No sunroof issues at all, but if I had to do it again I wouldn't get it. I got it for my wife, but NOW I've figured out it is really MY car.... Duh! It's about a hundred pounds of weight exactly where it shouldn't be.

 

I've not had a Sunroof until Molly. It will be up to Hubby as to whether or not he wants to deal with the Sunroof issues. We did turn the A/C on today to cool the car down, I told Hubby that that should make it work, and sure enough after a few minutes I hit the switch and open she goes.

Here's a Funny Story that happened on Friday when we dropped Molly off...Hubby thought I was going to take out our SA, it was not Ann, and I was NOT happy. Molly has the Passenger Window Gremlin as you've read in passed posts. I let the SA know, after he mentioned the Re-initialization supposed fix, that that will NOT fix the window and that Molly will be back for a new window motor.

After re-reading numerous posts on the issue the newest program does not fix the issue, the only permanent fix so far is to replace the window motor, many people have noted numerous trips to their dealer for this same issue.

 

Good luck with the window Gremlin RJ. Dealing with Ann is the best way to go if you can.

Warmest day of the year so far!! Enjoy it everyone. Gotta take a drive this morning....

 

Picked up Molly!!! WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!

So Far Window Gremlins have not reared their heads, but I'm just waiting for something to go wrong with them...I'll be spitting out one SA!!!

BTW...the British Flag Side Scuttles L@@K FANTASTIC!!! If the weather cooperates this weekend I'll post pics.

I did have the FUN of Re-Pairing our phones, and all the other intricate details of the OBC this evening.

Oh and someone help me out here...I've got 3mm left on the Tires until I run to the WearBars...what kind of mileage am I looking at?? I'm looking at getting a new set of tires in October before the rains hit. I like how the Yokohama S-Drives look.

 

I can't wait to see the Union Jack side scuttles!

Hubby and I did the oil change today, and I got the 100.00 check for using my card. Side scuttles in the near future, perhaps!

Gorgeous weather, club meet this morning. . . life is good in MINI land!

 

I'll go and snap a pic. really quick...I'm being a Scum Bumb today as I fell ill last night, but managed to detail the interior of Molly this AM, a full Bath and Detail will have to wait 'til next weekend.

A bit cool here today, but temps. in the 60's next week!!

 

Well Gang I think you will agree that Molly looks FANTASTIC with her new British Flag Side Scuttles!!

 

Absobloominlutely loverly!!

 

Thanks Scoop!! She is a bit of a Diva!!

 

I've seen that garage. It is the Diva's Den! She looks great.

The Yoko S Drives do look good. You've got the 16" wheels don't you? No run-flats? Ultra High Performance All-Seasons?

 

Nope Mini2na, she's runnin' on RF's 16" Goodyear Exclaim. That's why I had so much trouble this last winter getting up in our Driveway. When I ordered her I figured she's a SportsCar...better get UHP Performance Tires, I'll admit DUMB idea!! Looks like the Yoko S Drives are a Summer Only as well?? Oh well I still have some time to decide and save up for what ever will L@@K the Best and Ride the Best...I DO have a Space Saver Spare however, so I can go with Non-RF's if I so choose!!

What do you think of the Chrome Line Exterior...just the Lower Grill and possibly the Fog Light Surrounds?? At first I didn't like the L@@K, but it's growing on me the more I see it!!

 

I'm going non-runflat soon also. I'm sure my driving school next weekend will spur the decision. Actually considering a switch down to 16" if other participants recommend that.

I saw the Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season's on a Mini with Konig Feathers. SWEET. The tires have a rim protector lip on them to help with curb rash. I loved the look of them.

The other tire I'm considering are some Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid... available at a local Firestone dealer for under $90 for the 17"s.

Both get mid-high marks and should be miles better in performance and comfort from our run-smacks.

Chrome.... It is one decision I regret, together with white indicator lights. I love the look of chrome. When I replace my 25lb wheels, I'm getting something with some shine. I hear that adding the interior or exterior chrome is expensive.

 

FINALLY! Chrome is winning converts! Scoop can tell ya, that chrome gets lots of looks!

 

I've got the Chrome Line Interior including the Chrome Speaker Rings, so she's got BLING!! L@@KS mighty purdie all polished up!!

Think I have Hubby convinced on the S-Drives and on getting a new set of Wheels for Summer and keep the Bridgespokes for a set of Winter Tires...we'll have to wait and see.

 

Getting everything out of Frodo for SOLO II driving school tomorrow morning. I can NOT wait.

Not sure I can take pictures since I will either be driving or monitoring the course. I would love to document it. For me and my wife.....

 

Mini2na...where's it at?? What time?? I have my Golf Clinic from 11-12. But I might be able to meet you there and document the driving school for you both.

 

PIR main gate - South Paddock 7:30-12:00 and 12:45-3:30
Woo Hoo!

