I forgot to tell my dealer not to wash my car, now I have some awesome swirl marks

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 18, 2008 | 08:02 AM

#26

mini44

4th Gear

iTrader: (3)

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 317

Likes: 0

I agree with Kenchen and the foam pad when using scratchx . It does work. If you have a sunroof be sure to tape off the felt. Do small sections and work it in, work it in, work it in. Wipe off the clear and go over it again. 3 or 4 applications might be needed. Your roof and pillars will probably take a couple hours. Get the kit I mentioned in the Next 2.0 thread, it has scratch x and a pad as well as some other great products for $24.77. You can follow that scratch x with next 2.0, will do some filling but who cares.

Jan 18, 2008 | 09:37 AM

#27

MD-IN-UK

3rd Gear

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 154

Likes: 0

From: Newport News, VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjork_duf

So I've got a black roof that was relatively swirl free until today. Now it looks like it was dried with sandpaper thanks to mountain view mini. Don't ever let them wash your car. I spaced out and forgot to tell them not to.

Anyway now that I have a bunch of extra work, I was thinking of using scratchx from meguiars. Would this be the best way to rehabilitate my roof? Or is there an easier/better product? I definitely want to use a product that REMOVES the swirls rather than covering them up. I've read through posts here and it seems that scratchx will do the trick. But since I'm lazy I thought I'd ask if there was a better/faster product to use... otherwise I'll just use the old elbow grease method.

Thanks!

I say teach the dealership a lesson. Get it fixed professionally and send them the bill.

That way, maybe they'll see the light and spend some money on a proper person for the job. Let's face it, not all MINI owners are looking to "DIY". Many don't want to, or simply can't. A good quality detailer in a dealership is worth his/her weight in gold, believe me.

Does this dealer have a customer comment or suggestion box? If so, use it my friend.

Jan 18, 2008 | 08:18 PM

#28

Minidrivr

6th Gear

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 2,881

Likes: 6

Quote:

Originally Posted by MD-IN-UK

I say teach the dealership a lesson. Get it fixed professionally and send them the bill.

Mini of Mountain View doesn't hand wash cars. They have an automated machine. It is also used by the BMW dealer next door, and possibly the Enterprise Rent-a-Car inside the BMW dealer. Every time I've been there they have cars lined up to get washed. It's not a no touch system, it's the big flappy fabric thing that beats into your car type of wash with a blow dry.

I had to call them back, but made sure they wouldn't wash mine last week. They didn't mind not washing it and it wasn't any big deal.

Sorry to hear about the scratches. That was one reason I got the roof body color. I am too OCD to own a black car.

Jan 19, 2008 | 07:30 AM

#29

MD-IN-UK

3rd Gear

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 154

Likes: 0

From: Newport News, VA

The truth must be known. Most all late model car wash systems use recycled water. Therefore.......surprise!!!! your fine piece of machinery is being cleaned with....you guessed it, dirty water.

This I know for a fact. I have repaired many a screwed up paint job for several car wash companies in my area, and they were only too willing to let me in on this almost unkown fact.

Imagine what it would cost them to wash your vehicle if they used a fresh load of water for every wash. Instead of the $5.00 wash, it would probably be approaching twice that or more.....

Just makes good buiseness sense if thats the way you choose to make a living.

Jan 21, 2008 | 11:59 AM

#30

bee1000n

6th Gear

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 1,522

Likes: 7

From: San Diego, CA

To learn proper Scratch-X technique, check out OctaneGuy's video. There is a segment on hand-polishing with Scratch-X right near the beginning. Based on it, my guess is it would take an hour or more to get swirls out of your roof using Scratch-X by hand.