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New member here! Introduced myself and my new to me 2005 Mini S. I have always wanted to own a mini, and the opportunity came up for me to get one. It’s a little rough, but mostly cosmetic. Interior pieces have scratches and scuffs. So, my first project is to update the interior. Clean it up and take care of the scuffs.
To start off, painting the trim pieces. Going from grey to blue.
Here’s a before and after on the black trim on the outside. It was looking pretty faded. Used Refinish restorer. Stuff works wonders! Needs a few applications to really get the plastic back to normal, but looks great on first application.
another small project done. Had a busted out fog light (purchased car that way). Got a used housing off eBay and spent the morning replacing it. Only took about half hour to do. Not to hard. Replaced bulbs with some really bright LEDs to compliment the HID bulbs.
My little project today. Restoring the lenses on the headlights. They were getting pretty bad! Now they look like new! Also painting the front end trim pieces to get an idea of what I want to do with the whole car.
Love the blue, not sure as a trim only piece however. I think the entire car painted in that blue would be killer. You didn't ask, but I figured I'd toss my 2 cents in anyway.
Tip for your headlights: Get some clear bra material and cover them up. I had my headlights restored and they fogged up again in no time. When I had my car detailed by someone who knew what he was doing he told me that's common because restoring the headlights left them completely unprotected. He re-refinished them and put clear bra over them and they've stayed clear for 3 years now.
Also, new pieces for the trim around the roof are not expensive, if you want to replace those. I'm not sure how DIY-able the install is, though.
Tip for your headlights: Get some clear bra material and cover them up. I had my headlights restored and they fogged up again in no time. When I had my car detailed by someone who knew what he was doing he told me that's common because restoring the headlights left them completely unprotected. He re-refinished them and put clear bra over them and they've stayed clear for 3 years now.
Also, new pieces for the trim around the roof are not expensive, if you want to replace those. I'm not sure how DIY-able the install is, though.
Good luck!
i sprayed clear coat on them. 2 layers. I did that with another vehicle I had and that kept them from digging up again. I had that issue a long time ago. Sucks putting all that work in just to have them fog up again.
Tip for your headlights: Get some clear bra material and cover them up. I had my headlights restored and they fogged up again in no time. When I had my car detailed by someone who knew what he was doing he told me that's common because restoring the headlights left them completely unprotected. He re-refinished them and put clear bra over them and they've stayed clear for 3 years now.
Also, new pieces for the trim around the roof are not expensive, if you want to replace those. I'm not sure how DIY-able the install is, though.
Good luck!
I’ll look into that. The trim around the roof feels like it’s dried out/old. Definitely want it taken care of
Got around to doing the side mirror caps. The clips broke that hold them on, but was able to secure them back on with some gorilla super glue. Not planning on taking them back off, but if I need to, they should be able to break free. They turned out better than I expected!
Next project, repainting the side vents. Keeping the S logo as is with the chrome surround, but the rest will be blacked out with the grill painted blue. Door handles will eventually be painted black as well or I may just find some black covers online somewhere if available. Gas cap will be removed and painted blue as well as the back chrome trim above the license plate.
cavaliers60, love what you're doing to your car. For a "poor boy" this looks high-end.
Did I miss what kind of paint you used on the inside trim?
Nice job. Keep it up and please continue posting pics.
i used rattle can paint from autozone. I watched a YouTube video from Chrisfix on how to prep surfaces for painting, painting techniques for using a rattle can, how to apply the clear coat, and how to go about sanding for a smooth glossy finish. He’s a genius and made it easy to do.
I was really surprised at how well it turned out. I’m hoping it is pretty durable and will last. I’m quite happy with the results. The body of the car needs work. Pictures don’t show the amount of scratches and chips the car has. It’s bad! The whole car needs repainted, but that’s out of my price range and work load. I would do it all myself, but I’m no professional. There are some rust spots to take care of as well...
Decided to get the supercharger serviced as the car has almost 148,000 miles and I don’t have any service records indicating that it has been serviced before. So with that, ordered the kit from Way Motor Works as well as the Pulley package! Going with the 16% with the colder spark plugs. Already have the screamin’ Demon coil pack and a previous owner installed a cheap end cold air intake.
Also so having the one ball exhaust mod done to get rid of the rotting resonator. May eventually install new headers and the pacesetter exhaust (I like the sound it puts out).
Also getting the thermostat housing replaced as it is leaking coolant, and a new fuel injector for cylinder 1 as I still have the misfire code popping up. Here’s to progress on getting the mini back in tip top shape!
