I have a 2015 Volcanic Orange F56 with a pair of after-market black hood stripes.

I've seen most VO Minis with the black stripes also have a thin white strip on each side of each black stripe, which I think is much sharper.

I went to the place that put on the stripes to have the white added and they said that they could simply add the white but they would probably come off fairly easily. They said that the best way is to remove my black stripes, put on a wide pair of white and then on top of the white, lay down a slightly narrower pair of blacks.

My questions:

1. Is there any risk removing my current black stripes?
2. Is this really how they get the effect - a narrow black stripe on top of a wider white?

Thanks.

 

That's how I would do it and removal of stripes is necessary after 3-5 years because vinyl won't last much longer. I change my stripes every year.

 

Thin stripes have less bonding area, so they are correct
I'm happy with my own DIY stripes full width in white, like the R53 originals

 

Aren't bonnet stripes available with the accent side stripes part of the sheet still available? I got mine from Aesthetic Creation (now defunct) 5 or 6 years ago, laminated, and they still look like new. The one on the left in the picture is the old one and the right, new. The white side stripe is is all part of the whole. There's gotta be a source for one piece stripes.

 

The factory MINI stripes should have the contrasting pinstripes. Any particular reason you went with aftermarket stripes other than cost? Aftermarket stripes can be one piece, but they need to be printed. How the color is applied will affect the life of the stripes, and how accurately they are cut after printing can affect the aesthetics. If you can find a shop who can print, laminate, and cut using a solvent printer they should be fine, but the cost might not be too much different than buying the factory stripes from the dealer. Maybe check with ECS or Pelican to see if they can get the oem stripes at a better price.

 

To each their own but I say why go factory and be like everyone else when you can go custom for bout same money and stand apart..

 

Do you replace them with the same width in the same place? Are there color differences in the paint?

 

1. Its a Mini One so it is delivered with body and roof the same color and no striping.
2. I bought the car used so it already had the bonnet stripes and roof covered. Too bad the original owner didn't go for the white accents.

 

There will be differences in the paint. What is under the stripe will look like new paint as the stripe has protected it.

 

Depending on the price (if it's only going to be pocket money), I'd just add the side stripes and see how you like them and how long they last. You can always go with a proper one piece stripe when the replacement time comes.

I have a MCS ordered with the black w/ white side stripe bonnet stripe. When I had my indows tinted and a tattoo added to the side of the car, I had the guy add a red stripe over the white side stripes (for the JCW stripe look). If it fails or comes off I'll have the dealer install a set of JCW stripes.

FWIW, my guy only charged me $40 to add the stripes to the hood and wrap the chrome grille piece in red. So guessing the stripes were maybe $25 if priced separately.

Just my $.02

 

That little pin stripe will look better longer if you add it on top of the main stripe if you try to go that way of just adding a narrow pinstripe. It is easy to apply, just go to a local Fast Sign, Sign-a-roma type place in a strip mall and buy how many feet you need. Heck Advance Auto, Auto Zone probably has white pinstripe in a roll so you'd have plenty for screw ups and or projects down the road..

 

Hiyas! If you are thinking of replacing them, here is a link with some different options that may be of help.

http://new.minimania.com/part/G3NMA1...r-Gen3-F56-F55

 

We have the black with white pin stripe hood stripes below:

Left - http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...%0951147365187
Right - http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...51147365189%09