MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring - I need detailing suggestions for new MINI

zeddy · #1 04-01-2008, 12:47 PM

I am picking up my new (yellow) Clubman this week (it is already 2 days late based on truck delivery schedule...).
I (wisely, I think) turned down the dealers add on of Simoniz, etc. and ignored their claims that the new paint was really, really porous and I risk having it bubble off.
However, I would like to know if I should be treating the car paint with a sealant or wax after I get it.
Should the carpeting be scotch-guarded or something similar?
Any other things that should be done pronto to a brand new MINI? (I am not looking for complete detailing instructions--for that I have read the stickies and other posts).
Thanks.

cadfael_tex · #2 04-01-2008, 01:41 PM

Good decision not to get the dealer package. You will need to use a wax/LSP on it. I use Prima EPIC and am very hapy with the results. Hopefully the dealer won't wash the car and put in DISO (dealer installed swirl option). If so you'll need to polish it. Recommened minimal course of action is wash (dawn/P21S total auto/equivalent), clay (boat and lot residue), and wax/lsp. Good luck

kyriian · #3 04-01-2008, 02:44 PM

there are lots of prima and zaino fans here... im a zaino advocate 100%... i have seen the prima's results, but i still am going with my zaino

whiteyanderson · #4 04-01-2008, 02:57 PM

a vote for klasse with a carnauba topper

.

greengobln · #5 04-02-2008, 07:59 AM

i would recommend scotchguarding the inside as soon as you can. i prefer the prima line to zaino. either way i vote sealant as it is easier to maintain than the carnubas. don't let them wash it when you get it. they will install swirls right away!

**OctaneGuy** · #6 04-02-2008, 08:33 AM

A new car should be clay barred then waxed--well washed first, lol. It doesn't matter whose wax you use---even Turtle Wax--just get it waxed--but just stay away from the car washes!

Have a look at my video for some tips
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...t=bucket+video

As you try different wax products, you will find what characteristics you like best. This could come in the form of how it makes your car look as well as how easy it is to apply.

jimmieshear · #7 04-02-2008, 02:32 PM

You should also check one thing. Check for little scratch marks along your hood directly above your headlights.

I was watching some videos of how they package your car for delivery to the VDC, and noticed they put some protective plastic over the top of the hood just above each headlight area and all the way back to the top of the hood, leaving the middle exposed.

When I checked my car after it was delivered, low and behold, little fingernail scratch marks where they pulled that protective plastic up. Check your hood and see if you have scratches, it might be worth your time to polish those parts out first and then throw on a good wax (I use Epic on my Mini).

If you're really OCD and just can't stand seeing your poor paint getting abused, you might have a clear bra installed after polishing out any problem areas. If you go this route, don't wait too long to have it done (like maybe take it in for a clear bra right after you take delivery).

Additionally, I've been pretty much following any advice our resident Jedi Master of paint care has to say (OctaneGuy)

Lorne_K2 · #8 04-04-2008, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OctaneGuy

A new car should be clay barred then waxed--well washed first, lol. It doesn't matter whose wax you use---even Turtle Wax--just get it waxed--but just stay away from the car washes!

Have a look at my video for some tips
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...t=bucket+video

As you try different wax products, you will find what characteristics you like best. This could come in the form of how it makes your car look as well as how easy it is to apply.

The video was great, thanks! Quick question - what temperature do you use for the wash water? I've often used warm water for the wash, but now I'm wondering if that's really necessary.

**OctaneGuy** · #9 04-04-2008, 05:51 PM

I like to use warm water because it makes me feel tingly like I'm taking a bath! LOL.

It also seems to work better at getting stuck bugs and things off the paint. I don't think it really matters though.

Richard

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorne_K2

The video was great, thanks! Quick question - what temperature do you use for the wash water? I've often used warm water for the wash, but now I'm wondering if that's really necessary.

**amazingrando** · #10 04-04-2008, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeddy

....the new paint was really, really porous and I risk having it bubble off.

HA HA HA!!! your killin' me!

well, so far my paint has not bubbled off.

(whatever that means, I don't know?!?!)

you will find a lot of Prima-fanatics here. I'm also new to the whole detailing thing as of last summer. Prima is a good product and very well supported on the forum by Heather from Detailers Pardise. So all questions will be readily answered. I'm not really the kind of person to try out every wax on the planet, ultimately I found a product that I like and is well supported.

MLPearson79 · #11 04-05-2008, 12:03 PM

Paint bubbling off?? They actually SAID that?? Good lord...

Anyway, do your best to have them NOT wash it before you pick it up. Then wash, clay, and put on a coat of whatever wax/sealant you prefer. There are a lot of choices; Prima stuff is popular here and what I use but as OG said, what matters is that you get something on there ASAP.