Thanks OG, I think I might just add this to my order. I don't think I will get any product from them though since I am fine with what I use now. But they do have some fun garage items and I'm still thinking about the detailing stool. Might save some back wear-n-tear.

 

nnnn.. that extra umph! (15lbs) apparantly fixed the problem.

 

Ok so a different question. What is your favorite flashlight that you keep in the MINI and where can I get one? LOL. I'm looking for an LED flashlight--maybe Maglite or maybe something I can find on eBay, doesn't matter that I can use should I get stranded and have to fix a tire etc.. My little pocket LED keychain light won't do.

I saw the one at Griots that plugs into the cig lighter and like the look, but my Cig lighter has a splitter coming off it for all my devices. =)

Richard

 

OG- for the ones that you keep for emergencies, get the wind-up one.
i use a maglite in my garage but it seems like every time i want to use it
the battery is dead.

i saw one at walgreens for like $10.

found a pict

http://www.amazon.com/Dynamo-Illumin...8784593&sr=8-1


also, for anyone doing installs, etc. get the sears workglasses
with the LED flash lights on them. they are must-haves.
you an get replacement batteries at www.amazon.com for very
cheap.

the one i have has 2 LED's and 2 switches per side, but i usually only use
one LED per side.

 

I saw a baseball cap with 4 bright LEDs imbedded in the end of the bill.

 

how do you wind it up?

 

you twist your ears.

 

Thanks I've seen that. Hmmm, I'll keep looking. As for getting more and more off topic. I've been researching possible a new possible commuter car for myself--650 miles to the tank versus my current 260 miles would be welcome. I was looking at a Honda Insight, and then I came upon this...oooh I think this will be my next car---not to replace the MINI, though..got to save up my $$$ and sell more Black Wow. lol. My brother has a Prius, but I'm not crazy about them.

http://www.flytheroad.com/

See the video if you haven't see this before. I read about this car awhile back, and it's pretty cool to see that it's going to be available here in the states. A childseat is an option, lol.

=)

Richard

 

huh... the CivicEX sedan i had was able to do 36mpg in real world... not
sure if you like civics but they have a hybrid version too. i traded that
car in 3wks ago and got a 08FitSport5MT. luv the car.

 

Santa gave our kids these 6-LED headlamps for Christmas - they rock - I think I'll get one for the bag in the car... would be excellent for night time roadside issues...



I currently carry one of these Stanley LED "tripod" lights - seems like it would be a good thing for tire changes - though now I like the headlamps better...


No ear-winding required for either.

 

Oh no I remember the old CRX HF did 50mpg and wasn't a hybrid, lol. 36mpg isn't a big enough improvement. I'm filling up 2 1/2 times a week right now--so something that can let me fill up once a week would be nice. Another NAMer has an Insight, says he gets about 90mpg on the freeway or about 62mph on average. I'm spending close to $5,000 a year just on gas right now, halving that or doing 1/3rd of that will let me put more money towards manufacturing new products, lol.

But that Carver at 100mpg with a 4 gallon tank---now that's sweet. I don't want to dumb down my commute either, lol.

 

blimey- the problem with any flashlight even if LED is that alkaline batteries
do not last long when placed inside cars...the super hot and super cold
is waaay outside the battery's storage temperatures...thus it kills them
prematurely... they kept failing me when i really needed them to work.
so, i carry the windups in the trunk for backup.

 

well, you're talking about some 89hp car back in the early 90's.
you try pulling your detailing trailer and the motor probably falls out
of the chassis.

i suppose if you're just wanting transportation for yourself and a
box of goodies to carry, insight might work... but according to what
ML said about your driving, you might only net 30mpg even if it was
an insight.

 

Move to NC and buy a convertible. Problem solved.

 

uhhh... i think $10 would be cheaper.

 

We have a few crank type flashlights, they are great I got a crank type radio/LED flashlight/ secret compartment thingie for Christmas. It works off the crank dynamo, batteries, and solar power.

Not sure if I should stash it in one of the MINIs, or out in the carport.

Mark

 

If you cross thread things when you do them up they never come loose

Mark

 

I think the brits call that "cocktite"...

 

Those glasses are awesome . The sears near my house doesn't have them, but the one 7 miles away does. If only it wasn't a blizzard out here today I already would have gotten a pair.

I already had one of those cigarette lighter lights on my list, but I like the crank up idea too. Thanks for the tips.

 

you mean to tell me this now?





lol! no wonder they walk kinda funny.

np! just one of those things that get used all the time
when im working on my cars. and the windup flashlight works like a charm.
crank 30sec or so and it will stay on for like 15+min.

 

i just realized today (looking closer at my notes on my bb) that the
last time i charged my MCS was 12/06. yikes.... that means
he went without a charge for 21 days. very very bad for MINI.

i thought i charged him last on 12/15, but that was me checking the
battery on my G35C which can go 6wks without a charge and not
show much sign of drain.

so my MCS's getting a charge tonight. it was weird cause my charger
indicator didn't rise at all in the first hour...usually charging the car every
10days i would see the indicator rise to about 75% in 1hr and finish in about
total 6hrs at 2A. i think this is going to be an all-nighter charge. im
glad i caught it though.

 

I got one of these at a Christmas exchange gift

I will keep it in the MINI as well.

 

cool! yes, definitely a keeper. everyone should have one in their car.

 

I have one of those wind-up flashlights too. I used to keep it in the glove box but then I got this little short fat LCD flashlight and it takes up less space (it's like 1.25 inches across, and maybe 3.5 or 4 inches long) and gives more light so I swapped it out.

 

Yes, I'll have to sort out the glove compartment tomorrow and make some room.

By the way, does anyone have that MINI light that plugs into the cigarette lighter slot? Any good?