[Iamamini]

Hi, got a question. On the boot there is a "hose" of rubber that is at the top pf the boot connecting the boot and the roof. I guess it contains the cables to the rear window cleaner/motor or something. The thing is that this rubber hose makes marks on the paint when the door is closed and I wonder what is the best solution to protect the paint (I got white roof, the black marks that the rubber leaves are very visible). Also, since it gets rather dirty here I am afraid that the durt might rub through the paint and then it will rust, since the hose press on the paint. The paint in these areas dont got a clear coating (should have been I think) so it is very hard to keep the paint in good condition and all marks/scratches are very visible.

[Restyle]

Good Question.
I think everyones paint finish is the same (unglossed appearance), in this area, & hence it is prone to the marks you descibe, as mine is.
Dont know of a solution, but someone will come up with something

[Iamamini]

..considering this solution: clean the area that is affected and put some clear coat on it. But I think that it will take at least 24 hours for it to dry and be ready for closing the boot. That mean I have to use a garage that I can lock because I will have to keep the boot open for drying. I tried tape but it started to move more and more because of the pressure from the hose! So it was not a good idea, and the glue on the tape may react with the paint! When the tape moved, the glue from it came visible and dirt got stuck in it . When I tried to remove it I scratched the paint with my nail (very thin layer of colour here, beware! And I was rather careful but it didn´t help) so I will fix that with a paint stick. The damage I made is very slight and it didnt remove the primer so it will be fine after painting. I think MINI should consider a desgin change here, it should not be like this I think.

[andyupnorth]

I think you're worrying unnecessarily. It is possible to become TOO obsessive about your MINI you know?

[Iamamini]

Quote: Originally Posted by andyupnorth

I think you're worrying unnecessarily. It is possible to become TOO obsessive about your MINI you know?

Hehe yes it seems like that . I will start with painting the scratch I made and maybe that is enough. Keeping the area clean is maybe all u need to do, and if I do paint some clear coating on it I will report if ti works or not . How come u get so obsessed with the MINI??!! I must be in love lol.

[Iamamini]

..painting is done now. Looks ok and I will not do anything more about it at the moment, got a feeling I will only make it worse if I use clear coating .