R50/53 THE APRIL CLUB
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
>>
>>As far as the oil filter goes, maybe we need to start a cross thread.
>>
>>Hey Chef: COMBO plate! Now you are cracking me up. And who is the band that does the MINI commercial with the Bobby "Why do you have to be so ------"?
>>
A CROSS THREAD.......
)After 5 hours, the garage/nursery is clean, organized and so d@mn empty....hmmmmmm, what could I put in there????
Well I'm off to check out the '32 Ford thread, later all....
2 / 17
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
HOOOOOOOOOORAAAAAY for pamato!!!!!! 
That's great news, I hope all goes well for you, can't wait to see pics!!!
I'm just a couple days behind you, closing out April in style. Keep me posted on any MINI events you hear about in TX, maybe we can meet up and raise a glass to Ryephile and the rest of the CWFACers...I heard secondhand about a group from Dallas coming down to Austin and meeting up downtown by the lake. I'm hoping to join them, need to send an email to confirm...I'll let you know what I find out...
Have a MINIlicious day tomorrow.
3 / 17 still, grrrrr....
chef
That's great news, I hope all goes well for you, can't wait to see pics!!!
I'm just a couple days behind you, closing out April in style. Keep me posted on any MINI events you hear about in TX, maybe we can meet up and raise a glass to Ryephile and the rest of the CWFACers...I heard secondhand about a group from Dallas coming down to Austin and meeting up downtown by the lake. I'm hoping to join them, need to send an email to confirm...I'll let you know what I find out...
Have a MINIlicious day tomorrow.
3 / 17 still, grrrrr....
chef
Chef, I could've gotten the plate "MRMOTOR" but when it came down to it, ah hell I might get that one too, lol It's only a $27 decision!
Oh the horrible decisions [snort]
Mr. Motor loves his new plate anyway, and that's all that matters!
Cheers,
Ryan
Oh the horrible decisions [snort]
Mr. Motor loves his new plate anyway, and that's all that matters!
Cheers,
Ryan
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Beatutiful shot Ryan, check out those sparkling pearly whites (wheels)...
My plates are going to say...GOTCHA, HAHA...you'll have to wait like everyone else!!!
Bedtime calls, school bell rings early on Mondaze...
2 / 16.5
chef
My plates are going to say...GOTCHA, HAHA...you'll have to wait like everyone else!!!
Bedtime calls, school bell rings early on Mondaze...
2 / 16.5
chef
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa, CA
Big week for the last of the April Club deliveries.
Great write-up Quinn. Isn't the PCH the best for Mini Motoring? Drove a small piece of it Saturday, and can't wait to get a day to go north from Jenner to Ft. Ross and beyond. Saw a PS and an SG heading south enjoying the twisties and scenery. I am planning on attending the mini cooper challenge at Laguna Seca in October and exploring PCH south of Monterey. Mini Cooper Challenge
Anyone else planning on going?
I enjoyed reading your project car thread Ryan. My current project is to drop the pan on the wife's mustang, fix the oil leak, then fix the 45mph shimmy in the front end. That will keep her hands of my MINI. My daughter and I are looking for an early 60's Ford Ranchero to restore for her to drive when she turns 16.
Andy
_________________
It's time to motor. MC CR/B
Great write-up Quinn. Isn't the PCH the best for Mini Motoring? Drove a small piece of it Saturday, and can't wait to get a day to go north from Jenner to Ft. Ross and beyond. Saw a PS and an SG heading south enjoying the twisties and scenery. I am planning on attending the mini cooper challenge at Laguna Seca in October and exploring PCH south of Monterey. Mini Cooper Challenge
Anyone else planning on going?
I enjoyed reading your project car thread Ryan. My current project is to drop the pan on the wife's mustang, fix the oil leak, then fix the 45mph shimmy in the front end. That will keep her hands of my MINI. My daughter and I are looking for an early 60's Ford Ranchero to restore for her to drive when she turns 16.
Andy
_________________
It's time to motor. MC CR/B
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
>>Great write-up Quinn. Isn't the PCH the best for Mini Motoring? Drove a small piece of it Saturday, and can't wait to get a day to go north from Jenner to Ft. Ross and beyond. Saw a PS and an SG heading south enjoying the twisties and scenery. I am planning on attending the mini cooper challenge at Laguna Seca in October and exploring PCH south of Monterey.