 

Hi everyone!! Took me a while to get updated on all that's been going on!

RJ - Molly looks terrific!! I can hear the "dueling Portland area MINI's" music from here!!

Mini2na - I have to admit I am BRG with jealousy over your driving school. I hope you do have a camera crew or at least can relay all the details of what it is like. When I first got on NAM I remember reading an account that someone posted of their first driving school experience. Sounded like a rush!!

BlueBelle came through her surgery very well and looks beautiful again. I'm a few thousand miles from ordering my 2nd set of tires She is just shy of 36k now... I've been looking at replacing the wheels with the feathers as well - maybe in 17's. I know they are a little heaver than the 16's but I've heard they are better handling? I will be interested to hear what you find out MINI2NA.

I'm thinking about joining the Eugene autocross club. They also have a hillclimb event that looks like it would be a lot of fun.

I haven't gone back on the race track yet to see if I can overcome my claustrophobia. I finally figured out that I had a kind of panic attack when I went on the track last time. I had the special driving suite, shoes, gloves, neck brace and helmet that had a very small vision area. This is in addition to the seat that molds all the way around your body up to the top of your rib cage and the 5 point harness.

I hope the rain doesn't dampen ya'alls weekend!!

 

Mini2na...looks like my afternoon plans have changed. I won't have the afternoon free after all. Hubby was supposed to go to a friends house, but his plans fell through. I'm terribly sorry.

Thanks MiniCounter!! The weather had better hold out for Molly's Bath, I can detail her in the garage. I don't mind some rain, but wind and rain don't make for a FUN Bath Time!!

Got any recent pics. of Bluebelle?? I'm sure she appreciates the care you've given her!! I've had a few close calls this last week, darn jealous drivers anyway!! Monday PM I was on my way home, I had a POS come over into my lane, I was in the center lane. I was able to move over into the right lane, but as soon as I tried moving back over into my lane again the SOB Van that was behind me all along was RIGHT THERE!! I had never fully left the lane, just a knee jerk reaction to being shoved over about 3 ft.

BTW...I'm not one to make suggestions on places to eat in PDX, because I usually don't know where anything is. Hubby is Co-Pilot!! But if you've never tried Pambiche (28th & Glissan) it might just be worth your while!! We ate there tonight for the 1st time, we pass it on days when we have to take city streets due to I-84W being backed up. It is small inside, we did have a bit of a wait, but the food was SOOOooooo WORTH IT!!

 

How I spent my 100.00 credit...
Well, I was planning to get side scuttles for Scoop, Union Jack, of course! Moss has them for 120.00, though, and I thought I'd check out some other stuff. So I came home with MINI Union Jack valve stems to replace the others I bought at a meet and don't like. AND I got a MINI purse with all kinds of MINIs and stripy colours. I'm so excited! Side scuttles will have to wait another few months. I LOVE my purse!

 

Purse pictures please!!!

Now for my weekend adventure.
Saturday T and I got up and went to PIR south paddock at 7:30 am. A bustle of activity. Cones being set out, flag ropes being strung, timing electronics being configured. We were both a bundle of nerves, T more than myself. I kinda knew what this was about since I ran my '60 Bugeye twice in what was termed a Gymkhana back in the '70s.

We got fitted with loaner helmets and then took Frodo through tech inspection. Basically it had to be road worthy and everything out of it. Towels, coats, oil, lug wrench, lunch and such had gone into a couple of plastic totes. We chose the #22 and used blue painters tape to put it on the door panel. The tech guys were smirking a bit and I finally asked why. They pointed out that most people chose a combination of #1s and #7 since they were easy to tape off. Well, T got to add a 1 to the number when she drove... #122.

We walked the course a couple of times with various people who seemed to know what they were talking about. "Go in SLOW to come out FAST" was the mantra to learn. I knew a bit about apexes of turns so I tried to visualize my path. T said all she was doing was learning where to go between cones.

The driver's meeting told us we were responsible for all damage and that insurance would probably not pay for it since this was deemed a competition. They also said that there were few accidents beyond those where the car actually malfunctioned.

AM session began at 9AM. For the first half, I drove and T worked in the field in turn 3. I gridded the car second. I met my instructor Morris. Great guy. Helmet on, GC Lock tightened, DSC off, Sport ON.... off to the start box. Timer asks if I am ready, the first car is halfway through the course and I get the GO! Rev to 4000, dump the clutch and promptly forget everything anyone said to me.

I went into most turns too fast and plowed through them. I didn't mow down any innocent cones that first run. I'm also not sure that I took a breath. Finished with a 45.520. Then I brought Frodo back into the grid to wait for the next run. The instructor gave me a few tips and we talked about mistakes. Did a total of 7 runs, the instructor did 2. I brought my times down to 42.667.

