OK, I know most ppl like to do it themselves but its cold and raining, so I dropped it off to be detailed. No pics, its still icky outside and late. Wheels and interior look no different to me although they did wax the wheels. Color of the shine was a much DEEPER color but I think I get it just as shiny with my klasse and carnuaba (I know, no Zaino)

They said:

1. Leather was a bit to dry, use the leather treatment more often? How often? I've been doing it once a month
2. No need to claybar, car nowhere that much dirt. too clean. Thats good since its cleaned at least once a week
3. They did not get the water spots off the black vinyl graphics. hmm, I read somewhere try claybar
4. Very Minor scratches but not worth compounding out. When I said "show me where" they came back with. No where on the paint! Just on some of the vinyl that you cant see with naked eye! Whats with that?

All in all, it is more picky clean than I would do like in the door jambs and the back hatch when lifted up (no clearcoat there)

Comments?

 

The important thing is that you are happy with the service and it sounds like they did a good job.

1. Leather dressing once a month is PLENTY normally. I wouldn't worry about your leather.

2. Sounds like you have been pampering your baby!

3. Claybar won't do it. A very fine abrasive like a paint cleanser or swirl remover and the softest pad will. You have to work carefull as the ink coating is very thin.

4. That's funny...they gave it the microscope test!

 

Well, in spite of what the detailers said I think that under normal circumstances conditioning the leather monthy is too much. The LeatherZ guys really know their leather and I try to follow their advise:

http://www.leatherz.com/leathercare2.htm


Perhaps its the product you are using (if it is dry) but to me the leather should feel 'dry' to the touch not conditionery, and appear flat not shiny. Of course the 'hand' should be soft and not cracking in the surface, its just different... if you know what I mean :smile: I conditioned a car with Lexol awhile back pretty frequently and the texture of the leather changed, must have closed the pores or whatnot, and I regretted it, so I figure its better to be sparing instead.

 

Does this all hold true for leatherette?

 

Nope, 'ette is a man made material (aka plastic) and should not be treated like leather, there are products made specifically for detailling it. Although it is vinyl and durable it is a good idea to treat it as it can stiffen, crack, etc over time and better safe then sorry as they say :smile:

 

chows4us, winter has set in here, we had a foot of snow this week, and I can only wash my MINI at wandwashes for the next few months.

I did get 3 coats of NXT wax on before the snow came.

It is going above freezing here today, going to go wash the car, it's pretty dirty, and see if I can get some NXT Booster wax on. Hopefully in the sun, the body will be warm enough.

I use Aerospace 303 on my leatherette, works great

 

I know, I dread the cold coming. The detailer guy said it didnt need to be waxed again for four months ... then winked and said add a layer in one month! Not sure about that as we CAN get snow in December (and have).

This is going to irritate my wife a lot since SHE loves to go wash the wheels!

 

I wish I could get my wife out in the driveway to wash the car with me... That way I'd get to see her more than once a week

 

Well, when you car arrives, make sure she drives it ... then she will help take care of it!

 

Question for you guys.
Is it safe to get the car detailed? It is getting pretty cold and although I don't use the car much I wouldn't mind a supper nice detailing job. My only concern is that my mini is jet black and I have kept it quite nice. Nevertheless, is the first time I own a car in cold weather and unless I buy a 4mm full wetsuit with booties and gloves I can't see myself getting down and dirty for a while.
Suggestions for places to go? what to look for? Any recomendations for my area?
I currently live in Manhattan and needless to say, not a very car caring place.
PS: the car sleeps indoors in its own garage space.
thanks,

 

As in my original post for this thread, I got the car back from being "detailed" about 5 days ago or so. No issues whatsoever

Now, its snowing!!!

I hate winter