Hi everyone. I just got my PW/MCS/Checkmate on Sunday from Niello. I can't wait to meet everyone and look forward to seeing you around town. Let me know what I need to do to officially join your group. In the meantime, happy motoring!

 

Welcome to NAM and to MINI ownership. Are you having fun?!?!?!

 

I'm having a blast! It's my day off so I think I'm going to go for a drive around Lake Tahoe. I'm so glad I finally got the car I always wanted.

 

I got mine used a few months ago (just about stole from a "rum dum" dealer in Reno that had no idea what it was or what the Options were! (2003 w/23,000 mi) ..I Used to have a Porsche 911 and the Mini is more fun to drive!

Hopefully you have not been remiss like me, and have seen the italian Job...great movie(s) IMHO)

Regards
Jeff

 

check out my newly posted pics from my drive up to the Lake today. The pics are bad quality, but you'll get the idea. I spotted another PW/B MCS today at the Target parking lot, I parked right next to it. I must say, I love PW!

 

Hmmm...have not seen that one yet...these things are multiplying like Rabbits!

Spoke with Lisa "Rainbow Blue, and she said (I read her your profile} that your entry is special, and carries a special levy ...
1 bottle of Merlot for her and a Chardeney for me


Hmmmm...Wine and donuts...interesting combo!

Hope you can make the rally...get over to Krispy Kreme this Sat a little before 8am, so we can all meet and be awaiting the CC contingent (actually a scam to get at the donuts first!) due at Krispy Kreme at 8am I have been informed by a very reliable source (Glenn the other coordinator) that at least 2 dozen donuts will fit in a mini's trunk.

Feel free to PM me or email at gizzer777@yahoo.com if you have any questions...if you have an FRS radio...do bring it along and dress warm...cold front coming in!

Ph# is 775-747-0607...when I met the group month or so ago,....many had made business cards...Now I have one too (on your PC it is easy)...fun and easy way to keep track of the group.....also Gold Country Mini will meet us in Auburn...Have not met Tad is person, but he has been great!!! He will invite you into his club I am sure! He also hangs out here as well!

I am still feeling my way around so If I stumble with or without Chardeney...please pick me up!

regards,
jeff

 

I believe it was MR ECON that quoted the 2 dozen donut line. I am up already getting set for my work day at the Post Office. Have a wash the Mini date with Rainbowblue after work. It reallly needs it. Plenty of bugs. Also looking forward to Next weekend in Oakland for the webb Pulley Party. Will talk with all of you later about that. Not the right time or forum. Glenn

 

Check out the forecast....possible snow in the Sierra....gonna get some stilts for my Mini!!

Yep...brains leaked out during my post about the donuts...It was Mr. Econ!

 

congrats on your new mini. Your choice of color shows you have great taste

TT

 

Okay-so everyone caught on...One Chardonnay and one Merlot coming right up...anything else? Ha ha.

RE: Car washing... I washed my car two days ago and it's already filthy from the rain and all the birds that seem to really like my car. Am I **** if I wash my car again so soon?

Sorry I didn't make it to Krispy Kreme, I had a late night. But, I hope to meet you all soon.

 

My Coop was covered in Bugs during the run to Auburn....had to get em off immediately upon returning!

I just picked up one of those clear bras on Ebay but got it too late for the trip..will apply it this week...My Mini had no rock chips when I got it...NOT NOW...I-80 sucks!

Hope to meet ya soon!
regards
jeff

 

[quote=renomojo]Okay-so everyone caught on...One Chardonnay and one Merlot coming right up...anything else? Ha ha.


Word to to wise....THAT IS ONE DANGEROUS QUESTION TO ASK ON THIS BOARD!!!

Can't wait to see what comes back!