Hopefully, you can go on a weekday and encounter fewer Aleros and Sebrings than I did. Maybe you can pick a cloudy day, and then you won't even feel guilty about ignoring the view to concentrate on driving.
Hopefully, you can go on a weekday and encounter fewer Aleros and Sebrings than I did. Maybe you can pick a cloudy day, and then you won't even feel guilty about ignoring the view to concentrate on driving.
CONGRATS tooblue!
-->Andy, what year is your wife's Mustang? The shimmy could be: ball joints, bushings, out-of-balance tires, or bent wheel. Whew, that's a lot to check
Cheers,
Ryan
-->Andy, what year is your wife's Mustang? The shimmy could be: ball joints, bushings, out-of-balance tires, or bent wheel. Whew, that's a lot to check
Cheers,
Ryan
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa, CA
>>CONGRATS tooblue! :smile:
Ryan, its an 86 with only 64k miles on it. The shocks seem to be weak, and the tires need replacing. We got it from my mother in law. They live on a Lemon Ranch in San Diego area with a 1 mile rocky dirt bad driveway. The shimmy comes when accelerating through 45 mph, and goes away at 55 mph.
Andy
_________________
It's time to motor. MC CR/B
Ryan, its an 86 with only 64k miles on it. The shocks seem to be weak, and the tires need replacing. We got it from my mother in law. They live on a Lemon Ranch in San Diego area with a 1 mile rocky dirt bad driveway. The shimmy comes when accelerating through 45 mph, and goes away at 55 mph.
Andy
_________________
It's time to motor. MC CR/B
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 0
Chef: Thanks for the "Sunshine Pig" title. Wednesday is the big Three Oh for you! Hope you are taking the day off to bond with your little one.
Ryan: . You are correct. Your driving style changes with the MINI. Chef is right, helps keep the brake dust down if you don't touch them.
Two weeks and the pure silver still looks clean, but I cleaned the wheels four times! And I don't us the brakes much. Why did they put those messy pads on the car? If the "green"pad technology is out there, why in the world did BMW elect not to use it?
Can't be the slight extra cost....we are talikng premium car here.
Regards,
Red
Ryan: . You are correct. Your driving style changes with the MINI. Chef is right, helps keep the brake dust down if you don't touch them.
Two weeks and the pure silver still looks clean, but I cleaned the wheels four times! And I don't us the brakes much. Why did they put those messy pads on the car? If the "green"pad technology is out there, why in the world did BMW elect not to use it?
Can't be the slight extra cost....we are talikng premium car here.
Regards,
Red
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Red,
BMW has always used pads that create a lot of dust. My s-lites are at least a breeze to wipe as compared to a set I had on one of my 3 series. My fingers hurt by the time I was done and just like on the MINI, you had to wipe them frequently. It sounds like many of us will be taking Ryan's advice and going green.
BMW has always used pads that create a lot of dust. My s-lites are at least a breeze to wipe as compared to a set I had on one of my 3 series. My fingers hurt by the time I was done and just like on the MINI, you had to wipe them frequently. It sounds like many of us will be taking Ryan's advice and going green.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Sounds like Kermit the Frog was wrong..."It IS easy bein' green!"
Hope all are well, and if anyone is interested it looks like there will be a Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, and CenTex MINI Meet 'n' Motor in Austin on June 1. Motoring around west of town and past the lake with lunch to follow. PM if interested I should have details today!!
2 / 1.5
chef
PS-- I called TxDOT today and my plate choice IS available...soon y'all will know the big news...cheers!
Hope all are well, and if anyone is interested it looks like there will be a Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, and CenTex MINI Meet 'n' Motor in Austin on June 1. Motoring around west of town and past the lake with lunch to follow. PM if interested I should have details today!!
2 / 1.5
chef
PS-- I called TxDOT today and my plate choice IS available...soon y'all will know the big news...cheers!
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
One question for everyone. Anyone who also has the HK system...
