.

 

I used the Minspeed chili red to paint my headlight rings, gas cap andtail light rings and it's a perfect match.

I did not remove the chrome, I scuffed it up and used adhesion promoter prior to spraying the final coat. later I put on a coat of clear lacquer

 

I could drive to Kentucky have that guy of yours paint mine and drive back for less than $225. Thats too much.


I suppose I will just suck it up and do it.... Now I just have to find the time.

 

Might check a local painter and see what they would charge.

 

Remember the $225 is for replacement parts ie you get new parts (you keep the old ones) and includles the tailight rings.

 

Okay, so I found the man to help me do it. He is my art teacher from college. He knows his stuff when it comes to paint and cars.
So my question is now, can I get Hyper blue paint from my nearest mini dealer? Would that be something they have sitting around? I suppose I should just call them. But...?