Jeff

 

As far as the club entry fee ( merlot ) you can bring that to our next run......ha ha...... It was a great day back 49 gizzer missed that part. You have to try that some day, quite a blast. We ahve little mini business cards made up of our individual minis and that is how gizzer found us and a few others. I actually put one on the windshield of every mini I see. And no renomojo YOU ARE NOT **** ABOUT YOUR CAR......I ahve washed my mini two days in a row,waxed, polished, window shine,wheels, tire cleaner, q-tips for the inside vents and stereo area.........Then I cover it with the sheet so the cat can't make prints all over it in the garage. I carry window cleaner and towels, a duster and such at all times. No you are not **** about your mini, your'e just IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN. I asked my husband " Is it ok to love a car soooooo much????" He smiled as he continued to wax his BMW,knowing he taught me right. We are a car finatics family. You fit right in. Hope to meet you soon. Newsletters going out monday to all. Lisa

 

I can vouch for the cleaning stuff in Lisa's MINI...she did NOT tell you she took out the rear seat for all the stuff she carries!

She also did not mention that I had only had my Mini for a few hours and stopped in the Northern Reno Walmart to pick up some VERY NECESSARY AUTO WASH, CLEANERS, RAGS, MINI FOOD.

I returned to my Mini to find her Rainbow Blue Mini Card on my windshield....Now what would you think? A few hours mind you!!!!

As far as being ****...I use a 3 step clean, polish, and pure Cubana treatment...I am whooped when I am done and am getting ready to do it again!

Was sorry to have missed the return run, but there was simply no way to easily get back to Reno except I-80, and I had an early evening engagement to attend! BUMMER! But that was fun too!

YOU REALLY MISSED A FUN MEET....I pulled off a "miss the Squirrel" stunt with Lisa behind me....only problem was with her "S" she would occasionally get right up behind me and give me the "goose"!

Glenn (Weevegg) was kind enough to get me an ACTUAL SIZE decal...so I changed my avatar!

Regards and looking forward to meeting you!
Jeff

 

Welcome to NAM? Enjoy the ownership of your new MINI. Feel free to post your experience from Niello at the GCM forums under the dealership discussion

 

Anyone know where to get Zymol car wash around here? And, what do you use on the interior and exterior plastic/viny? You seem to all know what you are doing.

It's going to be hard for me to keep ol' Sanchez clean...I have a very big yellow lab who sheds like crazy...not to mention the drool. I just cleaned the interior tonight...have to wait to wash the exterior. I'm thinking I'll limit myself to once a week washings...I don't want to give the impression that I have OCD or something!

 

Not sure about the wash (maybe Walmart)...That BLUE $14 Zymol cleaner wax is made by Turtle Wax..they just License the Zymol name on it! (good ole corporate America!) The real Zymol is about $100 I believe! Forgot the name but there is another $100+ car wax out there...Nothing is that good! IMHO.. With all the stuff below...you will probably approach $100 but NOT JUST WAX ALONE LIKE THE REAL ZYMOL!

No one thinks you have OCD...we all do pretty much the same thing with our prizes! Did the same with my old Porsche too...I admit it...I like the MINI better! Now you MUST learn that when there is a Mini Meet...CALL IN WELL FOR WORK, SINCE YOU DEFINATELY WILL FEEL MUCH TOO GOOD TO GO IN!

I use the 3 step Mequires stuff
1) takes the grunge out of the paint (like the rough little bumps you feel (even on a new auto)
2) is a polish to get at the REAL color of the paint (both are NON ABRASIVE...and I have no clue how they work!) and finally is
3) the pure Cubana Wax (ALSO NON ABRASIVE). The Process works really well (but mequires has gone downhill OF LATE).

STEP 4 FOR ME is a NAP!

I am on the PC almost all day (obviously). Besides being a semi retired Computer Consultant turned inventor, and the Markets...I have 3 PC's at work (my home office) doing different jobs...This one constantly scans emails, and is used for Patent work only...The Imac is for fun and then the laptop is for House calls! When I got my Slot Machine Patent and US trademark (and sold them), I GOT UP ON MY BOSS'S DESK AND PEED ON IT! He said" I presume this means you have won the lottery!" (old joke)
I hear that Mother's products are also great! They have a Spray "California Gold Showtime" that you can use AFTER doing the 3 step process. It basically is a detailer...not a protectant! People use it just before a show and shine...Had a bottle for 3 years and just getting ready for another! (Little Mini has been eating it!)

