MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring

Tortie · #1 05-08-2009, 09:17 PM

Before coming here, I grabbed a few things from my local auto parts store and tried my first real car washing. It went rather well and I thought that the products I chose did an okay job.

After hanging around the detailing forum here, though, I was set to find some Prima products near me. I had never heard of them but from all of the great advice and experiences from most of you, I decided to try them for myself.

I am no expert detailer (barely an amateur for that matter, ha!) but I am very interested in keeping my new MINI in tip-top shape, inside and out.

I looked on Prima's website to find a local dealer and I didn't find any close stores but I did find Brilex Solutions (an online supplier) about 20 minutes away from me. I sent a quick email with a couple of questions and John was happy to respond. I was eager to set up my order. Not only did I get my Prima products but he offered some great advice to the novice that I am. John was a pleasure to deal with and I will definitely be ordering more from him. If anyone was looking for a supplier, don't hesitate to check out Brilex Solutions! I can't say enough about my experience with their customer service (and friendlyness), thanks John.

I couldn't wait for the weekend to come to give Jersey a wash so before work tonight, I got busy. The Mystique was great but what I really loved was the Hydro. I was surprised to find that the spray came out a light-orange (which I love because I can see where I need to buff) and it smelled wonderful! After the dry, the paint was beautiful. She definitely looked better than her previous two washes (with the other products). I didn't get a chance to take any pictures (had to get ready for work) but I will definitely be sticking to Prima's product line. If anyone have been hesitant to try, I say go for it!

MiniMaybee · #2 05-08-2009, 09:46 PM

Nice story Tortie but you can't earn full marks without photos. So what other Prima products did you buy?

BostonJohn · #3 05-08-2009, 09:50 PM

I have been using Prima stuff for a while but I had yet to try Hydro. I ordered some last weekend and it arrived yesterday. I just got done with a quick wash and Hydro application and WOW! Hydro is amazing! One use and i'm converted.

cadfael_tex · #4 05-08-2009, 09:51 PM

Definitely good stuff

Tortie · #5 05-08-2009, 09:52 PM

Ha, I know and thank you! For now I only got the Mystique and Hydro. Like I said, I'm completely new to car washing (can't really call it detailing yet) but I'm interested in learning more and I will be frequenting around the detailing threads (I think some BG may be in order).

cadfael_tex · #6 05-08-2009, 09:57 PM

BG is really nice. Also looking into Wheel Armor, thought about it when I was reading another thread and it is another really good thing to keep from going crazy with all the brake dust Mini's produce.

Tortie · #7 05-08-2009, 10:07 PM

You all are so fast.

@BostonJohn: Oh yeah, it has got that WOW factor! Glad you picked it up.

@cadfael_tex: It's so nice to hear from others who use Prima products too. Could I just apply the BG on top of the Hydro or would I want to do a real waxing? I've heard that applying Hydro to the wheels will help with brake dust too.

BostonJohn · #8 05-08-2009, 10:09 PM

Does the Wheel Armor help the brake dust from sticking in the first place.... or does it just help when washing your wheels?

cadfael_tex · #9 05-08-2009, 10:13 PM

BG is a really easy wax to apply. I'd probably skip the Hydro when you plan to Hydro but you probably could. I usually try to apply Epic in spring and Fall and then BG once a month with hydro the other washes in between.

BostonJohn, I'd say a little bit of both IME. They seem to stay a little cleaner but they are definitely much easier to wipe off when I do regular washes. I just do them last with the same wash bucket I've down the rest of the car with. Probably, technically should do the wheels first with a separate bucket but I'm not quite that ocd.

MiniMaybee · #10 05-08-2009, 10:15 PM

It helps keep the dust from sticking. Using Wheel Armour you can rinse the dust off instead of use a wheel cleaner. I use Wheel Armour a couple of times a season and Hydro when I wash each week.
As for using BG & Hydro - totally compatible. Banana Gloss lasts 4-6 weeks while Hydro will go a couple of weeks. Use Hydro to prolong the life of the BG.

Tortie · #11 05-08-2009, 10:33 PM

Maybe I'll pick up a bottle of BG in my next order. Not sure I'm ready to get into the Epic, though.

It's really nice to hear that others wash their cars every week. For some reason people on my block give me a funny look because of how often I'm out there. Not that I care though, I have a thing for my new ride.