The second half of the AM session was switched. T drove and I worked corner 3. She started off slower than I did in her beginning runs, but ended up just behind me in times. GREAT JOB T!

During lunch the instructors went out. WOW! Their times were almost 10 seconds faster than the student's. I got to ride in a Z06 Corvette and a WRX. I felt what I wasn't doing. I was smooth, but these guys were accelerating and braking HARD.

The afternoon began to dry out a bit. Times went down. I finally reached a 40.373. WOOHOO!

Had lots of fun. Learned lots in 14 runs. It is the way to go when you are just getting started. The run-flats are terrible. Sticky tires are a must if you get serious.

I went back to the REAL SOLO II event on Sunday. My class ran in the PM. I drove Street Tire G Stock. 80 cars, all types. The course had changed from the day before! Don't know for sure, but think I finished dead last, but in my 4 runs I improved 5 seconds.

Everyone should take the school, even if you don't want to continue to Autocross. It will teach you the limits of the car and will help teach the driver how to maneuver in tight, pressure packed situations. I want to bring my girls next year.

I think I've been bitten by the SOLO II bug. I can't wait to do it again. I want new tires, but don't really care if I'm competitive or not. I only want to get better. It seems pretty safe. I will wear the car a bit more than on the street but what price can you put on FUN!

I love Frodo more now than ever. He goes in for his Cold Start Chatter this Thursday. I'll have a loaner for a week. I've read some good reports on this fix. I've got my finger's crossed.

I only got a couple of pics of T driving. I will have access to more when the club posts them.

 

Scoopmama - a MINI purse for your MINI pen!! You are well accessorized (of course until verified by a picture it doesn't exists to the rest of us)

Mini2na - WOOT WOOT WOOT !!!!!!!
Wow - what a weekend you had! So glad you both got to drive. It looks like Frodo was grinning from ear-to-ear as well! Do you run the same course each time? It seems to me it would take some time just to figure out where you should be. I'm glad you didn't get rained out... we had bucket-loads this last weekend!

I definitely want to check the one out down here. They don't have instructors but I understand they have a separate 'novice' class for your first race. They also have parallel classes for the ladies so maybe if I have my own ladies novice class I could come in first (and last). I think the ALTA exhaust would put me in a separate division... even though I don't have my CAI anymore

I hope Frodo gets fixed up proper and you get a decent loaner!

Oh and thanks for sharing... living it vicariously is better than not at all!

 

Purse pictures definitely ScoopMama!!

Mini2na...so glad you had such a good time. If I were brave enough to take Molly through something like that I'd definitely have new tires first...I'M NOT THAT BRAVE!!

Molly got some much needed attention on Saturday, just before the Cats & Dogs started falling from the sky. I didn't do a major detail, just a wash, BW, Wheels, and Hydro. I also Swirl'd and Amigo'd the Exterior Windows and A-Pillars, water was beading very nicely tonight on the way home.
I'm ready to S@@ the SUN again!!

Got pricing on the Chrome pieces I'm looking for, now all I need is to know what the labor is going to be and see when I can swing it...Ann was not in today, she was ill, so only one SA was available and with a Customer so I said I would call back, no biggie!!

 

RJ - Don't be afraid of it. There is almost NO danger. All kinds of cars and all levels of drivers.... from FAST down to ME! What ever tires you are going to street drive it, get them then give it a try. Everyone is helpful and encouraging. They want converts to the sport. A good group of people.

Minicounter - The course remains the same for the full event and then changes for the next one. The School course was easier than the competition one the next day, but still doable. You could tell the newbies out there. #1- Their driving was not as aggressive or smooth. You could even tell the newbies with or without the school experience. #2- The level of support for the newbies was higher. If you were receptive, almost everyone would talk and give advice. #3-Newbies had blue painter's tape on their cars, regulars had diecut numbers. #4-All types of cars. The odd ones were a Cutlass Cierra and a '77 Rabbit. They did have fun though!

I didn't mention it, but I only had one shift on the whole course. Start in 1st, a shift to 2nd after two tight turns, then 2nd the rest of the way around. Top speed was about 45 for me (I think).

I'm trying to decide on tires now. I don't think I'll go all the way to summer tires this year, but go with NON runflat UHP all seasons. It looks like the Konig Feathers are the best bang for the buck in wheels.

 

I'll have pictures as soon as the purse is delivered to the dealership. Just think retro '60's!

Ahhh AutoX! What a blast! You described the entire experience so well! I was able to relive my experience last summer. (I've had pictures up on my wall, and my students think I'm rather cool, since Scoop was on 3 tires in one photo )

Warning: you will probably get the low tire pressure signal (lights and sound) soon. The turns really affect the air pressure. It's easy to remedy and reset the computer, but be ready!

You really did a ton of driving-awesome!

30 school days left!