R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 removing plastic exterior trim?

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Old Jun 14, 2007 | 03:32 PM
  #1  
pimpedout97x's Avatar
pimpedout97x
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removing plastic exterior trim?

how do you get it off without breaking it lol...im getting mine painted... 150$ for all of it painted black if i take the pieces off for him, which i dont mind...is that a good price?
 
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Old Jun 14, 2007 | 04:30 PM
  #2  
DixonL2's Avatar
DixonL2
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From: Pgh, PA
Define which trim? Just arches? Or other? And aren't they already black?

$150 is good if it includes proper prep, primer, flex agent, and a good paint job. $150 is too much if it's just cleaned and rattle-canned.

edit: If you're going black just to take away the fade, use an old VW trick: a small container of Kiwi black leather dye is the hot ticket, the proper degree of shiny, $3.50, and it comes with its own applicator. Lasts for many months. Spend the $146.50 sending me a thank-you card.
 
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Old Jun 14, 2007 | 04:45 PM
  #3  
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agranger
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That is a STELLAR price if, like above, it will be done right.

I have a feeling that you are going to get a coat or two of primer, a coat or two of color and some clear slapped on it at that price. A good price for that work to be done properly is $700-800 if you are talking about all 12-14 body trim pieces. I paid even more but the work is flawless... it took over 24 hours of labor and I paid over $150 for the materials alone.

If you don't do it correctly, the release agent on the plastc (and the silicone from any ArmorAll-like products you have used in the past) will cause the paint to peel within the year. I would be very careful with this deal... If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

To answer your question on how to remove the pieces: There are screws in several places and the rest of the places are held on with plastic clips that can be replaced. Open the bonnet and remove the pieces over the front wheels first... then just work your way around the car, working one piece at a time. You will probably break the clips, which is fine because you should replace them anyway... the process of removing them will cause them to stretch and they won't hold the piece in the right place again the next time. Keep a good record of the clips you took off and go to the dealer and spend the $30-40 for new clips while your arches are being painted. Use all new clips when you do the re-install.

It took me about 7 hours to slowly and carefully remove all of my arches and replace them with painted ones.
 
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Old Jun 14, 2007 | 04:46 PM
  #4  
agranger's Avatar
agranger
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For more pics, see here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=62191

or here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=84901



See more of his work at www.edwardramirez.com

The photo loses something at this small size... the high-res image is here: http://www.focusoa.com/MINI/JangoByEdwardRamierez.jpg
 
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Old Jun 14, 2007 | 06:28 PM
  #5  
pimpedout97x's Avatar
pimpedout97x
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Originally Posted by agranger
That is a STELLAR price if, like above, it will be done right.

I have a feeling that you are going to get a coat or two of primer, a coat or two of color and some clear slapped on it at that price. A good price for that work to be done properly is $700-800 if you are talking about all 12-14 body trim pieces. I paid even more but the work is flawless... it took over 24 hours of labor and I paid over $150 for the materials alone.

If you don't do it correctly, the release agent on the plastc (and the silicone from any ArmorAll-like products you have used in the past) will cause the paint to peel within the year. I would be very careful with this deal... If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

To answer your question on how to remove the pieces: There are screws in several places and the rest of the places are held on with plastic clips that can be replaced. Open the bonnet and remove the pieces over the front wheels first... then just work your way around the car, working one piece at a time. You will probably break the clips, which is fine because you should replace them anyway... the process of removing them will cause them to stretch and they won't hold the piece in the right place again the next time. Keep a good record of the clips you took off and go to the dealer and spend the $30-40 for new clips while your arches are being painted. Use all new clips when you do the re-install.

It took me about 7 hours to slowly and carefully remove all of my arches and replace them with painted ones.
im not sure how hes going to do it, but i trust him, hes a good friend of my dads, and weve taken him a few cars, this guy owns a small shop, and is a perfectionist at every car he works on. he owns many classic old cars and has them all restored, and they look A+, perfect. i trust him with how ever he does it.
 
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Old Jun 14, 2007 | 06:32 PM
  #6  
pimpedout97x's Avatar
pimpedout97x
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also, if i ask the dealer for a new set of clips for all the trim around the car, theyll know what i need right
 
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