You will find a lot of Opinions out there. I got snookered by the Zymol name when I had my Porsche...My "Herman the "German Porsche Mechanic taught me and showed me a lot! As long as the wash is gentle on the paint...it should be fine...I have a jug of Coral Wax wash that I use before I attack with the 3 step process to protect and refine the finish! (their wax USED to be good in the 60's but is terrible now...IMHO Stay away from the "cleaner waxes")

Want to be really safe...try diluted baby shampoo!!! No Kidding. The bugs are a major problem as is Bird Dung and pine tree sap...

Luckily the Mini is hard for birds to hit being so small! That stuff will eat the paint! (Not to mention oxydation that comes from ozone while your prize is hiding in your garage..where you think it is safe!!) Luckily the new auto paints/clearcoats are really good these days!

303 protectant is my choice for the interior SPF 40 I believe (none of the greasy ArmorAll crapola)...there are others that are as good too! A bit hard to find but there is a thread on it here. As you said, ("these Mini owners know a lot..I do a lot of looking too and like to contribute what I have learned thru my experiences!!!) I Get 303 at the Spa shop (Nauga covers and my tub is a "Soft Tub"...all Nauga!)

Start reading in this forum... For Leather, I use Lexol ph neutral cleaner followed bu Connoly "Hide Food" recommended by Rolls Royce, Porsche etc (and I only have a Leather steering wheel and shifter) (my entire interior in the old Porsche was leather!) it cracks if you do not keep it conditioned.... SEE YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT IS OVER THE EDGE!!!

Regards....+ MORE WINE!!!!
Jeff

 

Not sure about the wash (maybe Walmart)...That BLUE $14 Zymol cleaner wax is made by Turtle Wax..they just License the Zymol name on it! (good ole corporate America!) The real Zymol is about $100 I believe! Forgot the name but there is another $100+ car wax out there...Nothing is that good! IMHO.. With all the stuff below...you will probably approach $100 but NOT JUST WAX ALONE LIKE THE REAL ZYMOL!

No one thinks you have OCD...we all do pretty much the same thing with our prizes! Did the same with my old Porsche too...I admit it...I like the MINI better! Now you MUST learn that when there is a Mini Meet...CALL IN WELL FOR WORK, SINCE YOU DEFINATELY WILL FEEL MUCH TOO GOOD TO GO IN!

I use the 3 step Mequires stuff
1) takes the grunge out of the paint (like the rough little bumps you feel (even on a new auto)
2) is a polish to get at the REAL color of the paint (both are NON ABRASIVE...and I have no clue how they work!) and finally is
3) the pure Cubana Wax (ALSO NON ABRASIVE). The Process works really well (but mequires has gone downhill OF LATE).

STEP 4 FOR ME is a NAP!

I am on the PC almost all day (obviously). Besides being a semi retired Computer Consultant turned inventor, and the Markets...I have 3 PC's at work (my home office) doing different jobs...This one constantly scans emails, and is used for Patent work only...The Imac is for fun and then the laptop is for House calls![IMG]images/smilies/lol.gif[/IMG] When I got my Slot Machine Patent and US trademark (and sold them), I GOT UP ON MY BOSS'S DESK AND PEED ON IT! He said" I presume this means you have won the lottery!" (old joke)
I hear that Mother's products are also great! They have a Spray "California Gold Showtime" that you can use AFTER doing the 3 step process. It basically is a detailer...not a protectant! People use it just before a show and shine...Had a bottle for 3 years and just getting ready for another! (Little Mini has been eating it!)[IMG]images/smilies/smile.gif[/IMG]

You will find a lot of Opinions out there. I got snookered by the Zymol name when I had my Porsche...My "Herman the "German Porsche Mechanic taught me and showed me a lot! As long as the wash is gentle on the paint...it should be fine...I have a jug of Coral Wax wash that I use before I attack with the 3 step process to protect and refine the finish! (their wax USED to be good in the 60's but is terrible now...IMHO Stay away from the "cleaner waxes")

Want to be really safe...try diluted baby shampoo!!! No Kidding. The bugs are a major problem as is Bird Dung and pine tree sap...

