[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]As we get ready to hit the road just a reminder of some simple things to check.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Check all the fluids oil, coolant, washer fluid (bug wash would be a good choice [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]At this time of year). Double check tire pressure it will help get better gas mileage.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]For those if you coming from lower altitudes just a tip the octane ratting on the gas is [/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Lower here that has something to do with the altitude but is normal. Have a safe trip everyone. Oh one other thing check your wipers if they are not in good shape you may want to just replace them you do not want to get caught in a rain storm in the mountains and not be able to see. [/FONT][/SIZE]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman] Teresa.... [/FONT][/SIZE]

 

good advice T....my car is checked and double checked, detailed, and then uber detailed yet once again. I will be ready, that is for sure.

 

Detailed? Mine is going to be the dirtiest MINI there. After driving 1000 miles across dusty, buggy states it is going to be sorry looking.

 

that is why you should join us for the morning drive on Thursday, meet at Detailers Paradise, pick up some trick cleaning stuff, then they will help you wash your car when we get to Copper in the afternoon!!!

 

Geology museum..........or else I would!

 

I know, just trying to temp you

 

How early are y'all headed for DP? Wonder if we'd make it in time.

When we roll into Copper is still up in the air. We're going to drive like crazy on Wednesday...and probably sleep in Grand Junction-ish. Then get up and finish the drive with a couple easy hours into Copper on Thursday.

 

I hope not, remember there are 2 drivers aboard of Mr MrMan.

Crazy Surfer aka Mr MrMan

 

We are leaving Detailers at 830am...in Denver. They will be up there in Copper about 2pm I think to start washing cars.

 

HEY there (lov the "tig" tag line)
If you see a grey S Cabrio with flat black/orange stripes in the Montrose area Weds PM I'd chase you into Copper Thur AM. I am leaving PHX area and taking scenic route up thru Four corners/Cortez/Telluride, and staying someplace in that area.... I'll watch ( ) for a flash by of a speedy Cali Mini

 

It won't be hard to find us....the Cali MINIs from San Diego are traveling in a pack.

CR, IB, JB, BRG, and LiB....

 

Had a problem with the clutch slave cylinder and was able to get it to the dealer and repaired today - just in time.... sure glad it didn't happen while on the drive up!!

 

Wow that is lucky if the part was going to fail at least it did it befor you were on the road.

 

I was checking all my stuff and filling up with washer fluid when I noticed that mice have been at my spark plug wires. My neighbors with the cats moved. I'm no mechanic, but I think it will be OK - they aren't chewed through.

 

I have 2 sets of spare wires, I can bring them for you, you can have them!!! Can you take a pic for us so we can make sure I have what you need?

 

Rats that stinks. But I am glad you checked befor heading out. I have all ready dont everything I needed to except getting the engine cleaned. I had an apt to do that but got called into work tomorrow and wont have time. I just need to get a wiper blade and watch me leave work tomorrow with out buying it. Ok i sell Parts LOL

 

Here's the damage. The first two (from the left) seem to be the worst off, it's mostly the covers except that one spot:




Will this be a problem? Are they hard to change out?

It's a 2005 MCS - everything is stock. I'm embarrassed to admit I don't open the engine compartment that often.

 

they are easy to change out, takes about 5 minutes, no tools required.

I have exactly what you need, you have to choose between black and blue cables though . Functionally they are the same, just one is OEM, the other set is blue housings.

 

here is a quick pic I just took of them, you choose what set you want, I will install them for you at MITM

 

Blue! Wow, thanks. I checked it out and it doesn't look like they chewed anything else.

 

you got a deal, I will bring the blue and black, but will plan on installing the blue ones for you.

Hopefully you can find me, I will be wearing a blue MINI baseball cap, I am chubby, bald, glasses, and a go-tee for facial hair. We will also be meeting up near the parking structure for the dinner in Frisco, so try to find me by then as I am only there on Thursday!!!

 

this is me with my wife, Betsy, so you have a general idea who you are looking for . Betsy won't be there, but this is what I look like, sans the blue cap.

 

If I may suggest something based on my trip up from California. Pack a roll of Duct Tape. But Duct Tape can do wonders when you're stuck in the middle of nowhere.

I managed to damage my Aero kit skirt such that it was flapping and partially dragging on the ground at speed. This caused existing tabs to break off. The 110-120 degree heat in Baker, the high winds, and dust made it very hard to work on a temporary solution. The ground was hot enough to burn you through your clothes. Duct tape managed to survive the heat and rain so that I could get it to a body shop for repair here in Denver. Which btw--THANK YOU RALPH SCHOMP (Shelly) and CRESTONE COLLISION. Fantastic people to work with and very accomodating.

 

Thanks so much! I will for sure find you.

I already have duct tape packed (maybe I sohould go buy another roll!), and I will not be driving out alone - Cooperdude and I are driving out together from Minneapolis. So I feel better already.

Darn mice!

 

Cousteau is ready. He has been vaccumed, washed, waxed and he is even sporting his new roof graphics. He is ready to motor to the moutains!