Opperation R55 Blackout

Here is an image of the results after Phase 1 of Opperation R55 Blackout... The headlight rings and grill trim were sanded down a bit then covered with PlastiKote Trim Enamel (over 2 coats of primer). We'll see how the paint holds up. There are some imperfections in the paint due to random dust blowing around outside while I was painting. Plus, if the paint starts peeling I might end up looking into a vinyl wrap for the pieces. The light bar is a VIP quad light bar holding 4 HELLA 500 Black Magics...

Phase 2 (already started): Install black side scuttles w/ black LED markers, and apply vinyl beltline blackout kit from OutMotoring.

Phase 3: Apply blackout film to headlamps, taillights, and center brake light... get blackout covers for door handles, gas cap, and rear clubman door handles.

Phase 4: **Win lottery**... Paint brake calipers red, purchase flat black 17" Team Dynamics Pro Race wheels: http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-cooper/mini-cooper-team-dynamics-pro-race.html

 

flat black on sparkling silver looks awesome. Whle waiting for the lottery winnings to come through, you could always just paint your wheels black for about $20 (depending on how much paint you use)

Very nice look  With the high beams on AND the 4 Hella's on can you melt the garage wall???
In Phase 3 you mention taillights.  Have you considered the blackout led's?
 
http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-cooper/Black_LED_Tail_Lights_for_MINI_Cooper_R56_R57.html
 
Has anyone tried using them?  Yes, I know, it is another Lottery item

S.



Edited by SMOG - July/09/11 at 7:51am

That's beautiful Brian! You've done an awesome job.  I'd like to see it in person. Hopefully I'll catch up with you somewhere in Seattle or ?

JoeW wrote: flat black on sparkling silver looks awesome. Whle waiting for the lottery winnings to come through, you could always just paint your wheels black for about $20 (depending on how much paint you use)   Nice work

Yeah, I've definitely considered painting them but I first want to wait and see how everything looks when all the random pieces are black. The silver wheels might add a good contrast for the time being and then I'll save up a bit. There's part of me that wants to go 18" but I think i'd rather save a little room because also on my never ending list of burn-a-hole-in-my-wallet mods are a set of coilovers to give it a lower stance and stiffer ride. Probably couldn't do that with giant 18's on there.

Ha! Oh yeah, didn't factor in the tire size getting smaller.

If you want to try a R55 of 18 in wheels drop me a line.  I just put the R105s on my JCW and they ride FIRM.  Although they're still the run flat tires.  I plan to swap them out soon.

I also have a set of stock black 17" rims with DWS tires on them.  They ride very nice although they have a softer sidewall and I can feel the tire roll slightly on hard turn in.

I plan to do the same thing with the headlights, door handles, and gas cap.  Although I am going to try a wrap place I found locally.  We'll see how it works out.

Looking good!

Todd


Edited by Sanderskog - July/12/11 at 7:32am

Great talking to you today Brian.  I got home and started looking at the details for the bar and saw you asked about a picture.  Unfortunately all I have is a cell phone picture.



As I mentioned, if you want to take a ride with the 18 inch wheels let me know.  I can also throw the 17 inch on which are below (and a much better pic).



Todd

Hot Shot wrote: CORNERS wrote: That really looks great. I think the black really looks good on our MINIs.  Kurt, Can you forward me the name of those door handles that you have? The matte black ones. I'd rather pick up a set of those instead of repainting mine.

I'm not sure if Kurt has the same ones, but I ended up getting door handle and gas cap covers from Aesthetic Creations.

http://www.aesthetic-creations.com/category.php?id_category=16