R59 My RoadstaH
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica, CA
I ordered my RoadstaH back in July, and it finally arrived and made its way to my garage.
Here's the basic rundown:
2013 MCS
Midnight Black
Rooster Red Color Line
Packages? Yes please.
JCW 17" Brake Kit.
I wasn't expecting to get it until next weekend, since it didn't land in the US until the 3rd. Lucky for me the VDC was moving quickly, and they were able to get it to the dealership by the 5th so they could prep and install the brakes.
Anyway, here are the requisite dealership shots.
Followed immediately thereafter by a cruise down PCH near Laguna.
Then, tonight I took a little joyride up through Malibu and snapped a few more shots.
My last MINI, I left completely stock... whereas this one won't be stock for long. The wheels will be swapped out for some RSe12's in the next week or two, followed by a color change shortly thereafter (I'll post more when I have details). I also have a pile of other NM-Engineering parts waiting for me to have time to slap them on.
My biggest lesson so far after 200 miles and 7 hours and 9 minutes of top down motoring? It's tiring driving around with a stupid grin on your face ;-)
Here's the basic rundown:
2013 MCS
Midnight Black
Rooster Red Color Line
Packages? Yes please.
JCW 17" Brake Kit.
I wasn't expecting to get it until next weekend, since it didn't land in the US until the 3rd. Lucky for me the VDC was moving quickly, and they were able to get it to the dealership by the 5th so they could prep and install the brakes.
Anyway, here are the requisite dealership shots.
Followed immediately thereafter by a cruise down PCH near Laguna.
Then, tonight I took a little joyride up through Malibu and snapped a few more shots.
My last MINI, I left completely stock... whereas this one won't be stock for long. The wheels will be swapped out for some RSe12's in the next week or two, followed by a color change shortly thereafter (I'll post more when I have details). I also have a pile of other NM-Engineering parts waiting for me to have time to slap them on.
My biggest lesson so far after 200 miles and 7 hours and 9 minutes of top down motoring? It's tiring driving around with a stupid grin on your face ;-)
Last edited by DEVIOUSDEV; Oct 8, 2012 at 10:58 PM.
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Nice ride! I ordered mine a month ago, very simliar - metallic black with the rooster red trim. Can't wait for mine to get here - hopefully by early November! But you have great taste! 
I ordered my RoadstaH back in July, and it finally arrived and made its way to my garage.
Here's the basic rundown:
2013 MCS
Midnight Black
Rooster Red Color Line
Packages? Yes please.
JCW 17" Brake Kit.
I wasn't expecting to get it until next weekend, since it didn't land in the US until the 3rd. Lucky for me the VDC was moving quickly, and they were able to get it to the dealership by the 5th so they could prep and install the brakes.
Anyway, here are the requisite dealership shots.
Attachment 65468
Attachment 65471
Followed immediately thereafter by a cruise down PCH near Laguna.
Attachment 65467
Then, tonight I took a little joyride up through Malibu and snapped a few more shots.
Attachment 65469
Attachment 65470
My last MINI, I left completely stock... whereas this one won't be stock for long. The wheels will be swapped out for some RSe12's in the next week or two, followed by a color change shortly thereafter (I'll post more when I have details). I also have a pile of other NM-Engineering parts waiting for me to have time to slap them on.
My biggest lesson so far after 200 miles and 7 hours and 9 minutes of top down motoring? It's tiring driving around with a stupid grin on your face ;-)
Here's the basic rundown:
2013 MCS
Midnight Black
Rooster Red Color Line
Packages? Yes please.
JCW 17" Brake Kit.
I wasn't expecting to get it until next weekend, since it didn't land in the US until the 3rd. Lucky for me the VDC was moving quickly, and they were able to get it to the dealership by the 5th so they could prep and install the brakes.
Anyway, here are the requisite dealership shots.
Attachment 65468
Attachment 65471
Followed immediately thereafter by a cruise down PCH near Laguna.
