So...I'm assuming (being new to the MINI thing) that Spring is a HUGELY busy time as everyone readies their MINIs for either the Dragon, or just 'motoring' season.

So my question is...What does everyone have planned?!

On my list of To-Dos is:
Way/DDM Intake (April)
Checkered A-panel decal install
'S' Sway bar install
Actual Size / Pull to Inflate decal install
Black-out the chrome slates on my front grill with Vinyl taping.
Learn to Wax my MC (waxed one car in my life...about 7 years ago)
Learn to patch all the paint chips on my poor bonnet...(if ANYONE can help here, I would extremely grateful!)

So what are YOU planning?!

 

Planning on cleaning a winters worth of carp off me MINI.

Planning on getting those camber plates finally installed.

Planning to hit Nelson Ledges for a test of the camber plates.

Planning to motor about SE Ohio looking for twisty roads to enjoy.

 

Carve, if you need help, I can help you with the vinyl grille work (done a few now), graphics (I've done everything but the roof graphic) and waxing (do you have a Porter Cable? Really helps).

As for paint chips, I have a system I'm trying out on my bonnet ding - I'll let you know how it goes.

Jeez, Chuck, where are you driving? Now I know why you were razzing me over the "wrong tool" - apparently you really need a submarine.

As for me, I have a boatloat of LEDs to install in the cabin and in the underbody. It helps that I got my Alta CAI installed on Saturday (yes, I used my garage heater and just bit the bullet. Mmmmmmmmm... welcome back supercharger whine!)

 

Carve, for my numerous tiny rock chips, I just dab on a little bit of the factory touch up paint then add clear coat. It's not perfect, but satisfies me for the $$$ spent. I believe I paid around $40 for it from the dealer, but Chad from Detroit Tuned sells it for much less.
http://www.detroittuned.com/products...20061107214735

My Spring plans include:
1. Replace my plug wires (rats ate through them in winter storage; it's the 3rd time this has happened)
2. Install my new slotted rotors and Hawk HP+ pads & replace fluid/bleed lines
3. Get a RMW tune @ MOTD 2008
4. Install a super-white LED interior light kit found here: http://www.detroittuned.com/products...20061107214735
5. Drive slower and safer
6. Look for set of 15" or 16" autox wheels/tires (depending on what engineering internship I get and how much $$$ I make)

Also, Chuck, Matt & Mark, I hope you see you all competing at some of the Buckeye Miata Club AutoX's later on this spring and summer with Allen and myself.

 

Cooper, I'd love to but if they are all on Sunday around noon I have a standing appointment that I don't miss.

 

Thanks ImagoX!

I'll get in touch when it warms up a bit and I'm ready to do the vinyl work! Maybe at March or April's breakfast we could install them in the lot?

Heh, I don't even know what a Porter Cable is!! But if it really helps, then I should probably look into getting one.

 

This will probably be the route I take...sounds to be pretty lite on the wallet and thats how i like things!

Thanks for the link, I'll have to place an order!

 

1. Take cover off.
2. Start engine.
(check for varmints chewing wires???? )
3. Smile like I haven't since December.
4. Put little compass ball on the windshield -- Christmas gift.
5. Stubby antenna?
6. License frames.
7. Mess with roof rack/bike rack to figure out the MOTD trip.

I don't know... I don't have mod fever like you boy-monkey-hoppers. I spend too much $ on my dogs!

 

Wait on that paint, Carve... I found a place that's highly recommend that sells the paint and clear coat in a pen form for not much $$. I would have done mine by now, but it's been too cold. they provide very good directions as well.

I got both pens and rubbing compound for around $25 I believe... Will advise just as soon as I do my repair.

As for the vinyl, I'd recommend doing it at home. It only takes about 10 minutes per slat once you have the knack of it down, but the very firstone takes abo30 minutes, until you figure out how much water solution to use - too little and you get bubbles/sticking and too much and it takes forever to dry and adhere. Have paper towels, a plastic squeegee, scissors and a hair dryer handy to make your life easier.

 

Matt,
Let me know how the pens work out for you. I have some spots I need to do this spring and was thinking about going the pen route.