In the boot of the Mini on the right hand side behind the panel there is a black box that looks like an amplifier. I was thinking this was the amp for the HK sound system. Is this also there for those of you without the HK? and is this an amp?
In the boot of the Mini on the right hand side behind the panel there is a black box that looks like an amplifier. I was thinking this was the amp for the HK sound system. Is this also there for those of you without the HK? and is this an amp?
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Howdy folks...
In an ironic twist, just two days before getting my MINI I had to take a training course to drive a 15-passenger van (will allow me to drive students to competitions under district guidelines...saves mucho $ over chartering a coach).
As I was listening to the video go on about following distance, speed, braking, center of gravity, etc. as compared to a "regular" car-- I just had to laugh and wonder if the reverse was true for the MINI...follow closer, drive faster, brake harder and corner quicker...
Hope all are well!
1 / 23
chef
In an ironic twist, just two days before getting my MINI I had to take a training course to drive a 15-passenger van (will allow me to drive students to competitions under district guidelines...saves mucho $ over chartering a coach).
As I was listening to the video go on about following distance, speed, braking, center of gravity, etc. as compared to a "regular" car-- I just had to laugh and wonder if the reverse was true for the MINI...follow closer, drive faster, brake harder and corner quicker...
Hope all are well!
1 / 23
chef
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Graduate #21’s Two Week Later Assessment
800+ miles and still motorin’
After a slow start to my weeks of motorin due to a leaky sunroof and two trips to the shop I’m happily back on the road once again. The lapis interior is beautiful, the HK is to die for, and the sun roof is the icing on the cake. The boot of the car is surprisingly roomy enough to hold golf clubs, multiple bags of groceries, or any other equipment you are hauling around. Even without a test motorin experience in the original non-S type, I have no regrets going with the S. The handling and performance are unrivaled in other cars I have driven. The engine is so clean and crisp with the power and pick-up to get you quick off the line and tight and fast though the corner.
The official first song in CeCe was Sister Christian by Night Rider…a good song from a great PS2 game (Vice City Grand Theft Auto)
“You're motoring
You've got him in your sights
And driving through the night
You're motoring
What's your price for flight,
And finding Mister Right?
You'll be all right tonight”
Just thinking of the song and reading the lyrics makes me want to be anywhere in my MCS right now other than here.
The automatic climate control is quite nice and convenient but not a necessary item. The glove box organizer is great for storing things…it even makes some shelves for storing fresh produce in the climate controlled glove box. The driving lights are awesome and the xenon’s are amazing. Gas mileage has been as high as 39.7 on the freeway in 6th gear and 55-60mph (c’mon…its still the break-in period!). Average gas mileage on a tank is around 28.5 including some freeway usage but mostly city driving. Back seats are surprisingly roomy but a bit loud with the bass of the HK. Just don’t torture your friends too much sitting back there. Had many stares, waves, honks, thumbs-up gestures, but still nothing matches the smile on my face when I am in that car. And there is nothing better than the stories and smiles of the original Mini owners directly from those who were lucky enough to drive them.
Bryan
800+ miles and still motorin’
After a slow start to my weeks of motorin due to a leaky sunroof and two trips to the shop I’m happily back on the road once again. The lapis interior is beautiful, the HK is to die for, and the sun roof is the icing on the cake. The boot of the car is surprisingly roomy enough to hold golf clubs, multiple bags of groceries, or any other equipment you are hauling around. Even without a test motorin experience in the original non-S type, I have no regrets going with the S. The handling and performance are unrivaled in other cars I have driven. The engine is so clean and crisp with the power and pick-up to get you quick off the line and tight and fast though the corner.
The official first song in CeCe was Sister Christian by Night Rider…a good song from a great PS2 game (Vice City Grand Theft Auto)
“You're motoring
You've got him in your sights
And driving through the night
You're motoring
What's your price for flight,
And finding Mister Right?
You'll be all right tonight”
Just thinking of the song and reading the lyrics makes me want to be anywhere in my MCS right now other than here.
