Production Week 27 (July 3, 2006) Support Group
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Thanks guys!!! I can't wait to see everyone elses now! 
I love my little cube at work too because I have a wall of windows with this fancy looking friend of mine parked right outside. I swear he keeps telling me to come on out and take a drive though.
Drew
I love my little cube at work too because I have a wall of windows with this fancy looking friend of mine parked right outside. I swear he keeps telling me to come on out and take a drive though.
Drew
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
She's in the waiting room!
The Auto Banner is officially on the "radar". She's in the "Panama Atlantic Approach"
Auto Banner MINIS: I studied the Daily Report and est. waiting time for "Supers", a ship with a beam (width) of more than 91 feet, is 24 hours. The Auto Banner is almost 106 ft wide. She arrived about 4 AM this morning. By tomorrow morning she'll hopefully be crossing the bar.
So, we wait...but now we can watch a little. Hope to catch her on the Panamacanalcam.
EDIT: The Hoegh tracking site shows departure pushed back to 8/2. We officially are back one day. Hopefully they crank it up and make it to PH on time!
Auto Banner MINIS: I studied the Daily Report and est. waiting time for "Supers", a ship with a beam (width) of more than 91 feet, is 24 hours. The Auto Banner is almost 106 ft wide. She arrived about 4 AM this morning. By tomorrow morning she'll hopefully be crossing the bar.
So, we wait...but now we can watch a little. Hope to catch her on the Panamacanalcam.
EDIT: The Hoegh tracking site shows departure pushed back to 8/2. We officially are back one day. Hopefully they crank it up and make it to PH on time!
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg, VA
Originally Posted by creseida
I've been introducing all of my relatives to Buddha. So far everyone likes Buddha and Buddha likes everyone. Buddha gave everyone test rides and test drives.
Then, two of my friends came over...well, Buddha was a bit miffed that they gave him the cold shoulder. "So? You bought another car?" Buddha says he doesn't want to give them rides, or go visit them. Besides, they live in Northern VA, and he doesn't like Northern VA. He says it reminds him too much of New Jersey, and he didn't like it there either.
I have discovered that Buddha is very opinionated.
Then, two of my friends came over...well, Buddha was a bit miffed that they gave him the cold shoulder. "So? You bought another car?" Buddha says he doesn't want to give them rides, or go visit them. Besides, they live in Northern VA, and he doesn't like Northern VA. He says it reminds him too much of New Jersey, and he didn't like it there either.
I have discovered that Buddha is very opinionated.
I love it... Northern VA is not my little guy's favorite place either! He doesn't like all the semi-trucks and rude drivers on I-95...
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Have you guys seen the show on Discovery or National Geo. that shows the process of taking a "Super" through the canal? It is an amazing task. I saw it around a year ago, but I think it was an auto-carrier like the Auto Banner. It would be great o find that show and see if there is any relation to WW or the MINIs.
Drew
Drew
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg, VA
Originally Posted by creseida
I have 460 miles on Buddha. Every one has been pleasurable.
I do have a question...does anyone have a bra on their car, and if so, how do you keep the hood section from flapping? I've never seen such a crappy design for a bra before. The tie down straps keep loosening up, and 10 miles down the road...flapflapflap....grrr.
I do have a question...does anyone have a bra on their car, and if so, how do you keep the hood section from flapping? I've never seen such a crappy design for a bra before. The tie down straps keep loosening up, and 10 miles down the road...flapflapflap....grrr.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Northern Jersey
Hello all. Sorry I've been MIA for the past couple of days. I have the greatest excuse, though.
Well I've had Dash for 4 days now. He has just over 300 miles on him already. He's met the family and my friends. They all love him. I've gotten
from some MINI drivers and stares from people on the street.
His supercharger whining sound is so addicting. The xenon lights are really bright. The H/K stereo was well worth it--it's amazing. Cornering hard and fast has never put a big
on my face. I've kept him under 4K rpms, hitting 4.5K and 5K once because I wasn't paying attention. 
Some questions I have for those who have theirs already:
Well I've had Dash for 4 days now. He has just over 300 miles on him already. He's met the family and my friends. They all love him. I've gotten
from some MINI drivers and stares from people on the street.His supercharger whining sound is so addicting. The xenon lights are really bright. The H/K stereo was well worth it--it's amazing. Cornering hard and fast has never put a big
on my face. I've kept him under 4K rpms, hitting 4.5K and 5K once because I wasn't paying attention. Some questions I have for those who have theirs already:
- I thought the ID3 tags from the iPod can be displayed on the stock headunit? I see "TR##." Is this an option I have to turn on?
- The stereo keeps shutting off every 30 minutes or so while driving. I remember reading it can play for 30 minutes after you remove the key from the ignition. It's like it thinks the ignition is "off" when in fact it's not. Perhaps a wiring issue during the iPod adapter install? Is there something I can do on my own instead of driving all the way to the dealership?
- The S-lites have collected a load of brake dust. What's the best and easiest way to clean them and keep them clean?
