Not a fan of the auto wash either, but I’ll probably have to resort to it before the Mini Corral/IMSA Race at VIR on the 18th. I have all the Gyeon Coating supplies to do the car and wheels, but can’t afford to have my detail guy do it this month. Blew out a couple of the hard brake lines on the Suburban the other day and have to replace them all. I’ve replaced a couple sections of them before, but doing it piecemeal just hastens the next failure. Easier to replace them all, not to mention I don’t need the drama of losing brakes at 65 mph again. My grandson thought it was exciting.
I am going to the All-Ohio MINI meet next weekend, along with the OVT VW bus camp-out in Mt. Vernon, Oh. If anyone wants to join me, I will furnish the information. I love to put names and faces together.
Yea - I usually don’t use them. That said, it’s a hand wash and I know the owner. He does a good job of keeping cloths clean (new cloth for each car) etc.. plus wanted it to be clean prior to putting it under the cover. Have to be in London soon.. so it’s in the garage snuggled up to the 88... with as much walking space next to it so the kids don’t drag anything down the side..
Sounds like a great trip, Goldsmithy…... I'm only a few years behind you, so live long and prosper my friend! I drove my classic across town to a friends to give him a hand on his MG, it was 95* and it never got above normal - those Chineseum classic Mini radiators are da bomb, man!
Thirty years ago, I wouldn't think of using a tunnel car wash. But, thirty years ago, paints were a lot less durable, and I was a lot more durable. I found a carwash that does a great job of maintaining their equipment, and that is the only place I will take my MINI. I have no swirl marks, but do have stone chips -- it had many of those when I bought it. It is an 11-year-old daily driver, in a big city. Under those circumstances, it looks fantastic! CD
Made a list of the things I've done with my 2009 JCW R55 since I bought it 3 months ago: Enkei PF01 17x7 +45 wheels Michelin 215/45/17 Pilot Sport 4S tires McGuard wheel locks H-Sport 25.5 mm hollow RSB 4 wheel alignment at curbside, including removing front upper shock mount pins and increasing front camber slightly. Powerflex lower control arm bushings Powerflex lower large engine mount inserts WMW turbo wrap MINI Fini hood scoop grill ECU cover piece BSH OCC and dual boost port with PVC block PIAA super silicone front wiper blades and Aquapel treatment to glass New oem rear wiper blades Spark Plugs (30K, stock oem) Oil and filter change (Amsoil 0W40 Euro, oem) Magnetic oil plug Air filter (oem paper) Cabin microfilter (oem charcoal) Brake flush (Pentosin DOT 4 LV with ABS activation during flush) New gas cap Replace 12V socket and broken ring Craven e-brake handle and adjust cable tightness Raceseng Topology shifter knob Craven Dipstick Front spoiler lower trim piece Front lower air diverters Rear bumper center carrier piece Pushed in dent in compact spare well. Compact spare Compact spare tray Replace missing tools in spare tray (sunroof crank, wheel chock, toe hook, etc). Spacer to allow compact spare to clear JCW rear calipers and longer bolts. Wheel peg to facilitate changing Front and rear floor mats (Modern Contour Carpet Floor Maxpider Floor Mats) Various clips and fasteners that were missing or broken Rollup sunshade Zippee sunroof shades Modified sliding top for armrest so it doesn't open up easily when you put your elbow on it DMTL pump (gas tank leak detection) replaced Light In Sight Pink Invisible Unicorn decal Ashtray/coin holder New antenna (oem) Rear mud flaps (oem) Glove Box organizer Chimex seat belt bypass Back seat pull straps Programmed go and lock feature Sunroof track cleaned and lubed Aluminum jack point inserts Schwaben (Foxwell) scan tool Wash, clay bar, wax (P21S) New personalized plate (DOEMA ... means cheetah) 1/2 can sea foam cleaning treatment via vacuum port 1 can B44K in the gas tank Annual safety and emissions inspection Lots of fun motoring 1 speeding ticket
Keep in mind that a 2017 Countryman (if you can find one you like) is going to be the same as the 18s or 19s except for the 19s have the new "flat" logo, new pricing structure, and on board concierge/emergency services. Good for you for sticking to your guns though, and keep us posted
The dealership I was dealing with was too busy with their "crazy 8's" sale yesterday to talk to me so I went downtown (Vancouver BC) to have lunch instead of visiting the dealership to have a look at what Countryman(s) they had on the showroom floor. The other dealership called me and left a message that they would let me have an F60 for a long term (2 or 3 days) test drive if I want. Problem with this dealership is, I have been there multiple times in the past, even when I bought my first MINI with appointments for test drives and they never had a car for me to drive. Would this time be different? My wife and I were there 3 weeks ago and we ended up waiting hours for them to put gas in the two that we eventually did test drive. In anycase, I still have to call my financial planner to see if it is okay to sell some of my investments and buy the car with cash. So there is no rush.
Well yesterday day I worked all day on the R58's prince of an engine! I guess I worked a little to long, I broke a bolt off on the engine@%$^&*!!! Its the timing chain guide bolt. I got it a little bast flush and decided to drill it and use a easy out. The D@M drill spun it farther in! Talked to Chad, tried what he said to try today after work. It started coming out, but it got a little above flush and stoped agin! I just worked on it for a few minutes. My wife and I are going out so I didn't want to get to wrapped up un it. Ill start agin in the morning. This Gen2 car is about ten times harder to work on then the R53! It fought me all day yesterday day. Dark Helmet, the dark force is strong with this one! If you have a Gen1 GP and trailer we can work something out.
Yes but now that I fixed the AC on it the ABS unit will need to be replaced! It will feel good when it quiets hurting
MCS02-Do you have a Dremel type tool? I can send you a small ball burr that you can use to cut a slot in the bolt for a screwdriver,
I've heard it from a reliable source that R53's are ten times easier to work on so it should be a proverbial piece of cake.