The automatic climate control is quite nice and convenient but not a necessary item. The glove box organizer is great for storing things…it even makes some shelves for storing fresh produce in the climate controlled glove box. The driving lights are awesome and the xenon’s are amazing. Gas mileage has been as high as 39.7 on the freeway in 6th gear and 55-60mph (c’mon…its still the break-in period!). Average gas mileage on a tank is around 28.5 including some freeway usage but mostly city driving. Back seats are surprisingly roomy but a bit loud with the bass of the HK. Just don’t torture your friends too much sitting back there. Had many stares, waves, honks, thumbs-up gestures, but still nothing matches the smile on my face when I am in that car. And there is nothing better than the stories and smiles of the original Mini owners directly from those who were lucky enough to drive them.
Bryan
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 0
>>Howdy folks...
>>
>>In an ironic twist, just two days before getting my MINI I had to take a training course to drive a 15-passenger van (will allow me to drive students to competitions under district guidelines...saves mucho $ over chartering a coach).
>>
>>As I was listening to the video go on about following distance, speed, braking, center of gravity, etc. as compared to a "regular" car-- I just had to laugh and wonder if the reverse was true for the MINI...follow closer, drive faster, brake harder and corner quicker... :smile:
Regards,
Red
>>
>>In an ironic twist, just two days before getting my MINI I had to take a training course to drive a 15-passenger van (will allow me to drive students to competitions under district guidelines...saves mucho $ over chartering a coach).
>>
>>As I was listening to the video go on about following distance, speed, braking, center of gravity, etc. as compared to a "regular" car-- I just had to laugh and wonder if the reverse was true for the MINI...follow closer, drive faster, brake harder and corner quicker... :smile:
Regards,
Red
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach
>>One question for everyone. Anyone who also has the HK system...
>>In the boot of the Mini on the right hand side behind the panel there is a black box that looks like an amplifier. I was thinking this was the amp for the HK sound system. Is this also there for those of you without the HK? and is this an amp?
yep, it's the amp... too bad it's not the CD info display, cuz that's what i really need!
i haven't been active lately due to the strenuous life of a grad student, which is sucking by the way... but i'm seeing the light.. classes end tomorrow, and i just have a few things due next week.. and summer is HERE.. beach, here i come.. of course work starts then, too.. but i gotta make my payments! speaking of which, payment #2 is due next week.. better cut the check, which will make me 1/33rds the way done! saweeeet!
ryan
>>In the boot of the Mini on the right hand side behind the panel there is a black box that looks like an amplifier. I was thinking this was the amp for the HK sound system. Is this also there for those of you without the HK? and is this an amp?
yep, it's the amp... too bad it's not the CD info display, cuz that's what i really need!
i haven't been active lately due to the strenuous life of a grad student, which is sucking by the way... but i'm seeing the light.. classes end tomorrow, and i just have a few things due next week.. and summer is HERE.. beach, here i come.. of course work starts then, too.. but i gotta make my payments! speaking of which, payment #2 is due next week.. better cut the check, which will make me 1/33rds the way done! saweeeet!
ryan
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR USA
How's this for bad carma...
I was supposed to get the MINI today...
My MA said that it would be in today and i could pick it up TODAY...
Left my MA a vmail today before lunch...
...no response
Worked until 6:00 pm today...
On the way home called my MA again...
Got him this time... and I quote:
"Yes we got a big shipment in today... lt me check to see if you car came in... NOPE it should be in the next shipment, tomorrow!"
Aaaaaarrrrrrrrggggggghhhh!
Tuesday I won't get back to town in time to get my MINI even IF it does come in...
Chef, I feel your pain!!!!!! First sockdaddy, now you.. .looks like I'll be last...
Looks like Wednesday is my only hope to stay in the CWFA alumni.
Wednesday is supposed to be the same as Tuesday... I think I'll have to bail early... I have a MINI personal matter to attend to...
I was supposed to get the MINI today...
My MA said that it would be in today and i could pick it up TODAY...
Left my MA a vmail today before lunch...
...no response
Worked until 6:00 pm today...
On the way home called my MA again...
Got him this time... and I quote:
"Yes we got a big shipment in today... lt me check to see if you car came in... NOPE it should be in the next shipment, tomorrow!"
Aaaaaarrrrrrrrggggggghhhh!
Tuesday I won't get back to town in time to get my MINI even IF it does come in...
