Hi All,

I've been slowly modifying my Eclipse Grey 2012 Mini R56 S over the last couple of years. Stage 2 RPM tune engine-wise, springs/shocks/rear sway bar suspension-wise and then a bunch of cosmetic/aero mods.

I'd like to add some color/contrast on the outside now that I have gotten rid of most of the chrome. Roof would be nice. I was looking at the GP and got some inspiration for the next mods. Would appreciate feedback. A few things I was thinking:

-Silver roof? (What's the paint code of GP BTW?) I think red would be too much, and silver would match my hood stripes.
-Red mirror caps (chili red?)
-Red brake duct inlets (chili red?)
-No decals on side or hood scoop, at least that's where I'm leaning.
-Debadge (Cooper S on hatch)
-Red seat belts?

I would like to change the dashboard vents/speedometer ring trim, but seems a PIA.

I'd love some ideas, Pictures etc. I'm attaching pics of car, GP and some nice rings I found but don't know where to source.

 

Bump

 

Those red carbon trim rings look pretty sweet.

I would add the JCW bonnet stripes with the red pin stripe, some Chili red mirror caps, and the red carbon trim rings. Then, paint your brake calipers red.

 

Thanks. I love the rings too, would be good to know if it's a wrap or where to get them. Although not keen on dismantling all the dash. I wonder if one can wrap the rings in place.

Are the JCW stripes black with red pin stripes?

any thoughts on the roof? Too much?

 

Yes, the JCW stripes I was referring to are the black with red stripe.

Not sure where to get those trim rings, except maybe Alibaba. I'm not a fan of ordering direct from China, however. You could possibly do the trim rings in place, depending on how good your skills are.

I say keep the roof black, or whatever color it is. With the red pin stripes on the hood, red mirror caps, and red calipers, would be just enough accent color to make the car grab attention without being too flashy.

Of course, all the above is my own opinion...

 

Thanks, that's helpful! I've never wrapped anything but there is always a first time. I've seen a few red carbon wraps that look OKish but have not found the one from the picture. This came from BaT, I've emailed the seller just in case.

 

Found this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...oor-pulls.html

 

Thanks! I was thinking of a more simpler vinyl wrap with heat gun. The one in the link looks more professional but certainly more advanced?

 

Definitely.

I found this too:
http://www.nvdautosport.com/carbon/b...bon_fiber.html
That company has a showcase, which includes some red carbon items, but no clue how to get any of their products.

 

Amazing find, they look suspiciously similar to the ones in the picture. I'll contact them. Shame they don't sell just the rings, not a fan of too much carbon fiber (ie all the trim around vents or tach is a bit too much for more).

 

Bump - other ideas?

 

That’s a great looking car as is.

If it were mine I would think about Chili Red mirror caps and calipers and de-badge the Cooper S on the hatch.

The carbon interior is cool on the GP2. The red “carbon” is actually texalium with a candy red coat. If not going with full carbon bits like the GP2, maybe paint your interior rings candy red to get a similar effect? The red seatbelt idea also sounds good.

Probably going too far with candy red mirrors to match the interior, and Chili Red calipers with candy red mirrors might look weird. Matching candy red calipers might be strange too.

Lots of details to think about 🤔

 

Thanks, this is helpful. So the "carbon" red bits are OEM? I was thinking they were aftermarket.

I'd love the seat belts. I'm struggling to find an actual answer from vendors and dealers on whether they fit exclusively 11/2012-2013 or can they be retrofitted in my 09/2011 build date. I commented on a thread on that topic. They are expensive for what they are, not sure whether to risk it!

 

Those red carbon rings are NOT OEM Parts.

For the seat belts, there are companies that will re-web your existing seat belts. Should cost less than new GP2 belts.


This company was listed in the GP2 seat belt thread:
https://www.safetyrestore.com/conten...red-seat-belts

 

Correct, not OEM as posted above. I was referring to the aftermarket carbon trim from the GP2 pic you posted.

The red “carbon” portion isn’t actually carbon fiber. Texalium is fiberglass twill cloth with an aluminum coating. Without any tint the red section would look like bright silver/polished carbon cloth.

I was just saying painting the stock silver rings candy red and leaving the rest of the trim black could be another way to get a similar look for just a few dollars worth of paint. You should be able to find candy red spray paint at your local auto parts store, hobby shop, or craft store.

 

Please see below picture for updated look, I'm happy with the outcome. Decided on chili red brake ducts inlets and mirror caps. Decided to pass on GP2 scoop decal and the existing stripes don't seem out of place, but feel free to comment. Added the driving lights as well - expensive - even my Indy shop spent hours on this. And the GP2 red seat belts unfortunately did not fit; I'm not comfortable with the re-webbing approach so I guess I'll forget that idea.

I'd love to add some (modest) contrast to my black/dark interior. Nothing over the top. Any suggestions?

 

I really wish you would have never posted that site, hot damn that is some sexy stuff. Those visors, would be awesome to have since my passengers don’t know how to close the cover on the mirror and broke it, fing woman and their makeup.

 

That site is insane. I don't want to check prices...

 

the quality must be questionable. The center dash piece is 400.