My new 05 all Jet Black MCS is well out to sea and will arrive without factory stripes. I would like to personalize and brighten him up just a bit, either with dealer-installed white bonnet stripes or possibly another color/style of after-market stripes. I'm looking for help and advice comparing: quality of materials, installation, durability, special care needs, etc., of dealer-installed vs after-market stripes such as from Cooper Flags whose graphics I really like. Any advice from NAM Members will be greatly appreciated.:smile:
-john
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enroute: 05 MCS all Jet Black

 

If your dealer works the same way mine does, they use the
same "after-market" designer and installer that I did. They just add
a nice "middleman" profit. If you go direct through a graphics
specialist, they can design anything you want. Just make sure
they are reputable and use good materials. My after-market creations
are of better work and quality than the factory stripes.

The only plus-side of going through your dealer is that if something
does happen and the graphics were installed correctly, or there is
a flaw in the materials, etc. they usually are warrantied through them,
and the dealer is responsible for getting it fixed.

 

And, if you are thinking of a clear bra -- get the bra first, then the stripes!

 

I got to agree with this. The dealer's graphics guy has his own business and we just go directly to him for installations.

 

Hey, JC Scooper, I just ordered some stripes from Ed at Cooper Flags. He seemed like he really knew what he was doing and was very helpful over the phone. Since he is in TX you might as well shop there.

BTW, tell him you want to order a set of lips. He will know what you are talking about. This is a new graphic that he came up with for me. Interesting and unique.

 

I was trying to work a deal with my dealer on my inbound Cool Blue MCSCa - I didn't like the black or white factory bonnet stripes on the Cool Blue, so I decided to go with navy blue/silver to match the top and trim. A local shop will do the stripes for about what the dealer would charge, and it's quicker, too.

On an somewhat related note, when I bought my Honda Pilot, I wanted pinstripes. Simple silver pinstripes, with maybe a small Honda logo cut into the front fender stripes (I'd seen this before on other Hondas and liked the look) - the dealer wanted either $160 or $180 for the job, I can't remember. . .but either way, they had a stripe guy that came in and did their stripes for them. I swung by at lunchtime and asked him if he could stripe me while I ate lunch. He did the job right there, down to the Honda logos I wanted - same job/materials as what you get from the dealer, since he WAS the guy that did the job for the dealer - and he was done in about 25 minutes and only charged me $20. Looks great, too. So I'd ask your dealer who does their stripes, then contact them directly. Easier, quicker, cheaper.

Just my .02

 

Thanks, Guys, for all your help. Pretty much what I expected. I am somewhat surprised that the stripes should go on top of the clear bra, but I remember reading that in an earlier thread a month or so back. I suppose the clear bra is considered the more permanent (and more expensive) item of the two and won't be disturbed if the stripes are removed later!
Red Ryder, I will have to ask Cooper Flags about the Lips! By the way, you have such a great state for motoring. I just returned from visiting my mother in Morganton and am really hoping to make the Dragon this spring.
-john
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enroute: 05MCS all Jet Black

 

That, and no matter how well both bra and stripes are installed, there will be a small gap in which "gunk" and water can get into. With the stripes on the outside of the bra, no gap AND if you get tired of your stripes, they can easily be replaced without having to replace the way more expensive bra.

 

I'd definitely recommend aftermarket stripes. Same quality, and you can get what you want, and they're usually a bit more impressive to fellow Mini owners. The stock stripes are nice, but nothing special. Custom stripes are special.

AesthetriCreations.net - Dragonflyer loves doing custom work, and if you don't see what you like, he'll draft up an example on your color Mini for you, and give you a free quote.
Mightystripes.com - Another vinyl stripe dealer, lots of options/ideas.
CooperFlags.com - Stripes and Roof decals.

 

why do the factory stripes stop 1/8 - 1/4 " before the grill?

If you do aftermarket, I assume that you can pop the grill & run them under it?

thanks!

-jac

 

Over , under, and in between.

 

ylwjkt, what are the panels on the side windows. Are they actual panels or something on the windows?

 

High performance vinyl over the windows.
My graphics guy did a great job matching the colors - along
with creating the stripes I wanted.

 

From what I've seen the factory stripes are thicker than the aftermarket ones I've seen. Some stripes I saw were so thin it appeared the base color of the car was showing thru. The factory ones are noticible thicker both visually and using the finger rub test.

 

Yeah, he did. Sweet looking car

 

Thanks again, Guys, for all your help. Aftermarket sounds the way to go to find just what I want.
- john

 

I would honestly buy them. I bought mine online for $40 and installed them myself and with help of dad

 

I had to chime in here since I just had aftermarket stripes installed this past weekend.

I bought them from Mighty Stipes. Price and quality is great, install was done by a friend who I now owe many dinners and they look incredible! I will post a pic when I get it washed, waxed, and get the badges back on.

My opinion: Take your time and find something you like. Be different and customize your baby the way you want!