[LiddleD]

Hey Everyone, I know this has been covered in other regions of the the world, but apparently not such a popular topic here in Canada...unless I don't know what to search for. I'm in Vancouver, BC, and I've been thinking of painting my arches the same colour as the body colour. I've been quoted two different prices...$900 for a less expensive job, and roughly $1200 for a clear coat. That's labour inclusive...but still, isn't that a LOT? I'm not sure...the place I went to was recommended by my local Mini dealership because that's where they take all their cars. Does anyone else have any input about this...anyone in the Vancouver area, or Lower Mainland who knows of a place that does a great job and doesn't charge as much? Please let me know!

[Kenmini]

I'm all the way across the other side of Canada in Toronto so I don't know if my opinion would be at any help. I thought of painting my arch too .. went to my detailer and they quoted me 800 bucks plus tax for everything ... they take it to this bodyshop where they do all the BMW body work and detailing which is also own by the dealership... mind you before go ahead in deciding ... if you've Ever use plastic protectant on the arches.. I read in a discussion on this baord that it be really hard for the paint to stick on and probably be a problem in the long run... not too sure about the quality of the job you got down there ... but I guess you have to make sure they Prime the arches really really well before painting them. I would rather spent that 800 on MODs and some Audio components if you don't already have them. I like the black arches on my HB MCSA ... makes a good contrast of colour .. especially when I make them all Black and shiny !

[LiddleD]

hey Kenmini, I understand what you're talking about, the bodyshop also mentioned the same thing about the priming. They said how they have to really sand it down and get a good adhesion surface...most of the $800+ would be labour ...at least that's what I was told. The two prices that I was quoted:

$900 - was for a job that wouldn't be a "clear" coat, but would basically be painting over top of the arches now. I was told the colour wouldn't be different from the rest of the car, but it would just have a slightly textured surface.

$1200 - was for a clear coat, which is a lot more labour intensive and would provide the same finish as the rest of the car.

Both jobs would provide a glossy finish like the rest of the car, but the $900 job might not be AS glossy as the $1200 job. I trust the bodyshop that I went to because I know my local Mini dealership goes there all the time, and refers everyone there, and I've seen them do a great job before. I just don't know if it's worth the money to get them painted...or if there is a cheaper alternative? I do plan on getting other stuff for my Mini, but this was one of them...hmm...

[Kenmini]

My take on it is this ... if the MINI is going to be with you for a long time .. you might as well do the expensive job ( assuming the expensive job is noticably better in terms of quality and finish ) ... think about it .. your painted arches can't be undone or put back to perfect original form if you took the cheaper job and not turn out the way you wanted. you can replace it but thats another 400-500 bucks down the drain. PLus, if the expensive job is that good ... the glossy finish will last longer with less chance of having paint problems .. cause I really hate to see a nice MINI with a poorly finished painted arhces .. I presume you would too right ? Also, I don't know how much snow you get down there .. if whether you'll be driving the MINI during winter .. but for sure our MINIs in ontario takes a great beats in the winter with all the slush and salt flying all over the paint body .. so you know what happens in the long run with a cheap paint job that goes through winter conditions like ours every year