I installed the belt line trim vinyl blackout kit from Outmotoring about a month ago but it's already shrinking and exposing the trim underneath. Short of painting, is there another kit available? Does MINI or the aftermarket make the trim pieces in black like the JCW grill parts?

TIA

 

Tried any vinyl wrapping shops or some high quality electrical tape (like 3M)?
There are kits out from Vinyl Styles and Asthetic Creations for the belt-line kit.

Unfortunately, MINI does not produce belt-line pieces in all black.

- Erik

 

That stinks; maybe the aftermarket will come to the rescue with a solution other than tape or plasti-dip.

 

I have the same problem. I used a high end vinyl wrap, and it did the same thing. I am thinking about redoing it but instead of cutting it to the edge of the rubber I might try to leave it overlap onto the rubber. I think I will try a smaller section to see how it will adhere to it. I think all vinyl will shrink over time.

 

Vinyl Styles... +10000!!!!!


Look....

 

How is it different/better from the other vinyl choices?

 

I've never been comfortable with the vinyl because its just not a permanent solution. The chrome beltline doesn't get overwhelmed with rock chips like other pieces on the car. Take it to a good body shop and have them properly prep and paint the chrome. You can go with a standard black matte finish which is sealed with a matte clear or you can go a little higher-end with gloss black (shadowline style).

I've seen some guys go with a rattle can treatment which can come out fine too but the chrome needs to be properly prepped and the paint should be sealed so it doesn't start to chip off from the elements.

 

The vinyl styles stuff is OK, but I'd still rather get it painted. If only I could figure out how to get it off the car without breaking it...

 

Lyle's vinyl is top rate. I have no idea why his belt-line vinyl is better except maybe... it's quality vinyl. To Mini///M... Paint chips as easy as vinyl might get ripped. Most of my blackout has come from Lyle and one years later, it's till all good. He delivers a quality product and I recommend it 100%. Drew, I learned how to remove all of the various parts and pieces from Lyle. It's a service he provides.

 

The issue that I have with vinyl is with the shrinkage.

 

Can you tell me how you did it?

 

If you want to the beltline or any other chrome parts to last a long time after bring wrapped, have Lyle come out and let him do it. He does an excellent job. He uses dental tools to tuck all the vinyl in under the trim. 6 months later... no issues. I have the headlight rings (which are double wrapped), tail light rings and gas cap on for almost a year and they look great no chips or shrinkage.

I also had him do my grill surround. Once again... no issues.

See Flickr pics. Link in signature.

 

I'd be really surprised that Lyle would want to travel all the way to Omaha.

 

Well I got Lyle to travel all the way from San Francisco to NYC. I put together an event at my place over a weekend last April. We had about 8 people show up including the work done to my car.

 

Weird I've had the trim wrapped on 3 cars (installed myself) and had no shrinkable or peeling issues. I just clean the surface very well, apply when its warm out and take my time. Then remove the clear 3rd layer slowly and they have lasted.