6 replies to this topic

[germini30]

I am thinking of changing/improving the look of my mini abit. One thing I would like to do is change the arches. I have seen these and like the look.
http://www.minispare...d...&prod_id=49
Iwas wondering if these arches are good and whether colour coding is best or to paint black with the chrome strip. I am thinking the latter option.

[Midas Mk1]

Ive got these arches, and it all depends on the individual Mini, whether painting the arches body colour or not will look best. As I have a black roof, ive also had them painted in the same Pealescent colour. By doing this it makes the arches look wider, whereas painting them body colour makes them blend into the car more, giving a slimming effect.

Its upto you which colour combo you go for, but if your undecided put up a picture here, and we may help you
These arches fit well on my car, and took little prepping / trimming to fit!

[germini30]

my mini is trophy blue with colour coded standard arches at the moment but they look cheap. I think that black with the chrome trim sounds good, also those arches fit the standard holes so no drilling.

[AVV IT]

I was wondering if these arches are good and whether colour coding is best or to paint black with the chrome strip. I am thinking the latter option.

You don't actually need to paint them if you're planning on keeping them black, a quick T- Cut & polish is all that's needed!! But do be aware that they do not come with the notches cut out for the seams to fit through, so you need to do a bit of cutting and shaping to get them to fit (unless your mini has been deseamed that is!). You also need to drill the arches themselves, as they do not come pre-drilled. If you are going for black then I would definitely go for the chrome strip, either the standard narrow chrome trim or the wider deluxe trim for the more classic/retro look.

Whatever you decide to do, you really should also get the soft black rubber trim that fits between the arch and the body as well, this finishes off the arches nicely and also prevents them from scratching the paint work when you fit them.

If it's of any help you need 1.4 meters of trim for each sill and 1.0 meter of trim per arch (i.e. 3.4 meters per side assuming its not a van/estate etc.)
The best deal I found for trim by far was from "Phoenix Supplies" (Tel: 01884 849294 - Email: [email protected]), they supplied me with all the trim for my Huddersfield group 2 arches and it was less than half the price of the stuff that Huddersfield were selling!

[DTXDave]

Those are the wheel arches I bought for my Mini. As already stated you have to cut the notches and drill the holes yourself.

The following page has detailed instructions and photos of the process:
Fitting Group 2 wheel arches

I painted mine red to match my bodywork and I do like the look, but if I look closely at them today I can see specs of black where stones have chipped away at the paint. Eventually I will have to repaint them, or possibly use touch-up paint.

DTXDave

[germini30]

ordered the arches and I got a mate picking up the trim from phoenix at the NEC show so saving postage. The chrome trim was less than half the price.

[leaky]

I have these on mine. Mine are painted the body colour. I'm not really a massive fan of having arches a different colour to the body.