MiniMaybee · #12 05-08-2009, 10:55 PM

Every week my neighbor says "You'll wash the paint off that little car." - every stinking week.
Guess that's why he never washes his car - afraid the GM paint will wash right off. Probably true.

CR&PW&JB · #13 05-09-2009, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tortie

Maybe I'll pick up a bottle of BG in my next order. Not sure I'm ready to get into the Epic, though.

It's really nice to hear that others wash their cars every week. For some reason people on my block give me a funny look because of how often I'm out there. Not that I care though, I have a thing for my new ride.

BG won't do for your PW paint what it does for darker colors... which is add depth and improve the reflection. But still, it will add protection and maybe enhance the appearance a small amt (I can't tell much difference when I use it on our PW).

And hey... imagine what my neighbors say about me !

Tortie · #14 05-09-2009, 03:46 PM

Haha! I get the satisfaction of knowing that our cars are sitting pretty, all shiny and glossed, while our neighbors' are covered in whoknowswhat. I love when I get a compliment on how clean my car looks. Yeah, I'm on the way to being an OC washer, ha!

Oh I can just imagine how the BG looks on your JB (and probably the CR too for that matter). I'm all for protecting my PW's paint. I want to ensure that she stays beautiful for years to come.

CR&PW&JB · #15 05-09-2009, 04:27 PM

You're right on all counts.

Yes, the CR and JB look stunning all polished and with a fresh coat of BG.

And yes, it's great knowing that you're ensuring your car looks like new when it's five years old.

kurisu · #16 05-09-2009, 06:49 PM

Good stuff @tortie ! I recently made the switch to Prima and couldn't be happier ! Wait! Scratch that. I could be happier but am so frustrated that I can't get to try BG!

The products are top notch and the results are awesome. So now we need visual aids from you (read: we want pictures!)

Tortie · #17 05-09-2009, 08:13 PM

@kurisu: You just need to make a quick order, problem solved.

But really, the products are top notch and the results are awesome, as you said.

This week I'll spend a bit more time and really get her looking good. Then I'll be sure to add some pictures.

cadfael_tex · #18 05-09-2009, 08:48 PM

Think Kurisu's big problem is getting Prima in Japan. No go on BG Kurisu, can't even get it the slow boat route?

**LadyGodiva** · #19 05-09-2009, 08:59 PM

Prima RAWKS!

I have pics in my gallery of my HC Clubbie after her first Prima detailing. Sa-weet!

Tortie · #20 05-09-2009, 09:03 PM

Oh, oh, sorry about that, kurisu.

@LadyGodiva: Love that bonnet shot! You can't go wrong with the HC, too, such a great color! Seeing your gallery only makes me want to wash Jersey again (and take pictures this time).

**lotsie** · #21 05-10-2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CR&PW&JB

And yes, it's great knowing that you're ensuring your car looks like new when it's five years old.

Or 6, with 105K miles.

This is year 3 for Prima products

Mark

kurisu · #22 05-10-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadfael_tex

Think Kurisu's big problem is getting Prima in Japan. No go on BG Kurisu, can't even get it the slow boat route?

Nope, small parcels are very much regulated, the kind souls at DP have studied the problem and the only way around it would be to order at least a pallet of BG... Which in a way sounds fun but I wouldn't know what to do with that nor would I have a place to store it...
Maybe one day Prima will have a branch office in Japan:D ???

Lotsie : I really dig your BRG Cooper. My old Miata was BRG, such a fun sexy car :-) ah, I am getting nostalgic...

Tortie · #23 05-11-2009, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lotsie

Or 6, with 105K miles.

This is year 3 for Prima products

Mark

Absolutely beautiful! If you had told me that you just picked up your BRG, I would have totally believed you! You just can't beat a 6 year old car looking like the day you brought it home. Great job!

**LadyGodiva** · #24 05-11-2009, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tortie

@LadyGodiva: Love that bonnet shot! You can't go wrong with the HC, too, such a great color! Seeing your gallery only makes me want to wash Jersey again (and take pictures this time).

Thanks!

**lotsie** · #25 05-11-2009, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tortie

Absolutely beautiful! If you had told me that you just picked up your BRG, I would have totally believed you! You just can't beat a 6 year old car looking like the day you brought it home. Great job!

Better than the day I got him

Thanks

Mark