Attachment 65467
Then, tonight I took a little joyride up through Malibu and snapped a few more shots.
Attachment 65469
Attachment 65470
My last MINI, I left completely stock... whereas this one won't be stock for long. The wheels will be swapped out for some RSe12's in the next week or two, followed by a color change shortly thereafter (I'll post more when I have details). I also have a pile of other NM-Engineering parts waiting for me to have time to slap them on.
My biggest lesson so far after 200 miles and 7 hours and 9 minutes of top down motoring? It's tiring driving around with a stupid grin on your face ;-)
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4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Palm Harbor, FL
I know what you mean about the silly S-eating grin.
I'm also very interested in what you do to the exterior. I've got the requisit bonnet and boot striping but can't decide on the sides. A-panel graphics? Side checked stripes near the bottom?
I've been driving mine so much that my other two rides are very jealous.
My only time on the PCH was many years ago in a crappy rental car. I can only imagine how great it would be on a nice cool evening in a R-59.
I'm also very interested in what you do to the exterior. I've got the requisit bonnet and boot striping but can't decide on the sides. A-panel graphics? Side checked stripes near the bottom?
I've been driving mine so much that my other two rides are very jealous.
My only time on the PCH was many years ago in a crappy rental car. I can only imagine how great it would be on a nice cool evening in a R-59.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica, CA
Thanks everyone. This thing is such a blast to drive.
I heard my first pops and burbles from the exhaust tonight too, which is such a nice treat. My 2009 had none of that, so it caught me completely off guard when it did it the first time (and is definitely a way different noise than the MINI-E my dad had).
Also, here's a fun fact. The new molded plastic all-weather floor mats that MINI started making don't fit on the passenger side with the anti-submarining footrest in place. So, I had to pull that out of there to install those. No big deal since the tape on the bottom of the footrest pulls up pretty easy.
I'll hopefully have my new wheels and tires installed by Saturday, so expect lots more car **** to follow...
@calforhelp, they're doing a bunch of SEMA cars for the next few weeks. I'm hoping for my time in the shop by the end of the month though.
@ Retired Rev, I'll most likely be sticking with a solid color (no stripes) for now, but will see.
I heard my first pops and burbles from the exhaust tonight too, which is such a nice treat. My 2009 had none of that, so it caught me completely off guard when it did it the first time (and is definitely a way different noise than the MINI-E my dad had).
Also, here's a fun fact. The new molded plastic all-weather floor mats that MINI started making don't fit on the passenger side with the anti-submarining footrest in place. So, I had to pull that out of there to install those. No big deal since the tape on the bottom of the footrest pulls up pretty easy.
I'll hopefully have my new wheels and tires installed by Saturday, so expect lots more car **** to follow...
@calforhelp, they're doing a bunch of SEMA cars for the next few weeks. I'm hoping for my time in the shop by the end of the month though.
@ Retired Rev, I'll most likely be sticking with a solid color (no stripes) for now, but will see.
Last edited by DEVIOUSDEV; Oct 10, 2012 at 11:51 PM.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica, CA
So, a little over a month 1K miles, and 36 hours of top down driving later, I still love this car more than any other before it.
Here's what I've done to it in that time.
First, I added 18" NM Engineering RSe12s in Matte Black, wrapped in 205/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
And, of course, I had to take it through the Malibu Canyons (it'd be a crime not to).
In fact, I happened to drop by NM Engineering to swap out a part that was damaged during shipping... and ended up on their Hot Rides Post.
But, after adding the wheels, I decided the wheel gap was too much for me to bear, so I added some NM Engineering RSa Lowering Springs.
Here's a before pic:
And then immediately after (This was simply put back on the ground and the parking break released. It settled slightly lower after driving around.)
For good measure, I added the NM Engineering Titanium Turbo Heat Shield and Billet Aluminum Tie-Bar (Yes, I'm brand loyal).
