Had the dealer install OEM mud flaps I had purchased at cost elsewhere. They botched the install and I got a refund on the install. $180 ($150 my cost w/ 15% off coupon) for mud flap install. For $180 you would think they could install them right the first time without issue.

The service advisor told the tech that installed them is about to get the red slip... oh and the tech left a 2' surface scratch on the plastic runner along the bottom of the door. I hope it goes away in the heat. I requested another tech to fix the problem. Car is new... 700 miles.

 

Did they ruin the mud flaps?
Do they know about the scratch or did you notice it later?
700 miles...You don't expect your new car to get damaged at the dealership.
Sorry to hear things went down like that for you.

 

They did not ruin the flaps. The tech didn't install them correctly so they were flaring outward from the body of the car. The 3m tape was not sticking. Apparently known issue so they use a body molding adhesive to glue them on. So they brought it back into the garage so the tech could correct it.

When I got home I noticed all the metal clips were not snapped in and one was about to fall off. So I brought it back to have it corrected again. They had another tech fix it. I wouldn't have bothered however I paid a hefty install charge... which was refunded.

As for the scratch... noticed it after I got home later that day. I believe they did it, however can't prove it. It does not stand out unless you know its there. I'm sure it will blend in... I hope. Didn't want to go back to the dealer again.

 

Nite-Shaded the tail lights, and plasti-dipped the license plate surround.

 

Had a nickle-sized stone chip in the windshield repaired.

 

I rotated my wheels today and found a tiny crack on the inside lip will talk to a buddy tomorrow who works at a powder coating/wheel shop about getting it fixed.

Afterward I washed and shined my car real well in preparation for a huge show/bbq here on LI tomorrow
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...6-10-12-a.html

 

Scrubbed, polished, waxed and wiped. :P Now she's truly gleaming, though!

Also put on Jubilee's "name tags", so to speak. Check my gallery...

 

That show sounds like something I want to go to. Sunken Meadow's not too far, either. I'm doing a 15 mile bike ride with the family in the morning - if I can sneak out, maybe I'll see you there.

Also wouldn't mind getting in touch with that wheel guy myself. I have an idea...

 

Gave Kirby a mini-makeover (har har) to add a punch of accent color. Put on new orange mirror caps (only broke 1 tab taking the old ones off. whew!), orange pinstripe tape on the edges of the white stripes, and orange S's on the scuttles and boot. I love it but I think the front needs something to balance the mirrors. Might do the brake ducts orange, but don't want to commit to the orange permanently so I'm looking for ideas there. Maybe I'll just re-yolk the headlights instead.

 

Got my CM striped today.

 

I put in another powerflex bushing. This was the gearbox one. So now I have two. The gearbox and the torque arm.

I disassembled the driver side motor mount following some of the posts on NAM. Was not too bad. I have a CAI and it was a bit messy taking it off to clear the fuse box. I put the thing in, don't know why I had trouble getting it out.

Anyway it went OK. Fit the pretty yellow bits into the old bushing. I bolted the bushing in before I bolted down the bracket to the body. That made it much easier.

So took it for a short drive. It feels different. Actually I notice it most in the Clutch. Seems crisper, and the throttle is more "connected".

The idle resonance is still there from when I put in the lower mount / torque arm. Its either getting better, or I am not being bothered by it. Turning up the 300 watt stereo helps too. Dire Straits sounded good.

I am negotiating with the Dealer to drop the sub frame and put in the other bushings I bought. Probably get that done next week.

 

Well really it was yesterday but I had to learn how to post/upload pictures first.

I replaced my tail lights because one had water in it.
Then my husband helped me put in a center arm rest. He had to per drill some holes into the rear cup holder. After that I put arm rests on the doors, they just velcroded on.
I also added a storage tray under the center stack, I was lazy and didn't take out the center rail so it was like giving birth trying to push that thing into place lol.
And if that wasn't enough MINI love we gave Mini a bath.

To reward ourselves for all the hard work we all went for a drive to the coast today.
Great weekend with husband and mini


My gallery has pictures of all these projects and before/after of the lights.

 

I replaced my stock Run-Flats with a set of BFG G-force Sport Comp 2 (215x45x17), then strolled home and installed an NM Torque Mount Insert... all I can say is YEAH BABY!

 

I stalled it twice today. I don't think it's very happy with me.

 

I adjusted the Camber on the front wheels today, to much negative camber. Now just a hint the rear will be next.

 

PUKE.... SORRY but ALL of the aftermarket lights (For ANY car really) are one of the UGLYEST additions you can make to your car.\

Put your factory lights in the oven, seperate the lenses, then let the water dry out and re seal them. Your MINI will thank you.

 

I removed the factory airbag stickers on the visors and replaced with some nice MINI stickers. Looks so much better.

 

Wow I didn't expect this kind of reply! I think it looks 100% better then the hazy old covers and makes my car look younger but to each their own I guess.

 

It's okay don't worry about his comment, if you like it, ENJOY IT

 

Part of me says the same thing, but... In my own HONEST oppinion, I cant even stand "Blacked out" lights. I was into the whole "Ricer" lights back in the late '90s but now... Not even the ricers will touch them.

Factory is best (might be made a little better by paint), but the "Altezza/Euro style/ or whatever they call them theese days" Look like an illegal immigrant poo'ed uppon the back end of your car.

 

So I have only had my mini about 3 weeks, and I am already being very productive. I did all the chrome around the car, and blacked out the emblems on the front and back! Here is before and after pitures..

Tell me what you think!

 

Peel the PlastiDip off the headlight rings and gas cap and you are golden. MINI's need a little chrome... they where designed like that for a reason.

Everything else looks great though.

 

Thanks for the input! I thought about leaving the chrome, but I just was not a fan of the huge bulky chrome around the lights. Ill probably end up playing with it more though

 

I think it looks awesome! I've only had my car about a month and I keep thinking of things I'm like to buy for it. Never had so much fun with a car before.

 

The you-ifying is highly addictive.