Chef, I feel your pain!!!!!! First sockdaddy, now you.. .looks like I'll be last...
Looks like Wednesday is my only hope to stay in the CWFA alumni.
Wednesday is supposed to be the same as Tuesday... I think I'll have to bail early... I have a MINI personal matter to attend to...
Bryan, thanks for the 2-week later assessment :smile: Also, your surfboard looks awesome!
The EBC Green pads are quite expensive, many times more than the "dust monsters", it would've caused heart attacks for the production budget on the MINI
Whew, off to post today's chapter in my '32 Ford Roadster highboy project. Today we tore down most of the engine, dirrrrrty!
Cheers,
Ryan
The EBC Green pads are quite expensive, many times more than the "dust monsters", it would've caused heart attacks for the production budget on the MINI
Whew, off to post today's chapter in my '32 Ford Roadster highboy project. Today we tore down most of the engine, dirrrrrty!
Cheers,
Ryan
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
>>MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato<<
I'm with ya' pamato, we must get your car here!! I'm sort of torn on the knowing/not knowing issue...sometimes it drove me crazy following step by step, clicking on the same sites 5...10...15 times a day...that being said, the time that was toughest for me was after docking and plunging into the GIANT BLACK HOLE OF NO INFORMATION also known as the VPC...once I came out and had news again, I felt much better...We will get you here in April, if not the 30th, then the 31st...or 32nd--whatever it takes--you are a CWFACer and a CWFACer you will remain...
Time is slowing, days are stretching, I MUST be close...soon I will know that y'all were right on when you told me to "be patient, chef" "its worth the wait, chef"
Happy trails to all!
1 / 5.5
chef
>>MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato<<
I'm with ya' pamato, we must get your car here!! I'm sort of torn on the knowing/not knowing issue...sometimes it drove me crazy following step by step, clicking on the same sites 5...10...15 times a day...that being said, the time that was toughest for me was after docking and plunging into the GIANT BLACK HOLE OF NO INFORMATION also known as the VPC...once I came out and had news again, I felt much better...We will get you here in April, if not the 30th, then the 31st...or 32nd--whatever it takes--you are a CWFACer and a CWFACer you will remain...
Time is slowing, days are stretching, I MUST be close...soon I will know that y'all were right on when you told me to "be patient, chef" "its worth the wait, chef"
Happy trails to all!
1 / 5.5
chef
>>MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato, MINI for pamato<<
Pamato said: >>Looks like Wednesday is my only hope to stay in the CWFA alumni.
>>
No Fear Paul! No matter when you finally get your MINI, you'll still be a CWFAC alumni
...while you're waiting, check out my latest chapter in the '32 Roadster thread
In other news, NO word whatsoever from MINI-Madness on when I'm gonna be getting my Intake or Rear Sway-bar!
---> Rocketpop or Bicoastal, have you heard anything more on the group buy status?
Cheers,
Ryan
>>
No Fear Paul! No matter when you finally get your MINI, you'll still be a CWFAC alumni
...while you're waiting, check out my latest chapter in the '32 Roadster thread
In other news, NO word whatsoever from MINI-Madness on when I'm gonna be getting my Intake or Rear Sway-bar!
---> Rocketpop or Bicoastal, have you heard anything more on the group buy status?
Cheers,
Ryan
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Stamford, CT
Hey guys! I went to the MINI meet this weekend. It was SO cool to see 42 minis take over the highway! And WOW was it fun to drive that day!
Bad news is that my battery light came on yesterday and kept flashing at me. So on the two nicest days so far, I haven't been able to drive. I am going to drop off the mini tonight at the shop to have them check it out.
For you guys who are SOOO close to getting your babies....you have shown true character! You are really pulling eachother through the waiting period. Your minis will be here before you know it and I am sure they are just as excited to meet you! :smile:
Bad news is that my battery light came on yesterday and kept flashing at me. So on the two nicest days so far, I haven't been able to drive. I am going to drop off the mini tonight at the shop to have them check it out.
For you guys who are SOOO close to getting your babies....you have shown true character! You are really pulling eachother through the waiting period. Your minis will be here before you know it and I am sure they are just as excited to meet you! :smile: