any advice for how to install a new cooper S badge on the hatch? bought a new hatch and a black cooper S badge to go with it, i removed the old badge and am having it paint corrected, but don't know how to get each letter on perfectly straight like factory...

 

I added boot stripes some years ago and had to remove the Cooper S badge. I attempted to re-position the letters but gave up within a few minutes. I broke down and ordered a replacement set that all you do is lay down marking tape for alignment and stick down the new badge. It will save a lot of frustration and get you closer to enjoying a celebratory beer.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/oem-cooper-s-badge.html

 

Never had to do this, but you could set the letters on a flat surface against a straight edge and after proper positioning use some blue painters tape from the top to secure the letters to each other.

 

We took the letters off the hatch of my son's car to paint before I thought about the process of reinstalling them all aligned and with the correct spacing. Since I have a mini also I thought I would put some bondo in plastic wrap and push it onto the letters to create a fixture to get the right positioning when reinstalling. Never got around to doing this before my son sold his car (without the letters). Anyway, something to consider if you know someone with a mini.