1) Do you have a catalogue ?
Yes. Please download one of the following:
List of products (May 2012)
List of products incl. pictures (May 2012)
2) Explain the manufacturer internal model numbers, please ?
MINI
Until 2013 all MINI models have R-series model numbers assigned to them. This is a legacy of the MINI's original development within Rover Group; Future models now have a F-series model number. BMW model numbers normally start with E.
R50 - "Mk I" - Mini One & Cooper (2001–2006)
R52 - "Mk I" - Mini Convertible (2004–2008)
R53 - "Mk I" - Mini Cooper S (2001–2006)
R55 - "Mk II" - Mini Clubman and D (2007–present)
R56 - "Mk II" - Mini Hatch/Hardtop range (2006–present)
R57 - "Mk II" - Mini Convertible (2009–present)
R58 - "Mk II" - Mini Coupe (07.2011–present)
R60 - Countryman (2010–present)
R61 - Paceman (11.2012-present)
F54 - "Mk III" - Mini Clubman 5 door (2015-present)
F55 - "Mk III" - Mini 5 door Hatch (2014-present)
F56 - "Mk III" - Mini 3 door Hatch (2014-present)
F57 - "Mk III" - Mini Convertible (2016- present)
BMW
See this excellent WIKI page that displays the model time line of BMW cars since 1980.
Mercedes-Benz
See this excellent WIKI page that displays the model time line of Mercedes-Benz cars since 1980.
3) What is chrome plating ?
Chrome plating is a technique for electroplating a layer of chromium onto a material. Our chrome accessories use ABS. ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene which is a plastic known for its durability, impact absorption, heat resistance and light weight. Chrome plating on ABS can provide excellent results because it gives a very good surface finish to chrome plate onto.
A series of steps are required before the chrome can be deposited onto the surface of ABS.
- Preparing the surface for a nickel layer
This is done by etching the surface with a chemical so that the subsequent layers of nickel and chromium will adhere. ABS allows the butadiene molecules on the surface of the material to be removed chemically. This removal of butadiene molecules leaves microscopic undercuts in the surface of the ABS and this acts as a very good key onto which the first layer of nickel can be attached.
- Applying the nickel layer
A layer of nickel (with a catalyst) will be attached onto the surface of the part. This layer of nickel will be what becomes electrically conductive and allows the chrome to be electroplated to it. This layer is applied by means of dipping the part. The key that was put into the surface of the part will ensure the nickel remains attached when the part is removed from the bath
- Applying the chromium layer
Once the layer of nickel has dried the part can be plated by electroplating. This involves applying a negative charge to the part being plated and dipping it into a solution of the metal it is to be plated with, which has a positive charge. The positively charged metallic ions are attracted to the negatively charged part and once they come into contact with the part they revert back to their metallic form again. The part is removed from the solution and left to cool.
3) How do I install the chrome accessory ?
Most chrome accessories have an adhesive strip to fix it to the surface. Others you simply install by snapping it over the original piece (click-on installation).
For chrome accessories with an adhesive strip the following installation instructions apply:
- Ensure that the surface is clean onto which the trim piece is to be applied.
- Wash the area with clean water and then dry. Wipe the area a second time with a cloth moistened with 3M K-520 Primer Adhesion Promoter (included), or alcohol, to remove all oils and waxes from the surface.
- Determine exact location of the trim piece.
- Remove the protective film from the adhesive strip, and press firmly to ensure proper adhesion.
