[isleofbones]

Has anyone installed side scuttle accents on their f56. I just installed the grey and black checkered side view mirror caps, and was thinking of adding the scuttle accents to complement the look (also in grey and black checkered flag). No installation videos on youtube, and am concerned about the adhesive that is recommended for installation (ease of removal if I change my mind at some point). Any pics or guidance would be appreciated. I like the scuttle replacements for pre - 2014 minis, but I am still undecided about the scuttle accents on the latest gen. minis. I guess I wont know until I install, but that is a $175 crap shoot. Have attached side view mirror cap pics to help illustrate the design scheme I am contemplating.

 

[opal]

I've fitted the grey/black mirror caps and also the matching side scuttles on my VO Cooper D. The instructions that come with the scuttles say to buy a recommended adhesive from BMW and then don't drive the car for 6 hours or wash it for 2 days.


I used 25mm double sided tape instead and they fit perfectly without any gaps between the scuttles and the bodywork. The only reason that I can see why BMW say to use glue is that with double sided tape you only have one chance to get the position right.
I marked the position with masking tape and didn't have a problem. If I wanted to remove then I could get a piece of fishing line or similar and 'cheeeswire' the tape off.
Really pleased with them overall, I think that they look really good fitted. Will take some photos

 

[Tiger]

I did find a video out there somewhere, though it wasn't for an F56. The idea is the same, though. I'll see if I can dig it back up, but Opal is right - I've read the instructions and it's pretty easy. I ordered mine with the car... more of a money thing than anything else, but I could have them on in about 20 min, I'm certain.

 

[opal]

Heres a link to the instructions. They are a bit over the top, probably designed to put you off fitting them and to give the job to BMW. They even recommend disconnection of the battery when you don't even take the side indicator bulb out of its socket to fit them. Same goes with the betalink adhesive, why wait 6 hours to drive the car when they fit perfectly with tape and you can drive straight off.

http://www.northamericanmotoring.co...trim-installation-and-removal-f56-scuttle.pdf

 

[opal]

Side scuttle photos attached, please lie on floor to view!

 

[Angib]

I'm impressed how these 'accents' enable your Mini to stick to a vertical road surface...

 

[isleofbones]

Opal, thanks for the pics. I have the exact same color scheme. You helped me make up my mind. I have ordered the ones that you have. The 3m tape, while I am familiar with it, could you advise where to buy? Also, did you trim out the whole border on the back side with the tape to enhance adhesion or did you just place a few strategically placed strips? Finally, you don't have to remove bulbs as you would on the earlier scuttle inserts? Thanks again. Great info, and I think your car looks super... very sharp, but with a little subtlety by way of the grey and black combo.

 

[Tiger]

Opal, thanks for the pics. I have the exact same color scheme. You helped me make up my mind. I have ordered the ones that you have. The 3m tape, while I am familiar with it, could you advise where to buy? Also, did you trim out the whole border on the back side with the tape to enhance adhesion or did you just place a few strategically placed strips? Finally, you don't have to remove bulbs as you would on the earlier scuttle inserts? Thanks again. Great info, and I think your car looks super... very sharp, but with a little subtlety by way of the grey and black combo.

I went with the "Black Jack" scuttles. I had to give it a nod to its heritage.

As for the tape, MiniMania has the stock BMW tape you can buy. If you're not looking to go with the BMW, Gorilla makes the same kind of thing. I just did a quick search and found 3M and Gorilla at various places like WalMart, O'Reilly Auto Parts stores, Home Despot, etc. I figure just about any major auto parts store will have what you need specifically for automotive applications.

 

[opal]

Opal, thanks for the pics. I have the exact same color scheme. You helped me make up my mind. I have ordered the ones that you have. The 3m tape, while I am familiar with it, could you advise where to buy? Also, did you trim out the whole border on the back side with the tape to enhance adhesion or did you just place a few strategically placed strips? Finally, you don't have to remove bulbs as you would on the earlier scuttle inserts? Thanks again. Great info, and I think your car looks super... very sharp, but with a little subtlety by way of the grey and black combo.

As Tiger says any car part store or hardware store should have the tape. I used 1" (25mm) wide. When you get the side scuttles you will see a flat area around the side indicator and I cut three pieces in a 'U' shape to go around it. I could have used less tape I suppose but it is firmly stuck on and is nice and flush with the car.
The side indicators are removed by pulling from the bottom (see car handbook) They are quite stiff. You then twist and remove the bulb holder with the bulb in and fit the side indicator to the scuttle and reconnect the bulb holder & bulb and trial fit the scuttle and mark the position with masking tape.
Leave a 2-3 mm gap from the door shut as per instructions. You only get one chance with double sided sticky tape!


Now that I have the side scuttle fitted I do like them and the car would look bare without them. It also adds a touch of individuality, there are far to many VO ones on this forum so yours and mine with the black and grey chequered side scuttles will be unique.... well almost!

