thanks for all your input gang, you are all very knowledgable in this subject. i think i am more confused than ever. when i get the car if it ever comes in (different blog) i will wash it probably with dawn and a wool mit, then clay it, then i am reaaly not sure what i will do for the winter protection? everyone seems to be from different climates and have different opinions.

 

You're on the right track. A paint cleansing lotion like P21S, Pinnacle or whatever the prima equivalent is (amigo i think) will clean the paint up nicely for the next stage and give it a good shine and depth. Follow up with a good paint sealant and a durable wax. There are thousands of different combinations you could go with there, you could even get away with just a sealant.

I might be able to try out the duragloss 601/105 and collinite combo on my girlfriends mini this weekend, but I'm not sure if she has to work

 

Now, i do not know where in Colorado MiniMaybee is but, given the fact that he has the cold weather package he must get some snow, in which case his recommendations for winter protection should work just fin for people from new england like us.

Your in Vermont, so you probably get more snow then me (southwest CT). In any event, i am going to stick with the Epic i currently use and continue to spray it down with Hydro (spray on wax) everytime i wash.

Fingers crossed that gets me through the winter.

 

I would recommend that after you clean, and clay, Seal with the sealant of your choice, and then put a coat of hydro on it. It will give it a nice shine.