Carve,
The other benefit of doing you vinyl at home would be that you wouldn't have to pick out all the silverback hair that will be floating around in March/April. I hear that's when they shed their winter coats!

 

+1 on the paint pens. I have them & they work very well. If you want to borrow mine let me know. Hyper Blue spots would look way cool on any color MINI.

+1 on slotted rotors. Forgot I have them.

- 1 on autocrossing. Sorry, but once the track day bug bites, you can't go back to auto x.

 

True, but as Paul showed, the results of a slip-up at a track day are FAR worse than a slip or mechanical issue at an Auto-X. If you mean to race, check your insurance - Paul was lucky and had insurance that replaced his car since he was technically at an instructor-led "driving school", but most (if not all) insurance companies will in no way cover a wreck at a basic track day.

Auto-X is far less thrilling, but will for sure teach you what the feel of your tires at the limits of adhesion feels like. If you DO overcook a turn, the probable outcome is a few mashed cones and some burnt rubber, not a wreck. I recommend the Buckeye Miata club for Auto-X - they seem to set up very safe tracks from the layout I drove and the others I've seen online, they're friendly, and the cost is minimal. I honestly believe that if Kara had driven in the Auto_X with me last summer that she would not have slid and wrecked Nano last October, as she would have been better able to "feel" the limits of the car, and knwn how to react when they were slightly exceeded.

 

Those Paint Pens sound like a nice quick fix! Anyone have a location to buy those, website, etc? (not so sure about the hyper blue specs...at least not until I have many MORE chips, which I don't want to even think about...)

As far as the vinyl goes, i will just give it a go once it warms up, thus avoiding the mats of hair getting stuck to it!

 

HERE are the ones that I used. Their system uses a color layer, a clear top coat and a polishing compound to end up with a flat surface. People on Porsche and other high-end forums all say this system works great, if you have the patience to follow the directions and not rush.

 

Yes there is absolutely a risk doing a track day. There is also a degree risk doing anything. From a track day to an auto x to driving on a road down in TN. What happened to our friend Paul would have had the same result if it would have happened on SR 536 or any other backroad here in Ohio.

Barbara & I except the risk of driving on a track & have many races & rallies under our belts & are extremely comfortable with our car control skills. I've bent a few fenders racing with the help of my fellow competitors. But I've never totaled a car there & never bent a fender when I wasn't in an actual race. When we track our MINI we go just fast enough to put a big stupid grin on my faces. We leave a large margin for error, even so it's way big fun. I feel my track driving keeps us sharp & makes Barbara & I much safer drivers on the street. If someone wants to do track driving they should start slow & work towards that goal.

I agree that auto x is a good safe training ground for those folks learning how to handle their cars. It is also big fun. Cars do get wrecked at auto x's. Doesn't happen much, but yes it can & does. happen. A new MINI R56 was rolled in Toledo this fall.

IMO a BMWCCA street survival school would be a great place to start for those people who have zero performance driving experience. It is set up to show you how your car reacts in different situations. All in a very controlled & safe environment.

Once you are comfortable there I'd recommend doing some auto x. Then if you want to hit the track & really find out what it's like to drive fast safely, sign up for a BMWCCA HPDE. They are safe & you will learn a lot.

 

That is the pen system that I use too.

2 thumbs up.

 

This sounds like a good plan, I agree.

 

Chuck just knows he would get a beat down from a non charged MINI.

When an invatation does not work a chalenge sometimes does the trick

 

Yep you snagged me Allen. I except your manly challenge. April 18th at Nelson work for you? I'll give you a 3 minute head start. Now if we were going for fuel mileage you'd kick my silverback butt.

 

-Part out current Cooper and trade it in at Classic
-Pick up r56 Cooper
-Get to work on a big suspension project i have planned
-Photograph the nelsons track days (and maybe mid-ohio if anyone is interested)

 

Sounds like a good plan.

You are a great Photog Rally. You will be welcome at any track.

 

You need a lady co-driver for the Rally one

I think I will order an argyle one that is a cool design!

Chuck you got me at Nelson, but I want you in the Historic Center Parking Lot!

quid pro quo Clarice!

 

You are scaring me Dr Lecter.....

 

Do I just order the color I need...or do I have to order a separate clear coat and such?

 

Let me know what you are parting with