NAM used to be the place to hang out and find the best detailing advice for your MINI, but ever since Internet Brands took the site over, things have been getting progressively worse.

But not to fear, as many of you already know, I have a discussion forum.

www.ShowCarDetailing.com



If you want to learn how I use Prima on the cars I work on, everything from Aston Martin's, Maserati's, BMW M cars, to custom hot rods, or just your favorite MINI or Mini or daily driver be sure to bookmark the site. Also for advice directly from the Manufacturer (ME) of Black Wow, come on over and ask your questions or post before/afters!

As a special bonus, you might find appearances by our very own Heather and Nick on occasion.

An iPhone skin is in the works so you can keep tabs from your iPhone!

I also have a web store appropriately named

www.ShowCarSupplies.com



Navigation is simple. Before you start any car you begin by
Prepping the Paint (PREP).

Then you remove defects by POLISHING.

Then protecting it with a WAX.

Then for ongoing cleaning you need to MAINTAIN it.

Southern California residents can order online and pickup at their convenience to save shipping costs or you can just stop by and I'll give you my suggestions. For every purchase I offer free training for your specific application so you can be confident in your product choices and techniques.

If you would rather have me ship the order, you have choices there as well between FedEx or USPS..somewhere you'll find the most economical shipping method. And if I'm able to save you shipping by using Flat Rate, I will and refund the difference, so you can always be assured of the best shipping rates. I don't charge handling fees!

Want to schedule a detail, PM, Email, or Call me. If the price is right, I will even travel.

Richard

 

So does this mean that your job write-ups/photo sets are just going to be on the SCD forum site from now on?

I didn't notice the detailing subforums "going downhill" since IB took over, but I guess I can add the SCD site to my daily browsing. I certainly wouldn't want to miss any of your advice or pictures!

 

I guess I'm referring to the overall way that IB handles vendor related issues on NAM. It's pretty disheartening the direction things have been moving..maybe not in the 101 forum specifically.

Of course I will continue to post highlights of my writeups here, and I certainly wouldn't want to NOT be a vendor here...but who knows..there may come a time, when a small guy like me can no longer exist here. I've had to forgo both local and national MINI events this year. And the way IB does things, if I lose my status as a vendor, I will get banned. Wonderful way to treat members who've been here since almost day one of MCO/NAM.

I'm voicing this now, not because I'm worried, but because it'll be too late to bring this up AFTER the fact, lol.

Richard

 

Richard, I'm signed up on your site now, not really sure what took me so long. I'll post as soon as someone from your Admin. team gives me the OK

When this whole IB thing started, I was willing to give it chance, well that chance has come and gone, and to be fair(and not get banned), I think it stinks what the vendors now have to deal with. As to what the members have to deal with, I've spoken my mind on this many times here on NAM.

Mark

 

I just saw the registration. You're confirmed. Scott too. Thanks guys.

re: IB
Yes I know you know what's been going on. Oh well, it's not something that's going to get better. Really too bad for the community.


Richard

 

Sorry a bit OT, but I see in your banner that you do tinting also. I was just wondering how much it cost to tint a MINI?

 

We have a company that we contract the work out to. At our old shop, we had a guy who did the work onsite, but since we downsized, we just call him when we need him.

 

Just signed up.

 

Confirmed!

 

Come on over NAMOCDers (thanks Deviant) to SCD. We got a sale going on through Sunday that includes a freebie for all you "guys" that are coming over.

http://www.showcardetailing.com/foru...ed=1#post13513

 

OctaneGuy,
Is Banana Gloss better than Hydro?

 

They are very different products. You can't compare them that way.

BG is carnauba based
Hydro is a spray on synthetic

BG lasts 2 to 3 months
Hydro lasts 2 to 3 weeks

Hydro is super easy to use...spray on wet car and wipe dry
BG applies on any temperature dry paint..dries almost instantly and wipe off

BG will give more warmth to your paint..great for darker colors

You can use Hydro over BG to extend the protective qualities if you want

Which one is better depends on what your needs are.

Richard

 

How well does Banana Gloss stick to Slick? I use Slick to extend the time between washings, so the most recent application is usually no more than 2-3 days old.

 

Thanks for keeping your answer simple and to the point. I will contact you soon to come by and pick up some products.

 

No problem..just give me a call before coming by. I've been out a lot due to health issues and taxes...lol..both bad things.

Not sure..nothing really sticks to Slick, lol. I would just wash, use Slick as normal, wash, then do BG at the desired interval. BG can be done once a month or once every few months.

BG looks amazing. My preferred application steps on dark colors are Polish with Swirl, final polish with Amigo, then BG. I did this Z4M earlier this week. The owner is here on NAM too..he's got a MINI as well..he took these pix the day after the detail. I'll have a writeup on my site soon.

His Flickr pix








BEFORE
Holograms and Swirls

 

quick question, is Nero the best way to maintain the interior dash/trim?

 

There are pretty much two popular interior treatments...303 and Nero. I like Nero for it's matte finish, that darkens the interior textured plastic and leaves it smelling nice but not overpowering. For the glossy/painted bits, I like to use either Slick or Hydro both are good, and although Hydro is a wax and offers protection..it's not crucial for the interior pieces since it normally doesn't rain or get beat up by the sun or birds...well unless you've got a convertible.

Between 303 and Nero, I like Nero best..just my preference.

 

registered! gotta see what supplies i need!

 

Confirmed!!

For those that asked about Banana Gloss..don't forget that I include a large Microfiber Sponge applicator pad for free. Makes for super simple BG application.

Richard

 

Hey OG, big fan here and have registered! Awaiting confirmation, and is the sale still on till end of today? Got your video awhile back and just bought a PC and pad kit from Detailers Paradise. Just awaiting black pad that was backordered and a free weekend. But thinking about getting the One Grip and PC Guard combo and maybe some microfiber bonnets if you have them back in stock. Thanks for all your tips! Cheers

 

You're confirmed! Sale still on..through tomorrow. Ends Sunday night. I got all of three of those items in stock. Remember the OneGrip/PC Guard combo is on special right now for $10 off.

Richard

 

Thanks OG!

 

Order Sent!

 

Hi OG, I just washed my pepper white mini this afternoon and notice a lot of black tar like stuff on the side of the car. I tried Mystic, Slick and Clarity by Primo. non of the worked. will you give me some suggestion? thank you very much

 

Well none of those products are intended to remove petroleum type of products off the paint. You might try something like Simple Green or a bug & tar remover.

Mystique is intended to remove typical dirt off the paint and leave behind a glossy surface. Clarity is probably the strongest of the bunch there, and even that as a glass cleaner is pretty mild.

I would try Simple Green first.

Richard