Hello,

I have a LY/W MC on order and am looking for a good, reliable paint shop to paint checks (checkerboard patterns) on the roof around the sunroof. The checks need to get till the end of the roof (no ugly gutters along the sides) and preferrably, even over the rear spoiler. I've considered geting a decal, but, would like something more permanant. Also, I frequent automatic car washes (blasphemous as it may be on this forum) and I've heard that they wreak havoc with roof decals.

So, would very much appreciate any suggestions/reccomendations for reliable, proven paint shops (places that you would trust your MINI with) around the Portland Metro area (I live in Hillsboro and work in NW Portland - near the Good Samaritan hospital - anything close to either of these would be super good).

How much can I expect to pay (approximate / ballpark figure) to get the checkerboard pattern painted all around the sunroof? As far as the area to be painted goes, it's fairly small - a lot smaller than say, painting the whole roof; nevertheless, I guess, it's probably more effort to just paint around the sunroof... I don't know... would appreciate any insight / thoughts.

Thanks,
MediocreFred.

PS: Am getting checkered mirror caps as well - dealer installed. Am eagerly waiting to join the small (but growing) group of MINI drivers in the area - I see a handful of minis every day - mostly in NW Portland... a couple of MCSs that look real sweet...

 

Actually that would be a fair amount of work. You would have to mask off the car and layout the checkers. When you paint the black portion you will need to unmask the white part of the design and then clear the whole roof or you will feel the edges where the black paint was added. Even though the area is small it's still a lot of work. That said I agree with you that painted graffics look much better than decals. Look for a shop that does custom work vs typical body-fender repair. You might call some of the hotrod shops in the area and ask for a recommendation. I am thinking of adding stripes to the bonnet and boot but will try them in vinyl first before painting them on. Much easier to try different versions. Good luck

Dan