Removing bonnet stripes; keeping white wheels clean

[nullspace]

I just ordered a dark silver MCS with white roof and the sport pack. The car is coming with white wheels and the bonnet stripes. I'm thinking of having the stripes removed, as I'm worried they won't last through the years and will end up yellowed or worn. Are the stripes difficult to remove? Should I even worry about it? Maybe if they get worn I could just have them replaced. I have to decide soon though; I don't want to remove the stripes later to find the paint underneath hasn't faded.

I would prefer silver wheels, but I don't want to pay for new ones. Are the white wheels hard to keep clean? Does the white finish come off? Maybe someone out there wants to trade?

Obviously, I didn't custom order the car. The dealer had one coming in the color combo I wanted, and I took it. I paid a markup to get it, but the lease on my current car runs out in a month - what was I to do? I figured paying the same amount I was going to pay for a WRX was reasonable since I prefer the MINI.

[Dom]

People's stripes are getting older and show no signs of fading... Similarly, keep the paintwork well looked after and it shouldn't show if you choose to remove the stripes in later life.

The white wheels get dirty, but they are easy to clean, just wipes off

Dom

[clarus]

Quote:

Originally posted by nullspace
I'm thinking of having the stripes removed, as I'm worried they won't last through the years and will end up yellowed or worn. Are the stripes difficult to remove?

I'm assuming the stripes are made of signwriters vinyl, in which case you should be able to just peel them off, then use a vinyl adhesive remover such as Var-X to remove any remaining adhesive residue.

[monsta]

If you're set on removing them, get a hairdryer and heat them up, they just peel off

[alivenkickn]

Nullspace, whatever happened - what did you decide to do? I have a series of questions in regards to stripes myself - go on a search with the word "stripes" via the forum and you will find our discussions. Steven Mitchell

[nullspace]

I actually ended up keeping the stripes. They looked better than I thought they would. In fact, I'm considering having stripes put on the back to match. As far as fading goes, I'm not too worried. I live in Southern California and park outside, so my car gets lots of sun. As yet, there is no sign of fading. If they do fade, I can simply have them replaced.
The white wheels do get dirty really fast, but they look so good when they're clean that it's worth the extra effort.

[alivenkickn]

Thanks for the reply - appreciate it!