Okay, now I'm scared

 

hey brian, for the wheel bearings you need to raise the front end (or rear depending where you think the noise is) and shake the wheel. if it moves up or down (even a small amount) it is either the wheel bearing or lower ball-joint. if it moves side to side (without alot of effort) it is a tie rod end... if you need me to look at it some time i can. i could go for a ride and tell you if the wheel bearings are a consideration to... done a few myself...lol

 

sounds good, when is good to pick you up for a quick jaunt?

 

if at work, i take lunch from 1-2. otherwise i usually get home around 6:10ish. could go anytime after that almost any night. do you have my phone number?

 

MINImania.com had a good sale. I purchased the oil filter, seal & plug kit and some Black Wow, all on sale. While I was making this necessity purchase, I ordered a new accessory for Gozer. Got her some new valve stem caps (the MINI logo). That is about all the 'mod' I can handle on my own! Besides, us girls need a little bling now and then.

 

When the filter et al. and BW take priority over the bling, it's a sure sign that you are a true MINI motoring gal who's not afraid to get her hands dirty.

Does Tom realize how fortunate he is?

 

Ha! He says I'm the lucky one since he bought me the car. Can't argue with that logic!

 

OK this is not a MINI mod -- YET!

While picking up the new Clubman I was looking over a BMW 750i, with lots of toys. A useful bit was the Night Vision option @ $2600. I see at BMW USA that you can have it with Heads-up Display for $3900.

I have been looking for something similar, but affordable, for the MINIs, that would help keep deer off the bonnet and windscreen. No luck so far; has anyone else researched it?

 

Congrats on the delivery! Keep it out of the snow today.

I've not heard of any after-market night vision systems. The car companies still seem to be fleshing out the technology.

I guess you could always wear one of these:

 

That would make one fine hood ornament

 

My valve stem caps are here!! Oooohhh, they look purty! We look forward to showing them off on the 25th. I do realize they can't compete with a new Clubman !Or even with a possible surprise from Mariachick but what the heck.

The weekend of the 18th is my detailing weekend. I hope the weather cooperates. I have a question-should I clay bar inside a building or is outside acceptable & safe? Thanks for any advise.

 

Claying in the garage is fine and probably preferable to keep particles in the air from settling on the paint during the process...unless, of course, you're using some nasty smelling lubricant that has big skull-and-crossbones warning labels all over it.

-1 for no pictures of your caps with your post...

 

I am at work! Give me a couple of hours!

 

Claying should be done with cool paint so with your dark color I would say inside to be safe.

Make sure of a few things if you drop the clay throw it away.
Make sure to split the clay bar in half and only work with half at a time that way when the first thing happens you will still have some to complete the job. Also plan on waxing afterward or your paint will be 100% unprotected.

 

I have worked out a deal with my son to spend the day in his garage. It will only cost me pizza!

I am planning on sticking with Turtle Wax. Is there something more/better I should use?

 

I am planning on using Valvoline Edge as recommended to me at Granite City Thanks!

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3028273...7616560203558/

This is a link to pictures of the valve stem caps. ( I don't know how to put the actual photos here.) I know the wheels are dirty! Hence the detailing day on the 19th at the Miata garage.

 

turtle wax is not the best for sure

Get Mothers or Meguires for commercial store or zymol

 

valvoline edge? i know of castrol edge engine oil. that is what i am using currently. i agre with D3mOn turtle wax is no where near the best, it was about 22 years ago. Mothers and Meguires are very good, i've got the meguires gold kit at home right now it it is awesome. also, i've had good luck in the past with the stuff in the orange bottle, can't remember the name right now. sorry good luck with the clay, very good day project.

 

Here's a link to what we use if you want to go mail order. Goes on and comes back off with ease!

http://detailersparadise.com/View.as...20060714131508

By the way......valve caps look great. Can't wait to see them.

 

Epic followed by Hydro a day later gives you great paint depth thats what I use.

 

Lots of good suggestions -- everyone will always have their favorite. Kinda depends on whether you want to go with a natural wax like carnuba, a synthetic, or a hybrid (e.g., Banana Gloss from DP).

You might find this thread to be an interesting read:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...orite-wax.html

Whatever you decide, I'm sure Gozer will gleam.

 

Great suggestions! Thanks! Yes, Turtle Wax is back from my younger day when I had cool cars BC (before children). Obviously showing my age. I will need to research this a bit more before I choose a product. I am sure that Miata person I know will have a few suggestions, too. We usually spend a portion of each day discussing cars and sharing car related on-line finds. We only do this during our work breaks-really! (FYI-we work for the same person-Tom!)

 

After much deliberation and research on the subject of the best wax and/or polish(on which there is way too much information ) I think I have found the best way to chose. It involves complicated scientific and mathematic equations and may be too rigorous for some but it is a sure fire formula for me. I intend to go to my nearest auto parts store and choose the prettiest bottle! What the heck, it's just wax and will need to be redone again soon anyhow. And that's half the fun. Well, maybe only a quarter of the fun.

 

1st MOD .... Union Jacks.



2nd MOD .... PIAA EuroTech Vintage wheels.



3rd MOD .... 2 coats of Prima Epic after Dawn & clay.



And the BEST MOD ....