anywhere I can go to research this little car, to see what package level I have on it? Vin decode or a body tag? I know NOTHING about these cars and trying to learn more about them, their weaknesses and the like.
Please see http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/mini-stuff/19242-how-your-mini-equipped-factory-tutorial.html#axzz2kLGuhixv You'll find a few different ways to learn all about how this MINI was optioned, where it was delivered, the in service date and get on the MINI US mail list.
My Blu MINI is undergoing CPR & removal of fish from the driving lights today. The prognosis is good.
Got the first salt of the season on Gnat. They pre-treated some of the roads around here for this evenings first real snow potential.
Oil Changed to Amsoil 5-40W European compliant. Supposed to be upgrade to old 0-30W. Also Amsoil Power steering oil change - first change since factory 2006. It hadn't leaked any and was still fairly clear, but they flushed it and replaced. Continental 215x40x18 DWS getting down to the wear bars already. Wear is nice and even though. Going replace with Michelin 215x40x18 Pilot Sport A/3 W-rated. Tire Rack has these rated higher than the Continentals.
I know that helps, but hate hate hate it when I come up to wet salt encrusted road. Guess winter is here & the locals will be crashing all over in the morning. Three flakes of snow are predicted. :crazy:
I refreshed and installed an M7 air plate diverter today. Hopefully this thing does something.... If nothing else, it'll make a nice flat spot for a cold one when the bonnet's up! :beer
Flurries in the forecast... so shed the summer wheels/tires and installed winters about a month ahead of the usual schedule.
I actually finished this one up last Monday, first chance to post pictures. Finished up matching Bonnet Stripe and A Panel Graphics. I would like to say thanks to Bryan (N2MINI) for cuttings these graphics and having a lot of patience. I also replaced the R53 scuttles with R50's (thanks eMINIParts) and tinted the markers to blend them in.
I did nothing with my MINI today. She is sitting home in the garage waiting for me to get home from Atlanta so I can wash and wax her this weekend.
Put the GP IC back on after the pinhole was welded up. Changed summer shoes for winter shoes. Figures it will be 70 tomorrow. I jsut keep telling myself the cold is coming, and soon. Was fun too, the left rear hub ring was stuck on. Didn't realize it till after I was driving and my neighbor pulled up next to me and told me the left rear was wobbling. Went right back home, all of a few blocks away and proceeded to look it all over. Then started a mild string of curses. had to use a hammer and chisel to separate the ring from the hub. Love that galvanic action. No more wobble. The worst part was carrying the jack back upstairs. Note to self...fire the pit crew.
You should pay your pit crew by the hour not by the wheel. That's why he was in a hurry. :wink: Guess you owe your neighbor a gift. Man they saved you. Put a bit of anti-seize on the hub next time. I was inspired by your pit stop & put snow shoes on the Blu one. Your pit crew is welcome in my garage anytime. I know folks don't like those plastic hub rings, but you know what, they don't seize to the hub. :biggrin5:
Attended my first MINI "Meet & Greet" with members of DC Metro Minis at MINI of Sterling (VA). Nice people and great stories, particularly about the Dragon. We took goofy 'British' pictures in front of the dealership's "Not Normal" sign. What did I get myself into? :wink:
Installed new sun visors and patched up a broken side scuttle (and fixed the root cause of it, for now) until I can get a new one and repaint it.
Had breakfast/donuts with the mini club. Then a detailing party with my friend… used a little prima swirl/hydro and then went and got more donuts.