 

[isleofbones]

Thanks again Tiger and Opal. I was curious about removing the scuttles, but your description is helpful, and I will reference manual as well. Didn't think they came off like gen 2. Also was hoping they weren't glued in place. Thanks again. Will post pics when I get them and they are installed.

 

[Mike]

I'm impressed how these 'accents' enable your Mini to stick to a vertical road surface...

I think he wrapped the tyres with left over double sided tape.

 

[finnster]

Further to this quote, does anyone know where I would get the clear lenses for the side repeaters? I have the orange ones at the moment but would really like to change them.

The only problem is I cannot find them anywhere!!!

 

[Tiger]

Further to this quote, does anyone know where I would get the clear lenses for the side repeaters? I have the orange ones at the moment but would really like to change them.

The only problem is I cannot find them anywhere!!!

Is this what you're talking about? I'm working through the terminology/language barrier.

http://www.outmotoring.com/product.php?productid=125747&cat=989&page=1

 

[opal]

Is this what you're talking about? I'm working through the terminology/language barrier.

http://www.outmotoring.com/product.php?productid=125747&cat=989&page=1

Yes we call them side indicators in the UK.
$79 doesn't seem cheap, they are probably cheaper from MINI dealers.

 

[Tiger]

Is this what you're talking about? I'm working through the terminology/language barrier.

http://www.outmotoring.com/product.php?productid=125747&cat=989&page=1

Yes we call them side indicators in the UK.
$79 doesn't seem cheap, they are probably cheaper from MINI dealers.

Yeah, same here. "Repeaters" and "clear lenses" were tripping me while I was translating it into something I could googulate while still 3/4 asleep heh.

Honestly, everything I've looked at from Outmotoring.Com and MiniMania.Com have been under dealer price on this end of the Atlantic. Just leafing through the other day, my unscientific comparison was giving me an average price difference between $10 and $20 on the bigger stuff (not so much on things like apparel). I bought my rear mud flaps from MM and got free shipping (I picked up a couple other things to qualify). I feel pretty confident you'll pay more from Mini, though you are right... the suppliers are still sticking it to you for OEM parts.

 

[finnster]

Yes sorry I was not sure as this is an international forum what to call them, but I am struggling to find any at all, even on eBay, I probably will have to go to the dealers but I just know they are going to charge over the odds!!

I suppose people change from Orange to White which is why there are no white ones floating around!!

 

[isleofbones]

Tiger, don't mean to hijack my own thread, but could you possibly post pics of your mud flaps on the vehicle? I am thinking of purchasing, but would like to see how they look on a vehicle that has already been upgraded.

 

[Tiger]

Yes sorry I was not sure as this is an international forum what to call them, but I am struggling to find any at all, even on eBay, I probably will have to go to the dealers but I just know they are going to charge over the odds!!

I suppose people change from Orange to White which is why there are no white ones floating around!!

Certainly no need to apologize - that's actually one of the fun parts of this forum for me. It's great to get to talk with so many people from so many places that are brought together by the love of a unique little car of all things. And I like seeing the regional differences in the car and how it's marketed too... vastly more different (and in some odd ways by my thinking) than I expected. Besides, I speak American English but am fluent in Spanglish, Canadian, English English, French English, German English, and to a lesser extent Scottish English, Russian English, and Australian English... slang will trip me up now and then. Still need work on my Irish English more.

Anyway... back to blinky things on the side of cars... I'd keep searching a bit more. If these original equipment items are available here, they've got to be out there where you can get them without losing any savings in international shipping charges ... but I've been surprised before.

 

[Tiger]

Tiger, don't mean to hijack my own thread, but could you possibly post pics of your mud flaps on the vehicle? I am thinking of purchasing, but would like to see how they look on a vehicle that has already been upgraded.

I will once I get them installed. Right now I've got mud flaps on my kitchen table (they don't look as nice there) and my car is several hundred miles away clearing customs (and it certainly doesn't look as good over there) lol. But... Google "F56 mud flaps" and some good images pop up. There's also a mud flap thread here in the forum with some good discussion and some pics if I remember right... that was what pushed me over the edge into buying them.

 

[isleofbones]

I'd like to indulge Tiger and Opal one more time on scuttle accents before I do the install. So, scuttles accents arrived. Scuttles popped out very easily. Dry fitted into scuttle accents. Just to be clear, the 3m tape or glue will be the only thing holding the assembly in place... spring clip on top side of scuttles and clips on bottom do not extend far enough to clip to side of car fender once the scuttle is clipped to the accent. Am I right? Thanks for feedback. Also, the tape I got is called 3m super strength molding tape (says its for moldings, rocker panels, emblems, cladding). Does that sound right? Tape pic below.