Dropped mine off at the dealer for the cam chain recall. Picked up a '14 Countryman S auto as a loaner. I'm killin' myself getting in and out of the smaller front door.

 

Howzuh - thanks for the help with the thumbnails!

The list below is what i do for the first time. After that you can just use Z-AIO or Z-5 PRO followed by Z-6. There is a lot of overlap in their products so there are probably many other sequences that work just as well.

• wash car with Dawn to remove old wax (i use Dawn for the first wash only) - once i have "Zaino-ed" my car i use the Zaino wash product thereafter)
• wax with Z-AIO
• wax with Z-5 PRO
• apply a coat of Z-CS (you don't buff this off, just apply and let dry)
• possibly finish with Z-6 (very fast). You can also use this as a quick detailing spray

I would love to hear some feedback from other Zaino users as to what products / sequences they use. I am by no means an expert.

 

Copy that. Thanks!

 

Well I should probably just forget about this post, and go update my RatRod thread.

Nothing to see here today but wax... Please continue.

 

I have done everything I wanted to my Little Mini over the years. The crowning touch would be to add the NAM grill badge and cool decal I was promised when I "joined" in late November 2013. Perhaps it will come next year. Please Please !

 

I put a sport antennae and did the noise box mod...like the results...mmmm what is next...?

 

I used to do the Zaino system just like their directions said. And the results were amazing. But gradually I kept trying other things, and never went back to Zaino. Now, I claybar, machine polish, then basecoat with Blackfire Wet Diamond polymer, then top with multiple coates of P21S 100% carnauba wax. I still use Zaino wash shampoo, as it seems to leave a very gleaming finish after you dry with microfiber towels.

Using the best paste waxes seems to provide extra depth and "pop" to the metallic paint. So, I just never went back to Zaino. Actually, I think you could do a Zaino program, and then keep topping with the paste wax, and never need to do the Zaino again. Once you do the base prep, all the dirt just floats on the wax and comes off very easily when you wash.

The key to all this is good base preparation. That is where all the work is. If you don't do good base prep, it almost doesn't matter what product you use. You really have to machine polish with a good random orbital machine to get all the hairline scratches out of the clear coat. Then you use some light glaze if needed to fill in tiny scratches still there. After that you start building with polymers (which could be Zaino) and then top off with the waxes for extra depth and "pop." The wax gives the paint more warmth, while the Zaino is very shiny and gives the car more of a "plastic" effect.

 

Well I can never wax or buff my MINI again!

The final matte clear went on the roof today... Starting on the rest of the car tomorrow.

 

What I wouldn't give just to be able to hand wash and wax my MINI...spring just can't get here soon enough. What did I do to my Merlin today? I patted him on the fender and said everything will be okay in a few months...

 

We had a nice day about 38 degrees in Oregon, so I was able to detail the car inside and out. I tried some Turtle Wax plastic trim restorer on the exterior. Previously I used "Black Wow" but ran out. I actually like the results of the Turtle Wax better. Gives a nice even satainy look after it dries. Supposed to last several months through washings etc. I cleaned the interior plastics with Griots interior cleaner, and then topped with the plastic trim restorer to give it a nice satainy new look. My car is an R52, so I did the top with Raggtopp spray fabric tonic.

As you can tell by now, this car really gets babied - runs good and looks great. It has all the normal mods and RMW tune. Just put in new battery, and changed tranny oil, steering rack oil, and engine oil - all with Amsoil products. Really shifts much nicer now. Also, the power steering takes less effort and is much smoother. Can't hear the electric assist motor now. I think that may be due to the Amsoil lowers the friction and less effort for the motor.

 

Yesterday I installed carbon interior door pulls and today I washed all the road crud off and installed a carbon brake handle. Adds a nice touch to a clean MINI.

 

I installed my winter tires/steelies and O M G , what a difference real tires are vs the runflats. I'm NEVER going back to the runflats. The ride is 100% more comfortable with these.

 

I ordered the Ray Scuttles and Grill badge for my new 2014 Coupe S. Now I will continue the seemingly pointless search for additional colorful accessories since I don't have the wheels to support the Ray wheel caps, the rearview mirror cover doesn't work for the Coupe, and the side mirror covers don't thrill me...

 

Took the Christmas tree to recycle it.

 

Bet you got some strange looks!

 

Worked on the intercooler area today. Had to replace both rear brackets that secure the intercooler due to being over-torqued (dealership). At mid to high revs you could hear a slight vibration coming from the enginebay.

Worked on the front brackets and found out that one of the four bolts was broken off. Nice... Had to drill that half bolt out and then put everything back together. Everything is back in order and no more vibration. Good times again!

 

I installed my Carbon Fiber Finished Diverter (Its Hydro Dipped)

 

Just bought third my mini today.

 

Ordered a small side torque arm insert from Way this evening.

 

Mounted my rack today. Now I'm ready to hit up the mountains tomorrow

 

Started my matte metallic grey transformation! Bye bye Pepper White!

While the wrap is being done, I will also be ..
- painting my wheels gloss black
- painting the calipers hot pink (wanted to give it a very subtle girly touch!)
- retrofitting my factory headlights with the OEM MINI projectors and matching OEM shrouds
- included in the retrofit are factory DOT approved bi-xenons
- painting the inner headlight housing in gloss black (also similar to the factory option)

 

Can't wait to see the pics.

 

did you had to go to the dealer for installation? I hear that you have to program the computer to allow HIDs to work.


thank you

 

Plasti-Dipped the sunroof:

Zippee Shade is on the shelf. If the 'dip holds up well, Zippee Shade may go bye-bye in exchange for a little cash....

C ya,
Dutch

 

Not today, but yesterday... Took the day off from MINIs... Sat back and admired my work! Cant wait to get the rest of the paint on the car, but need to find some pre facelift justa cooper bumper covers before I start.