What's the best way to install deluxe (fluted) chrome trim to the OZ arches and lower seam? I know about heating it up or letting it sit in the sun for a while before installing, but the problem is not that. It's the shrinkage of the trim over time that pulls it away from the tight corners and leaves a big gap.

I've used small pop rivets through the backing plate, arch or seam lip and bottom clear part of the trim to hold it on, but after a few years the trim shrinks, cracks where it's riveted and pulls away. I'm about to put new trim pieces on to replace my old trim which is only about 4 years old.

Is there any adhesive that will hold the trim tight and prevent it from pulling away when it shrinks?

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Would it be worth trying a decent contact adhesive?

Make sure you follow the directions for best adhesion (ie. generally you apply to both surfaces and let them dry for a certain time before putting them together.

Craig,
Mini King over here has the proper factory clips that hold the chrome strip and flares on. If done right, no pop rivets are needed.

But fitting the `chrome' strips is a PITA job, and it will still shrink with age.

Mini King Australia
22 Graham Hill Road
NARELLAN NSW 2567
Australia

Tel +61 2 4648 1233
Fax +61 2 4647 7748
email: [email protected]

sorry, website not completed yet.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Something should really be added to the How To forum, as this question comes up quite a lot!!!

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http://www.youtube.com/user/Hanras

Agree with DocMini

I recently talked to John at MiniKing about the best way to attach.
He said that NO POP RIVETS are required if you use the proper clips (John says these just pull out if the strip shrinks, which it does). The proper clips act to both hold the plastic flare in place and also the chrome cover strip. Well that's the original method

I have taped my strips to a length of copper pipe and hung out to straighten. when I am ready, I will attach as per Johns comments. Let you know.

Any other positive experiences??

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"Boris" - '69 Cooper S Mk 2

A question along the same lines, does anyone have a close-up picture showing exactly where the MK II trim ends as installed by the factory? I've seen some follow the curve of the flare all the way to the end at both back and front whilst others stop some way short of the end.
I realise this may be seen as being a bit pedantic but for a concours restoration when the trim is being replaced it may as well be fitted as per the original in my view.

Thanks for replies. I've had no problem getting the trim on, it's just the shrinkage after a few years. I'm glad to hear about Mini King, and I'll contact him today.

Cheers

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The clips are available also via ebay from John:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/COOPER-S-AND-MIN ... 240%3A1318

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Dave K.
1979 Moke Californian + 1981 'Coke' Moke

Thanks for the photos Dave. Are there two different clips we are talking about though - 1 for the arch to the metal arch form and one to hold on the chrome plastic trim to the arches and lower seams?

I can see how the one pictured holds on the arch, but there are no barbs on that clip to hold the trim on to it. I think I actually have some of those clips that I got from Mini Automotive a few years ago, but they wouldn't hold the deluxe trim on.

Craig

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I think the outer edge of the clip is fat enough that the trim grips it

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Funny, John had this to say to me when I ordered mine a few days ago from MiniKing:

Hi Craig, John Smidt Is My name.
The clip You want is MYH45 There is a total of 24 clips used on the car Cost is A$0.24 each Post would be A$6.50.
I feel I must explain These are not ment to be used without using pop rivets aswell, However I use them without pop rivets Untill such time as the chrome strip starts to come away from the body, Then I use a pop rivet at each corner and one in the middle, By this time the chrome strip has expanded an contracted, So and when you fit the pop rivets The plastic is less likley to break away from the rivets, It has been My experience that it can be a fairly long time before you need to use pop rivets, I do hope I have explained this properly. ':shock:'

I guess I'll also attach it per John's comments. Have to check back in 6 months and see which version worked best!

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Great, thanks Craig, the more info the better!

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"Boris" - '69 Cooper S Mk 2

Hi isleblue65. Now that I realise that you own an early Cooper, I would advise finding the original stainless steel trims to fit your wheel arches. Once fitted, no shrinkage or dull plastic. I have seen a couple of sets on Ebay over the past 12 months or so.

Much nicer than the plastic crap and will last a lifetime.

Out of curiosity , how much are the cooper stainess trims going for now ?

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Hi willy,
I'd love to find an original stainless steel set. I didn't realize that they came in stainless from the factory down there. I'd guess that it can't be flexed or bent though? It might be expensive to ship from OZ in a 10 foot by 2 foot by 4 inch thick box if it would need to be kept in its installed form.

Was this factory stainless trim the standard 'U' shaped as on the UK Coopers, or was it the deluxe fluted style like I have (in plastic)?

I agree the plastic is crap. I've replaced mine twice in the 6 years I've had the car and I have a new set coiled up and ready to be installed because it's cracked and pulling away again. It lasts about 3 years before the sun and heat does a number on it.

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