So we placed an order for a MCS Conv in Hot Orange. At first we decided not to do the bonnet stripes. However, as indecisive as we are, we are now reconsidering it.

Just looking for a few thoughts

 

Can you take off factory stripes? If so...I'd say go for it. If not, then think long and hard, and look at as many pics as possible of both...then make your decision.

 

The stripes peel right off. They are just vinyl stickers. Go ahead and order them with the stripes and if you don't like them, away they go!

Especially order them if they come included in a package!

 

How about a circle instead of a stripe? The convertibles look so different from the fixed heads that I think they should have their own graphics. There is much less glass and metal to contend with. I ordered my MCS with stripes because I thought they looked so good on a car of the same color on NAM (JCampos). But if I had a convertible I would communicate with one of the NAM sponsors who make custom decals. As a designer I sincerely believe the convertible's appearance deserves more consideration. It's a fun decision to have to make.

 

Go for stripes!!! They just add a little "something" to the look of the car. And so many choices out there now. If you do a Google search for MINI stripes, you would be amazed the shopping decision you will have. And of course the sponsors here on NAM are great... Good luck...:smile:

Donna
02' CR/W MCS (gone to MINI heaven - burned up)
05' Cool Blue MCSC "Ariel"
05' HB MCS on it's way - no name yet

 

All I can tell you is that mine is striped and then some... Not only do I like it, but ever sence I put them on, the car has become a conversation piece. Both from people on the street and in traffic. I have actually had people try to catch up to me just to give me the thumbs up. I have to admit, I do enjoy the attention.

You can check mine out in my gallery.

 

I had the same problem...I ordered my MCS w/out the stripes and then about 2 weeks before it arrived at the dealership, I went and arranged financing and had my MA show me what the stripes would look like on his configurator (larger images than miniusa.com). I had only ever seen the black stripes on a yellow car and I realized that I needed the white stripes to pull the whole look together with the checquered roof...

The dealer ended up putting on both the stripes and the roof graphic. Personally, I think the MCS stripes (w/the small pinstripe) are really fantastic looking.

 

:smile: I agree with Yucca: if you ordered a package that include the bonnet stripes, get them! They are easily removed.

I just gave my Wanda her first bonnet stripes for her second birthday: chrome stripes on her black bonnet and a pure silver/dark silver/black Union Jack sunroof flag that AesthetiCreations custom designed and installed for me. Looks fantastic!



I ended up removing the AesthetiCreations.net logo, as it dipped too far into my sightline at the top of the windshield, distracting me!


Clover

 

Okay here's my random opinion: first, get your MINI...then study it. You could always get the OEM stripes, sure, but don't completely rule out an "un-striped MINI" and to do that properly you have to really see it sans stripes. Besides, there's all kinds of stripes floating around these days, you might try something unique if you do decide to proceed.

Personal story: I've puzzled and puzzled over stripes...god knows the pressure to do SOMETHING has been almost unbearable. But a funny thing happened...as more and more people pursued graphic treatments of all sorts, I was finding my MINI was actually becoming more and more unique just as it was. I really love the subtle contours of the bonnet...even more so in an uninterrupted state. Besides, I love the simple, uncluttered, classic look.

So I say (unless you have a very clear vision you're pursuing) give it a chance and let your MINI speak to you.

 

Clover,

The chrome stripes are sweet.

I think those would look good on indi blue, too!

 

Thanks, Scott! I love 'em!

I think they'd look fantastic on indi blue!


Clover

 

I think it depends on the color of the car. I have to say black stripes on hyper blue is quite striking, same for black on chili red. It would probably look good on the orange, too. Yes, I have a thing for black stripes.

I don't know about your dealership, but Roadshow MINI had these magnetic stripe sets in black and white so that you could put them on any unstriped car and get a better feel for what it looks like. I had fun playing with those.

 

I'm in the same place. We ordered a Hot Orange cabrio and were planning to get white stripes with black border, but now I'm debating whether black with white wouldn't be best.

Here are some pics I found..
(first pic post so I hope it works.)

Let me know how you choose as I'll be getting the car in a few weeks...

OHHHHH, and I'm going to be searching for boot stripes to match as soon as I can.

 

The black stripes look much better. You don't have a white contrasting roof or mirror caps, so the white stripes against the hot orange in a convertible look a little out of place.

Hope this helps.

 

After seeing that picture I was thinking the same. You've helped, thanks...

 

dragonflyer installed chrome bonnet stripes on a Hot Orange Cabrio at AMVIV-2, which is what finally convinced me I really wanted them for Wanda. They looked really good...especially since the Orange Cabrio had the chrome grille.


Clover

 

"To stripe or not to stripe"... I have had this debate for the last 3 years and in 3 MINIs I have owned none of them have had bonnet stripes to date.

I like the stripes and other times I prefer the clean look of the sculpted bonnet without them. I have had 2 MCS with the Union Jack roof flag, yet I can't make up my mind about the bonnet stripes

I wish there were magnetic stripe alternatives that don't damage or mar the clearcoat finish under them. Magnets have a nasty tendency to destroy the clearcoat finish because the backing material of the magnet tends to melt with the clearcoat and making it virtually impossible to remove the "ghosting" effect.

Hopefully there are backing materials on magnetic stripes that will not damage the clearcoat finish.

It is still possible that my new '05 MCS will wear white stripes with a black border and the "John Cooper" signatures on either side. Heck if I like the look I may even go for the driving lights.

To me the bonnet stripes look best with driving lights mounted in the grille. It is a nice flow to say the least.

I also agree on that Hyperblue looks supremo with black bonnet stripes and black roof.

 

Clo, those stripes look awesome! Hmmm, now you have shown me a real nice alternative. Since I have the chrome exterior package in my '05 MCS, I think the chromed bonnet stripes would look fantastic! What do you think?

How much and were did you get them from?

 

I think they'd be awesome on your new '05, C4! Shoot a PM to dragonflyer and ask him his prices! I had a package deal and am not sure what the exact price was on the bonnet stripes.

Try visiting his website, which I think is: http://aestheticreations.net


Clover

 

Nice stuff he has in there and seems more reasonably priced than Cooperflags.com. I would have to see a pic of a CR/W MCS with the chrome bonnet stripes before I make a final decision.

 

I think that stripes can look funny except for when they're on real race cars.

 

What you've all forgotten is that bonnet stripes make MINIs go faster About 4 hp per stripe

The little orange Cabrio with the black stripes looks sharp. He looks like he should be called "Nemo"

I debated a long time about stripes on my first MINI & really liked the way it looked after I put them on. So I got real brave with my Cabrio & went with gold & angled them more towards the center of the bonnet. I've had lots of good comments about how they look

Lois

 

Anyone do Chevron stripes?

 

Clo those stripes look greatBut for me on a BRG/W it would be to much,but maybe some kind of pin striping.
Taping the car before waxing gave me some ideas.

 

Lotsie, a nice guy in SoCal, Freddie, came to a c3 detailing party. He has a BRG MINI and had removed the original bonnet stripes, and then installed some pinstripes on the edges of the former bonnet stripes, which created a very stealthy-looking bonnet stripe design! I cannot remember if the pinstripes were metallic or what, but they looked REALLY sharp!

Clover