Luckily the Mini is hard for birds to hit being so small![IMG]images/smilies/smile.gif[/IMG] That stuff will eat the paint! (Not to mention oxydation that comes from ozone while your prize is hiding in your garage..where you think it is safe!!) Luckily the new auto paints/clearcoats are really good these days!

303 protectant is my choice for the interior SPF 40 I believe (none of the greasy ArmorAll crapola)...there are others that are as good too! A bit hard to find but there is a thread on it here. As you said, ("these Mini owners know a lot..I do a lot of looking too and like to contribute what I have learned thru my experiences!!!) I Get 303 at the Spa shop (Nauga covers and my tub is a "Soft Tub"...all Nauga!)

Start reading in this forum... For Leather, I use Lexol ph neutral cleaner followed bu Connoly "Hide Food" recommended by Rolls Royce, Porsche etc (and I only have a Leather steering wheel and shifter) (my entire interior in the old Porsche was leather!) it cracks if you do not keep it conditioned.... SEE YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT IS OVER THE EDGE!!![IMG]images/smilies/roll.gif[/IMG] Wanna see over the edge...see attached...it is a racket ball look electric Bug killer! There are a ton of wasps in my back yard. I get to practice my swing while killing the wasps as they dive bomb me and my 2 Beagles!

Regards....+ MORE WINE!!!!
Jeff

 

Not sure about the wash (maybe Walmart)...That BLUE $14 Zymol cleaner wax is made by Turtle Wax..they just License the Zymol name on it! (good ole corporate America!) The real Zymol is about $100 I believe! Forgot the name but there is another $100+ car wax out there...Nothing is that good! IMHO.. With all the stuff below...you will probably approach $100 but NOT JUST WAX ALONE LIKE THE REAL ZYMOL!

No one thinks you have OCD...we all do pretty much the same thing with our prizes! Did the same with my old Porsche too...I admit it...I like the MINI better! Now you MUST learn that when there is a Mini Meet...CALL IN WELL FOR WORK, SINCE YOU DEFINATELY WILL FEEL MUCH TOO GOOD TO GO IN!

I use the 3 step Mequires stuff
1) takes the grunge out of the paint (like the rough little bumps you feel (even on a new auto)
2) is a polish to get at the REAL color of the paint (both are NON ABRASIVE...and I have no clue how they work!) and finally is
3) the pure Cubana Wax (ALSO NON ABRASIVE). The Process works really well (but mequires has gone downhill OF LATE).

STEP 4 FOR ME is a NAP!

I am on the PC almost all day (obviously). Besides being a semi retired Computer Consultant turned inventor, and the Markets...I have 3 PC's at work (my home office) doing different jobs...This one constantly scans emails, and is used for Patent work only...The Imac is for fun and then the laptop is for House calls! When I got my Slot Machine Patent and US trademark (and sold them), I GOT UP ON MY BOSS'S DESK AND PEED ON IT! He said" I presume this means you have won the lottery!" (old joke)
I hear that Mother's products are also great! They have a Spray "California Gold Showtime" that you can use AFTER doing the 3 step process. It basically is a detailer...not a protectant! People use it just before a show and shine...Had a bottle for 3 years and just getting ready for another! (Little Mini has been eating it!)

You will find a lot of opinions out there. I got snookered by the Zymol name when I had my Porsche...My "Herman the "German Porsche Mechanic taught me and showed me a lot! As long as the wash is gentle on the paint...it should be fine...I have a jug of Coral Wax wash that I use before I attack with the 3 step process to protect and refine the finish! (their wax USED to be good in the 60's but is terrible now...IMHO Stay away from the "cleaner waxes")

Want to be really safe...try diluted baby shampoo!!! No Kidding. The bugs are a major problem as is Bird Dung and pine tree sap...

