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[mini_dreams]

Hi All... I'm a total detailing newbie... have never done any of the things you're talking about in the past, just washed in wash bays or (dare I say it) car washes. I think once or twice in the past (maybe 18 years ago) I waxed one of my cars.

Now that I'm more attune to what a good detailing process can do, I'm trying to study up in here on what to get. My Mini is about 3 weeks away, so I have some time to try to learn and order some products.

I have a few quick questions:

1) I've been reading Yo's Dad thread (Zaino, Meguiars, Griots, other) about which products to use, because I'm in the same boat... Question though, is, if I do the same and not have the dealer wash or detail the car when it arrives (I saw a brand new S on their lot with swirls!), does that mean that it is unprotected and needs to be detailed in the first day?

2) Many responses to which products to use say "use what works best for you"... but in my case, I've never used any of these. Should I just start with a starter's kit from Griots (or Zaino or Meguiars if they make the same?)

3) I'm totally perplexed over the ClearBra issue... I know it has been discussed ad nasuem, but I can't decide on it. Many people here swear by it... one of the MAs at my dealer (who is pretty knowledgeable and keeps his Mini spotless) says not to do it... and yesterday I saw a pretty dirty and I would assume at least a few-month old Mini that didn't have one and there weren't any noticeable chips on the bonnet. I also don't know how the ClearBra works with detailing (waxes, polishes). My first instinct is not to get it because I like the look of the car without it, but not having had a Mini before... I'm unsure about the amount of chips, etc. that they attract (sounds like a lot).

4) Last and not least... since I'm such a newbie... is it possible to attend a detailing clinic? I'm currently in Tennessee but may be moving back to Northern California in November. If that happens, I'm wondering if I can swing through LA to one of OctaneGuy's clinics. If it doesn't, does anyone know about clinics nearby? I think I saw info about one in Charlotte.

A note about my personality as I realize that will help in any answers... it's possible that I will be a minor detailer... not likely to buy a lot of products or detail it every weekend (not even sure if anyone here even does that, but it sounds like it's possible). Like I said, in the past, I was pretty apathetic about it, even with new cars. However, I know that I'm really going to feel different about the Mini and will want to take care of it and make it look good. So, my intention is to keep it clean and do some specific things (like claybar) that I wouldn't have done in the past. I also have a hand condition (not arthritis, but similar) so I can't spend super long hours doing hand work.

Any help is much appreciated as I'm trying to learn as much as I can before the Mini arrives.

Sorry for a long post, but thanks for reading!