This week on our 'Home Servicing' blog, we decided to have a look at Mini brightwork. Often seen as a 'finishing touch', the brightwork completes your Mini, so it's time to take a look at these parts and have your Mini in tip top condition and looking it's best, for driving when lockdown is over!
We would suggest that you start by walking around your Mini - inspect all the brightwork for corrosion and/or any damage. To clarify, what we mean when we say brightwork, anything chrome really - the trim, bumpers, mirrors, etc!
- Check the condition and security of the front and back bumpers
- Check the condition and security of the grille, including the surrounds
- Check condition and security of the headlamp surrounds
- Check condition and security of the screen infill strips
- Check condition and security of the upper door finishers
- Check condition of the rear lamp body’s
- Check condition and security of chrome door and boot handles
- Check condition and security of chrome mirrors
Should any of these parts feel loose - check the fixings, tighten up any necessary screws and ensure the part won't drop off!
If any of your brightwork is damaged, we would suggest that it is time to look at replacing the part in question. We offer many direct replacements for your brightwork, but also upgrades to parts. You can view our full range of brightwork here.
Replacing Brightwork:
Removing bumpers, and refitting new ones :-
Undo the three nuts securing the bumper to the Mini's body, lift the bumper to release the studs from the holes taking care not to scratch the paintwork as you do it – the bumpers are the same front and rear so the sequence is the same.
Refit in reverse order
Removing the grille and surrounds :-
Lift the Mini's bonnet to reveal the screws securing the grille to the bonnet landing panel, remove the screws securing the grille and the side surrounds of the front panel, take care not to scratch the paintwork.
Remove the screws or pop rivets securing the upper grille surround to the bonnet (MK3/4/5 )
Refit in reverse order
Remove door mirrors :-
There are two main types of door mirror with different ways of securing them to the Mini's door :-
Remove the cover from below the mirror stalk to gain access to the securing bolts
Unscrew the allen grub screw from the end of the mirror plinth
Refit in reverse order
Removing the rear lamps :-
Disconnect the Mini's battery and disconnect the rear lamp wiring
Loosen and remove the lens securing screws
Loosen and remove the lamp securing screw.
Refit in reverse order
Removing the door finishers :-
Wind the Mini's window completely down
Tap the trim upwards using a soft drift – be careful not to use too much force to prevent damage to the door skin or the paint
Be careful not to loose any of the securing clips
Refit in reverse order
