Hi, I got word from my MA yesterday that my car was ready to be picked up, but they were unable to apply the Union Jack roof graphic due to spacing and the antenna.

This sounded odd, so I plan to contact another Mini dealer in Rhode Island to see if they are willing to install it, and work around the antenna.

Anyone else have problems getting a MINI "branded" graphic on the Roof?

 

Although I haven't seen it, I'd expect the roof graphic to be one large piece with no cutouts; the installer would just trim it to fit around the antenna.

gl

 

I would agree. I would think the antenna base would be removed and the graphic applied, and then the antenna base put back on with a small "punch" through the graphic for the wiring.

 

Yep, my roof graphic, albeit aftermarket, was one large sheet of vinyl. The installer cut it to fit like a glove. That includes around the antenna base. He just made a small hole, slid it down around the base, and then gradually cut it bigger to fit perfectly.

I suggest you buy the graphic and then find your own installer to do the job. Stay away from the dealership installers.

 

it will also be cheaper to get someone else to install it also

 

When I picked up my car at the dealer, I got the skinny on why they refused to install the "union jack" graphic.

To "properly" install the graphic, they need to remove the antenna. To remove the antenna, you need to drop the headliner in the car, and unbolt the antenna from the car. This is what my dealer refused to do, as they claimed it would never be the same again, and you could suffer with bumps and rattles that could not be found / fixed.

I confirmed this again today, when I contacted a local detailing shop to see if they would install the graphic. They replied the same way. To do it right, we need to drop the headliner, and they refused the work as well.

Anyone know a shop in the Mass / Rhode Island area that can do this work, or do I need to buy one from cooper flags, and try to install it myself?

rockridge

 

Yea, to drop the headliner ,it involves a bunch more disassembly including the a, b. c. pillar molding etc.

 

Which begs the question, why even offer the roof graphic now if no one will install it. Or why not install it at the factory before the headliner is installed. If you are ordering from the factory. I fell however that since it's a factory option from MINI that MINI should install it, and not refuse, then warrant the work from having to remove the headliner. Or perhaps MINI should come up with a way to work around the antenea.

 

Again, if the dealership can't install the graphic, find an independent installer to do it. A good one doesn't have to remove the antenna base to install the full roof graphic. Trust me, I've seen it done.

 

I am looking for such an individual, but so far have found no success.

Still looking....

 

I found one by asking the members of our local MINI club. Maybe you can try the same by using your local forum here on NAM.

 

Try contacting a shop that does window tinting or clear bra installation, they should be able to do it, I had an estimate from a shop fo $50-100 depending if it was a full roof graphic or just a sun roof one.

 

^ Yep, I had estimates as low as $120 and as high as $400 for full roof w/sunroof. Ask around. Shop around.

 

I just received an estimate for $200. Trying to schedule an install before they change their minds.

 

Interesting, I had the MINI UJ graphic installed prior to taking delivery and they did it at the dealership. It is NOT one large piece of vinyl but individual pieces. The antenna is not even an issue at all.

 

Can you provide a close up photo of your roof?

 

http://motoringfile.com/howto/UJ%20Roof%20Decal.PDF

This is R53 specific - did the antenna change drastically on the R56?

 

Only that you can no longer twist the antenna base to remove it. Instructions look easy enough. I might just give it a-go myself.

Thanks Madoc!

 

Try ID Graphics in Easton,MA 800 327 8267
They did install on both my MINI's and I was very pleased with their work. Make sure you explain your problem. Ask for Sean

 

Was this at Mini of Peabody or Herb Chambers? I think the guy that does the decals at Herb is very incompetent.

 

It was at Herb Chambers. I also called Inskip in Rhode Island, and they too would not do the job with out dropping the headliner to remove the antenna. This makes installation a several hundred dollar gamble.

I am currently looking at ordering the flag from Morristown Mini with the 20% discount from Motoringfile.com, and installing it myself.

 

Here are a couple of photos of my roof. They just did a small rounded cut out from the end of the stripe so it fits around. Hope this helps.

 

Perfect!!

I thought about the mirror caps, but thought it might be too much. Looks great on your car!