Luckily the Mini is hard for birds to hit being so small! That stuff will eat the paint! (Not to mention oxydation that comes from ozone while your prize is hiding in your garage..where you think it is safe!!) Luckily the new auto paints/clearcoats are really good these days!

303 protectant is my choice for the interior SPF 40 I believe (none of the greasy ArmorAll crapola)...there are others that are as good too! A bit hard to find but there is a thread on it here. As you said, ("these Mini owners know a lot..I do a lot of looking too and like to contribute what I have learned thru my experiences!!!) I Get 303 at the Spa shop (Nauga covers and my tub is a "Soft Tub"...all Nauga!)

Start reading in this forum... For Leather, I use Lexol ph neutral cleaner followed by Connoly "Hide Food" recommended by Rolls Royce, Porsche etc (and I only have a Leather steering wheel and shifter) (my entire interior in the old Porsche was leather!) it cracks if you do not keep it conditioned.... SEE YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT IS OVER THE EDGE!!!

Wanna see over the edge...see attached...it is a racket ball looking electric Bug killer! There are a ton of wasps in my back yard. I get to practice my swing while killing the wasps as they dive bomb me and my 2 Beagles!

Regards....+ MORE WINE!!!!
Jeff

 

Renomojo, I saw your MINI when i was at Neillo next week. Had to call my husband because it is the twin to his . I love the PW Checkmate combo!

His "Angel" is a little over months old now, sorry you missed the 7 Ent meet would of been fun to see her again

Gizzer was great meeting/talking to you at 7 ent

Hope to see the Sierra Nevada gang again soon.

 

Another attachment of a REALLY over the edge idea...

This is really what I use to clean PC keyboards and Motherboards (antistatic brush)...but it is really good in the tight spots in the MINI too


awww...ok...here is the link
http://www.mini-vac.com/

 

Thanks for the input about waxes. I never knew Zymol was crap...great marketing on their part I guess. I've used mcGuire's but have a hard time getting it all off.

HNGN ON N THE PSNGR SEAT: It seems the PW/Checkmate is a very hot option...there's another twin coming to Reno in the next week except that it's a JCW. I love the PW, such a classic looking color. Can't wait to meet you and the car at a meet...hopefully soon.

 

If you want good carnauba, try Pinnacle Sourveign or PS21

 

Hey renomojo......Zymol is not crap. Iv'e ordered the 45$ jar you keep refrigorated and it works great. Bmw says a new wax called Zaino is out and does even better. Sorry I would never put shampoo on my mini but McGuires' is a good product. We also just ordered Griots products like speed shine and wax and window cleaner too. Good stuff. That 303 Protectant is great for the black plastics. Napa sells it.The Zymol cheap product sold is turtle wax but we ordered the other from on line. You get what you pay for in the world of auto products. Be careful. Test on a small spot if not sure. Well, I will be sending you a newsletter. Please join us soon for a run. Lisa

 

That is the one I forgot...Zaino ...the kit is really expensive and Lisa bought the real deal Zymol! she knows her stuff!!!and her Rainbow shows it!!

The Mcquires works ok for me so I use it...there is also a "clay bar" made by Mother's that is supposed to be great at getting the dirt out from under the paint...AGAIN...HAVE NO IDEA HOW! BUT IT DOES GET RAVE REVIEWS! <hard work= longer naps>!

Also...it was a diluted baby shampoo...not selson blue stuff for a wash...used it on the old porsche at "Herman the German's suggestion! If it wont harm a baby's butt...must be gentle enough fot the mini...me thinks! A soft washing mitt is also in my cabinet...I think it is Microfiber

Anyway gather all the opinions...give what sounds good a test and then You decide what is best for you...You will have to go a long way to accumulate all the goodies that Rainbow has though! <snicker.> She could probably fill up my Uglymobile (Honda Element with her collection I bet!)
Regards to all

jeff