If you use the solution for applying, or a mild soap mix, saturate the adhesive side of the vinyl (if lightly sprayed, more than likely it will be difficult to remove off the car), if this is done you shouldnt have any problems repositioning it once its on the car, DO NOT apply in sunlight, let the surface cool down as well. Dont worry, once the vinyl has been squeegeed, and everything has dried, it will adhere perfectly. Again, make sure to saturate the vinyl, and you MUST STRIP OFF ALL WAX on car surface, its best to do the whole hood, not just were the stripes are going.

 

I did my own bonnet stripes using a dry method. I bought them from AC for about $45. Now I am not really the artistic type and usually end up half-a$$ing a job, but I figured that I could screw up at least 3 times before I came even close to what a dealer would charge. All in all it was pretty easy took only 1 time at about twenty minutes. Plus I got the satisfaction of a job well done.

 

Haha I just don't have a garage to do mine in and it's winter here so I don't want the wind messing anything up. I'm still debating it. You guys are making it sound easier and easier!

 

Wait till warmer weather, things take a real beating in the cold, especially if youre around were they salt and sand. Its about time to redo my stripes from wear n tear

 

thats what i was thinking... i just bought some 3m viper stripes... white for the bonnet and boot and red for the roof.... got a good deal for the whole kit.... ill update you guys if i cant wait on the install! which will likely happen haha

 

ditto . . . the 3M stripes would be the best way to go, in terms of quality, IMHO. I have had 3m tint and clear bra on my MINI, and on a few previous cars, and even in the South Florida summer sun, the tint never cracked or faded, and the clear bra looked good as new even after 5 years.

If you are still hesitant to apply the stripes yourself, you might try to call a place that handles tinting and clear bra applications (the product is known as 3M Supershield). I have a place where I got my clear bra and tinting done, and they told me they could also apply any graphics I might order. My guy said it was an easy job for him, so all he'd charge was $25.00. I would just have to order the graphics myself. Not bad! Just a thought . . .

 

so funny you said that... the place i just got my tint said he could do it as well... i didnt ask him how much because i didnt even have stripes yet... but i should call him up!

 

I've done stripes myself several times (both boot and bonnet). It's very very easy. As mentioned, wet application is more forgiving if you are nervous. I've done it both ways, there's no right answer. But don't be afraid to tackle it yourself - it's very doable.

 

That is funny . . . We will be waiting to see what you decide to do! Good luck.

 

Yup, recommend 3M. Though through about 3-4yrs, summer through winter driving, the color has started, what looks like separating, mostly on the high impact (sun/salt) areas (hood & hatch).

 

I did my own bonnet stripes the first time around. When I decided I wanted the roof done, though, I had the dealer do it. For another $25 he replaced my stripes so the vinyl matched perfectly though. Cost me $300 for the roof, bonnet stripes redone, and the S's and mini logos detailed in pink, as well.

I am the least likely person in the world to try a project like this, but taking it slow, measuring twice (and then again) and it was easy as pie.

The stripes I did:


The redo/roof done by the dealer:



Detail of the mini logo:

 

the dealer did your mini logo like that??

 

Yep, he did the S's in the logo pink, too.

 

wow that looks cool... i wonder if theyll do it in red... where are you from?

 

Chicago area, had it done by the graphics guy at Bill Jacobs in naperville.

 

You should be able to get some touch up paint for your car (or any color youd like), a lot of times the paint will come with a small brush (similar to a nail polish brush) which should make it pretty simple to get nice detailed color in between the fin-like groves of the emblem and the "S".

 

Mine is actually done in the same vinyl as my stripes/roof

 

Omg this is so cute, I love how it came out!

 

Lunanoir: I would never have imagined that pink would look so awesome on a MINI! And I love those MINI wings!

 

thats a good idea...

 

just got my striipes! they are going to look awesome! i got white viper stripes for my bonnet and boot that go all the way down the bumper and red for the roof! ill post pictures when i put them on!

 

Sweet, those are the ones that I was looking at. Did you get them from Aesthetic Creations?

 

No believe it or not I got them from a guy off an eBay store. He does decals and racing stripes for cars. I got to pick the colors. A little skeptical but they came and they looked great! 3m vinyl. Can't wait to put them on!

 

Was it House of Grafx? I think I checked them out a while ago, but if you have nothing but good to say about them maybe I should consider them! I'm just concerned with putting them on myself.

 

i believe it was called gt graphics or something like that... well see i havent put them on yet, but so far im satisfied with the price, communication, delivery, and the quality.. just gotta get them on to really see how they look