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Northern Jersey
Originally Posted by HPUdrew
Guys, this is BLISS. He and I had a great time today motoring around and getting to know each other. He had 7 miles when I drove off and has 117 now. It was a wonderful evening!!! They threw in front and boot rubber mats for free, but didn't do much else. Honestly though, I am happy just to finally be motoring! I'll be putting another 200-250 on him tomorrow and 1500 this weekend, so I will easily clear 2000 miles in my first week of ownership. I know I'll enjoy every one of them too!!!
Drew
PS. Thats me, the 6'3" 250lb fellow in the wonderfully matching blue shirt. Pfft, and they said I wouldn't fit in a MINI! Oh, and more pics are in the gallery.
It was a wonderful evening!!! They threw in front and boot rubber mats for free, but didn't do much else. Honestly though, I am happy just to finally be motoring! I'll be putting another 200-250 on him tomorrow and 1500 this weekend, so I will easily clear 2000 miles in my first week of ownership. I know I'll enjoy every one of them too!!!Drew
PS. Thats me, the 6'3" 250lb fellow in the wonderfully matching blue shirt. Pfft, and they said I wouldn't fit in a MINI! Oh, and more pics are in the gallery.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Originally Posted by crishchun
The S-lites have collected a load of brake dust. What's the best and easiest way to clean them and keep them clean?
(Just had to get that out. )
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Originally Posted by Red Scooter
OK, that's just CRUEL. No I do NOT know how to clean brake dust off my MINIs S-Lites because I DO NOT HAVE MY MINI...YET! (Just had to get that out. )
(Just had to get that out. ) I haven't cleaned mine yet... but I can tell you from years of keeping cars spotless 90% of the time... The best way to clean your wheels is to use a simple rag (terry, micro, diaper, etc) and just do it often. I usually carry a little kit with me at all times and it includes:2-3 Pages of Newspaper
Aerosol Window cleaner (stoners)
Microfiber towel for interior dust
Car duster
Terry towel for wheels, wheel wells
Meguiers Quick Detail spray
2-3 clean Microfiber/Terry towels for exterior/engine cleaning
Rain-X
paper towels
Honestly, I will probably "quick clean" my car every other day when it is dry out, and will wash it after a couple of days of rain. It only takes a couple of minutes to wipe down wheels when they only have a little dust on them, but if you wait a week or more it builds up and is harder to get off. Hope that helps.
Drew
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Originally Posted by Crusoe
Congrats to those who are already motoring. With daily updates from Red Scooter our anticipation grows as Pepe draws nearer.
I thought I would mellow out after Jake got on a ship. NOT! Sounds like another baby has been named! I like!
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
1 day behind
Arrrgh. Hoegh reports that the Auto Banner won't be in to PH until 8/10.
Hopefully, she will stay on schedule for passage tomorrow. Looks like the wait may be getting worse into the month (TRYING to find the silver lining here).
Buh-bye...
Hopefully, she will stay on schedule for passage tomorrow. Looks like the wait may be getting worse into the month (TRYING to find the silver lining here).
Buh-bye...
Evie's in! She's just arrived at the dealer!
Waiting to hear more (MA is checking on how long accessory install will take), maybe get some pics to put up...but for now I'm just so friggin' giddy!
Waiting to hear more (MA is checking on how long accessory install will take), maybe get some pics to put up...but for now I'm just so friggin' giddy!
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Originally Posted by Doogs
Evie's in! She's just arrived at the dealer!
Waiting to hear more (MA is checking on how long accessory install will take), maybe get some pics to put up...but for now I'm just so friggin' giddy!
Waiting to hear more (MA is checking on how long accessory install will take), maybe get some pics to put up...but for now I'm just so friggin' giddy!
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Northern Jersey
Originally Posted by Doogs
Evie's in! She's just arrived at the dealer!
Waiting to hear more (MA is checking on how long accessory install will take), maybe get some pics to put up...but for now I'm just so friggin' giddy!
Waiting to hear more (MA is checking on how long accessory install will take), maybe get some pics to put up...but for now I'm just so friggin' giddy!
Originally Posted by crishchun
That's great news, Doogs! Look at that! Weren't you shooting for a mid-August pickup?? Let us know when you're going to pick up Evie!
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: Winston-Salem, NC
Yeah I was impressed with my delivery time. I ordered it on June 23rd, a Friday night at around 5pm. I picked it up on Monday, July 31st and around the same time. 5 weeks for a custom ordered car, built across the big lake at that, I was impressed. :-)
Drew
Drew
Coordinator :: Houston MINI Motoring Society
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
From: Katy, TX
Doogs! That's wonderful! I'm sitting here hoping that Mary got on a truck yesterday or today and Evie's already in SAT!
Christian, the MINI's OEM brake pads are notoriously dusty. The best way you can keep yours clean is to remove your rims and give them a thorough waxing. I recommend Zaino personally as it has anti-static qualities that help repel the dust.
Just remember, a MINI with dirty rims is a much-loved MINI!
Christian, the MINI's OEM brake pads are notoriously dusty. The best way you can keep yours clean is to remove your rims and give them a thorough waxing. I recommend Zaino personally as it has anti-static qualities that help repel the dust.
Just remember, a MINI with dirty rims is a much-loved MINI!