Sections: Uncategorized Mar 23rd, 2003 I love the look of the standard Cooper - in some respects more than the MCS. I like the shape of the bonnet and the chrome accents among other things. But there are several areas where the design details of the MCS are simply superior. Things like the chrome gas cap and the the S-lite 17″ wheels are fantastic additions to the car. But the piece that I've really grown to appreciate lately is the MCS side skirt on the lower side of the car.
The first thing most people notice about it in comparison to the Cooper's version is that it buldges out from the body giving the car a more muscular look. But beyond that I've found out It also offers more protection from small rocks that can get kicked up by the front wheels.
After just under a year of ownership I've found my Cooper's side sills to be riddled with small pit marks from from these stones that get kicked up (some if that is probably due to my 215/17/45 sized tires). It's been a real annoyance that after a wash the rear part of the side skirt looked like it had a light grey glaze over it due to all those small scratches.
So my solution was to find some side skirts (thanks David!) that had come off an MCS that was getting the aero kit. Installation was a little tricky but after a couple hours with little or no instructions we managed to get them fitted to my Cooper (thanks Steve!).
That looks great, Gabe! I picked up my MINI in January and already see the pit marks. I may have to do something with it by the end of the Summer. Did anyone we know get the aero kit? I really like the way it looks in photos. I'd like to see it in person.
You have been talking that up for a LONG time. Glad to see you “found” your side skirts!
And oh, I love my scoop on the hood.
What can I say … I'm a fan of those side skirts :). Wait until you hear how I found them :)
Don't tell us how you found them, just find us some more! :)
Gabe, you and Steve are MINI pioneers!
Looks good Gabe, just like we knew it would. Glad to see you found some.
How did the new side skirts do in the wet? do they protect the body more from all the slop that gets kicked up?
That looks soooo sweet!
Yes there seems to be less slop. Gabe and I compared the slop on my MCS and his MC and there was a noticeable difference. (it was still winter at the time)
Gabe, what happen to your previous “Cooper” metal sill trim? Did you buy a new one or use the “Cooper S” trim?
Yes I reused my sill plate. Although from experience my early production car's sill was very easy to take off - the MCS sills I had were impossible to take off without ruining them.
Even with the MCS sill, I have probably several hundred of those pit marks on my door from stones being kicked up by the front wheel. I think its from the pea gravel they use to “clear” the roads. The front of my rear wheel arches also have several deep scratches/pits where stones have hit. All the damage is quite depressing but I don't know what to do about it. Maybe polish on the doors will get some of them out?
[...] have offered and received help modifying, upgrading and maintaining many MINIs and have been involved in numerous activities that I never would have [...]
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