Dash "legs" finish problem

[aMINIbull]

Thanks for the feedback MiNiGuY!

Sounds encouraging. I'm not too worried about it either way, since if it becomes a problem all these clever aftermarket parts makers will come up with a fix. Besides, if I was coming up with a fix myself, I wouldn't be motoring

BTW, big road trip to Detroit next weekend. I'm thinking of circling the GM building a couple times for good measure just so they know what a truly clever car looks like

[RAM]

Time to close the loop on this thread. I am pleased to report that my dealer (Mini of Hawaii) replaced the dash leg (aka "down tube") with the defective finish under warranty. No hassle; no charge. Way to go, Mini.

[ncdave]

Having not experienced any problems with the down tubes for the last 36K miles, I just returned from a 2,800 mile trip during which I routinely applied sunscreen and discovered upon my return that the finish was indeed completely removed where my leg made contact.

Will be seeing the dealer the week after next and keep everyone posted.

[RAM]

For what it's worth, the Mini dealer stopped replacing my down tubes after this problem recurred, but agreed to refinish them. The refinishing has held up well.

I have also found that one particular sunscreen (Coppertone in the white bottle) seems to remove the finish very efficiently. Coppertone in the blue bottle does not seem to effect the finish on the tubes.

Good luck with the dealer, and chose your sunscreen carefully!

[Eelke]

Wouldn't it be an option to have the down tubes spray painted? Get a nice silver paint and a good clear coat and it should also look better than the matte finish.

[Jim Ray]

Quote: Originally Posted by Eelke

Wouldn't it be an option to have the down tubes spray painted? Get a nice silver paint and a good clear coat and it should also look better than the matte finish.

Yes, I believe that several owners have done that. I plan on painting mine when I remove them to install the window auto up kit.

Krylon is what I plan to use, but first I will remove the factory paint. Sunscreen any one?