Then, some of the JCW Mesh Side Scuttles.
Which brings us to this...
Here's what I've done to it in that time.
First, I added 18" NM Engineering RSe12s in Matte Black, wrapped in 205/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092739541/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092744446/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092744190/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092744446/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092744190/
And, of course, I had to take it through the Malibu Canyons (it'd be a crime not to).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092738799/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092738451/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092743300/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092739839/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092745098/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092746106/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092738005/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092745246/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092738451/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092743300/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092739839/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092745098/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092746106/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092738005/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8092745246/
In fact, I happened to drop by NM Engineering to swap out a part that was damaged during shipping... and ended up on their Hot Rides Post.
But, after adding the wheels, I decided the wheel gap was too much for me to bear, so I added some NM Engineering RSa Lowering Springs.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8187615206/
Here's a before pic:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8187617312/
And then immediately after (This was simply put back on the ground and the parking break released. It settled slightly lower after driving around.)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8187617454/
For good measure, I added the NM Engineering Titanium Turbo Heat Shield and Billet Aluminum Tie-Bar (Yes, I'm brand loyal).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8186574125/
Then, some of the JCW Mesh Side Scuttles.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8187619512/
Which brings us to this...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8186624981/
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica, CA
But that didn't last long, and I dropped it off at the shop for its color change (which should be complete sometime this weekend).
I got to do a great deal of the disassembly myself (I'm no stranger to it). If you're squeamish about a brand new car being torn apart, look away now
I didn't have time to pull the plastic trim myself that night, as the door handles took a good chunk of the afternoon. However, they have since been pulled as well.
Now, it's getting wrapped in a 3M Metallic Matte Dark Grey.
I'm keeping all the chrome trim and going for more of a clean look, but am a little torn on the hood scoop. I'm pretty set on making it Dark Grey too, but I'm getting differing opinions on what color to do it. Some are recommending to keep it gloss black to tie it in with some of the other parts of the car (pillars, rear diffusor, brake ducts, etc.), but I'm not too sure.
What do you think?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8187629944/
I got to do a great deal of the disassembly myself (I'm no stranger to it). If you're squeamish about a brand new car being torn apart, look away now
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8187630168/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8186586591/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8187630490/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8186586591/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8187630490/
I didn't have time to pull the plastic trim myself that night, as the door handles took a good chunk of the afternoon. However, they have since been pulled as well.
Now, it's getting wrapped in a 3M Metallic Matte Dark Grey.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8187631320/
I'm keeping all the chrome trim and going for more of a clean look, but am a little torn on the hood scoop. I'm pretty set on making it Dark Grey too, but I'm getting differing opinions on what color to do it. Some are recommending to keep it gloss black to tie it in with some of the other parts of the car (pillars, rear diffusor, brake ducts, etc.), but I'm not too sure.
What do you think?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8187660570/
Last edited by DEVIOUSDEV; Nov 14, 2012 at 10:47 PM.
Keep up the good work.
Wow, nice progress - that wrap is looking sick! Photoshop afterwards please!!
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5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 754
Likes: 1
From: Bucks County PA
DeviousDev,
Thanks for the pics. It is almost exactly what we are going to order for our second MINI. CM for family and friends and the Roadster for just the two of us. Looks absolutely gorgeous. Only changes for us would be the wheels. and possibly red stripes and red mirrors. Still toying with the idea of an S. We took out a Roadster S and my wife felt like she was in a rocket ready for take off. We just have to wait, but not too long.
Thanks for the pics. It is almost exactly what we are going to order for our second MINI. CM for family and friends and the Roadster for just the two of us. Looks absolutely gorgeous. Only changes for us would be the wheels. and possibly red stripes and red mirrors. Still toying with the idea of an S. We took out a Roadster S and my wife felt like she was in a rocket ready for take off. We just have to wait, but not too long.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
DeviousDev,
Amazing looking mini. It sure looks like you're having fun. I'm thinking about using the same wheels and I was wondering if you had any problems with break clearance? Did you need to add turn stops? Did you have any clearance problems or need to add wheel spacers when you added the lowering springs? Please keep showing any other mods.
