Repair 7

The chrome bonnet scoops on the Mini Cooper S and JCW models have been known to melt due to the high heat of the engine. Mini has developed a fix for the problem, which is covered by the Mini Cooper warranty.

Models Affected

The Cooper S and JCW models from model years 2006 until 2010 with the chrome bonnet scoop are affected. The Cooper S and JCW hardtop, convertible and clubman can all develop the problem.

Causes

For the 2006 model year Mini went from a superchared to a turbocharged 1.6 liter engine. Initially the 2006 hood scoops were non-functional and closed off; however, new engine design meant more heat was generated at the top of the engine under the hood scoop, causing it to overheat and warp.

Solution 1

Mini dealers can replace the scoop under warranty with a new design that will not warp as easily.

Solution 2

Remove the scoop and put holes through the scoop to allow it to vent. Recent Mini hood scoops have a few holes in them, and increasing the number of holes may prevent the scoop from warping.

Some cars, such as a Volkswagen Beetle and MGB sports cars are adorned with chrome molding. A cars exterior can consist of six molding strips for a four-door car and four for a two-door vehicle. Each door and fender is fitted with a chrome molding, and these moldings can be removed to perform any necessary bodywork or painting. With proper tools and some patience, chrome moldings are relatively easy to install.

Instructions

1

Remove the stud plate for each molding by unscrewing the nuts located behind the front fenders wheel.

2

Open your trunk and use a screwdriver to remove the stud plates located in the rear. Stud plates for the doors are found in between the side doors.

3

Pull off the moldings once the stud plates have been removed. Use a screwdriver to pry the molding off the pop-rivet button.

4

Pop out the rivets and use an electric drill with a 1/8-inch drill bit to drill the hole where the rivets were. This will make it easier to install the new rivets.

5

Use a screwdriver to pry off rivet clips that keep the molding in place.

6

Push the buttons onto the rivets, pointing the open end of the button toward the rivets nail end. The rivet is pushed through the fender or door.

7

Push the rivet into the fender or door using a rivet gun over the nail end of the rivet. Hold the door tightly and squeeze the handle to set the rivet. This step should be used for installing each rivet.

8

Insert the stud plate into the back of each chrome molding, resting it on your lap while you are sitting on a bench or chair. This eases the installation process of the stud plate and helps prevent damage to the molding.

9

Fix the square, slotted end of the molding over the rivet and slide it over the fender or door, fitting the slotted end of the molding onto the next set of rivets.

10

Push the stud plates all the way through the molding.

11

Repeat the above steps for each molding.