side skirt paint work Qs

[Sharkey]

We just ordered our '04 EB/B MCS (can't wait!!), to be fitted with side skirts from the factory aero kit (but retaining the standard front and rear MCS bumpers). We requested to have the skirts painted such that their lower lip remains black (forming a line of black plastic trim that blends contiguously with that of the front and rear wheel arches), with the concave surface painted to match the body color (EB). That is, to look like the MCS in the attached jpg (below):

Our request raised a couple concerns and a bit of confusion. Namely:
(1) Our dealer informed us that the side skirts come completely primered, such that the lower edges would have to be painted black. If this is correct, I'd be concerned that the black (painted) finish of the side skirts would not match the textured unpainted plastic finish of the wheel arches. Can anyone who has had the side skirts installed tell me if the entire side skirt is primed, or only if they come with the black plastic trim on their lower edges. And does the finish match that of the wheel arch trip?

(2) Could people who have had side skirts painted and installed tell me how much they paid for this work. My dealer has had a hard time getting a definite price from the shop that does this work for them, but the (considerable) price range he gave seemed really high.

Thanks in advance for any help!
Sharkey

[Paul]

I'm sure your dealer can order the same things as any other.

The sideskirts in the UK at least (and I was sure this was worldwide) come either primed (cheaper, but then you'd have to pay to get them painted etc.) or painted (dearer, but ready to go).

The black trim part is the same black plastic type as the rest of the black trim, not primered or painted.

[Paul]

Check this thread too: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...hlight=ib%2Fib

For some nice pictures.

[Sharkey]

Thanks Paul,

Very interesting: Any idea of the prices and part numbers for the painted side skirts? All I've been able to learn from my dealer is $233/side skirt, and they all come primed (ready for paint).

Thanks again,
Sharkey

[Z1GZAG N]

Having never seen a EB MCS up close or a MCS with the Aero kit installed, I didn't know to ask for any special paint specifics. But, as the picture shows, the body shop used by Downtown Mini in Orlando, sprayed both ends and along the bottom with black and the center EB to match the rest of the car. One thing though, they typically do not install the sill plates to the Aero side skirts, so if you want them and they do look much better installed, you'll either have to tell them to install them or do it your self. Cost with paint and installation was $900.00

[Z1GZAG N]

I don't like this new way to attach pictures!

[Sharkey]

Thanks rlvette. So, do you recall what you paid to have the side skirts painted and installed? And does the black trim of the side skirts match that of the wheel arches?
Sharkey

[Z1GZAG N]

$900.00 painted and installed. The black matches perfectly.