Amazing looking mini. It sure looks like you're having fun. I'm thinking about using the same wheels and I was wondering if you had any problems with break clearance? Did you need to add turn stops? Did you have any clearance problems or need to add wheel spacers when you added the lowering springs? Please keep showing any other mods.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica, CA
Thanks all
I decided to make the scoop the same grey as the rest of the car, so it would flow a little more cleanly.
As for the wheels, they were a perfect fit with no modifications necessary. From the impression I've gotten, they were designed specifically for MINIs, so there shouldn't be any problems there. I didn't have to do anything special when lowering it either, but when I switch out the struts like BlueToy, I'll be putting in different bump stops too. The ride, when lowered on the sport suspension struts, is a tad harsher than I'd like.
I decided to make the scoop the same grey as the rest of the car, so it would flow a little more cleanly.
As for the wheels, they were a perfect fit with no modifications necessary. From the impression I've gotten, they were designed specifically for MINIs, so there shouldn't be any problems there. I didn't have to do anything special when lowering it either, but when I switch out the struts like BlueToy, I'll be putting in different bump stops too. The ride, when lowered on the sport suspension struts, is a tad harsher than I'd like.
Neutral
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Cooper S Roadster
I ordered my Roadster on October 24 2012 and it was done being built on Nov 7th and it shipped last Wednesday. I have been told that shipping process can take 2 weeks. how long does it take to go thru the VCD and then to the dealership. I know the the VCD is located in NJ and the Dealership is about 50 miles away?
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica, CA
@CloudStrife PM me, because I am selling them. Though I don't want to deal with shipping, and would prefer a local SoCal sale.
@Blkshdo13 Mine came to the west coast, so I have no idea what the logistics for you would be. However, my boat arrived on a Wednesday, and the car was through the VDC and at the dealership by Friday night (~70 miles from the VDC). I think this was really quick though, and it still takes prep time once it arrives at the dealership. I wasn't expecting it for another few days.
@Blkshdo13 Mine came to the west coast, so I have no idea what the logistics for you would be. However, my boat arrived on a Wednesday, and the car was through the VDC and at the dealership by Friday night (~70 miles from the VDC). I think this was really quick though, and it still takes prep time once it arrives at the dealership. I wasn't expecting it for another few days.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica, CA
Alrighty, the wrap is complete.
First some specs:
Now, the pics (I'll get more in the coming weeks, I didn't have much time today to grab these):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8198965844/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8197872249/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8198964394/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8197870913/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8198962440/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8197869129/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8198959736/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8197885813/
First some specs:
- 3M Wrap Film 1080-M261 "Matte Dark Grey"
- Left the mirrors, brake ducts & rear diffusor gloss black
- Air80 Windshield "Tint"
- FormulaOne Pinnacle Series 50 Tint on sides and rear
- Smoked Taillights & Reflectors
Now, the pics (I'll get more in the coming weeks, I didn't have much time today to grab these):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8198965844/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8197872249/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8198964394/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8197870913/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8198962440/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8197869129/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8198959736/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinelston/8197885813/
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica, CA
I'm really happy with how it turned out. It looks like it could be a factory paint job, and I've already been stopped twice today by people who wanted to comment on the color. Despite being a matte color, it is metallic film, so it has a nice sheen to it. It looks really slick in person.
Looks great! Way better then matte black. I can't believe you were able to get your scoop wrapped, Alex and the guys said they couldn't wrap mine matte white and painted it black instead. Something about the curves being too sharp.
How long did it take for them to finish the job? I think I was in there for about 6.
How long did it take for them to finish the job? I think I was in there for about 6.
