[dpacker]

Quote: Originally Posted by erickvonzipper

Why don't you just keep the car you're trying to sell?

Zip

I have to two sets of bunnies (four bunnies total). I need something that I can carry my bunnies and their travel condo in when I have to take them to the kennel. Before I got the MINI, I was planning on getting an SUV and selling the car. After driving the MINI, the SUV was never given a second thought. Now that I have the MINI, I have to sell the car and buy a much cheaper SUV. It will serve two purposes - hauling the bunnies (and anything else that needs to be hauled) and allowing my little MINI to stay in the carport when the weather is yucky. It's okay - go ahead - you can laugh at me - I do.

I was surprised at your story too. I always wondered if you could just go drive somewhere else like that or if you had to have some kind of special permit. I would think it would be dangerous to let some people drive in such different circumstances as that.

Debbie

[crosebud]

Quote: Originally Posted by dpacker

I -- and allowing my little MINI to stay in the carport when the weather is yucky. It's okay - go ahead - you can laugh at me - I do.Debbie

Debbie, I've been unable to bare the thought of getting my MINI wet either . The day after I got it, it was raining so I drove my old (1991--soon to be sold) Honda to work and left the MINI tucked in the garage. I finallly took the MINI out during some sprinkles but regretted it afterwards. Now I've got to buy nonscratching rags to wipe it down and bring it back to its original luster. I feel pretty wacky, pretty nutso, but oh well. I know I'm going to have to change my tune soon. Got to sell that Honda. Need the cash, have no where to park the thing--bought the MINI so I could say goodbye to that old jalopy! But maybe you can keep your MINI dry and pristine forever! I certainly understand the desire to do so!

[bandrews]

Getting over the "oh no, can't drive the MINI, there's traffic | a lousy parking lot | weather | other drivers in the world | birds | deer | rocks | salt" syndrome is really difficult I'm working on it, but I still am not quite there yet!

I'm attaching the wallpaper I'm using now - it's a shot of my MINI from my apartment balcony I took today. I'm going to reshoot it eventually in better lighting conditions, but this will do nicely for now I have a 1400x1050 version, but of course mini2 resizes uploads to something much smaller I'm afraid

Ben

[dpacker]

Wow - thanks you two. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one obsessing over these things. These little cars are so easy to love though - it's only natural to me to not want anything at all to happen to them. I also find that when I drive my other car for a day or two that I have even more fun when I hop back in my MINI. After all, absence does make the heart grow fonder, right?

Ben - cute pic of your MINI from up above. I need to find a high place to take some of mine. Not sure where that's going to be...unless I figure out how to climb on the roof at work.

Debbie

[Magictux]

Quote: Originally Posted by bandrews

Getting over the "oh no, can't drive the MINI, there's traffic | a lousy parking lot | weather | other drivers in the world | birds | deer | rocks | salt" syndrome is really difficult I'm working on it, but I still am not quite there yet!

I'm attaching the wallpaper I'm using now - it's a shot of my MINI from my apartment balcony I took today. I'm going to reshoot it eventually in better lighting conditions, but this will do nicely for now I have a 1400x1050 version, but of course mini2 resizes uploads to something much smaller I'm afraid

Ben

Ben, love the pic mate! I've got to find a high rise to park out front and get one of Magic! Boy I like the colour of your car. Wish I'd have gotten that! Oh, that's right. I DID!!!

[Johnny L]

Yes, I know what you're saying. At least yours is white! Black Jack simply cannot stay cleant! I've washed Black Jack 3 times already in between all of this crazy NorCal rain.

But I believe I'm starting to get philosophical abuot this. I justify having a dirty MINI by pondering all of those great rally victories by the late 60s Minis. You think that John Cooper was ever worried about a little dirt and mud? I'm guessing "no."

Oh well, I guess a once-a-week wash will have to do . . .

Good luck, Crose'!

Quote: Originally Posted by crosebud

Debbie, I've been unable to bare the thought of getting my MINI wet either . The day after I got it, it was raining so I drove my old (1991--soon to be sold) Honda to work and left the MINI tucked in the garage. I finallly took the MINI out during some sprinkles but regretted it afterwards. Now I've got to buy nonscratching rags to wipe it down and bring it back to its original luster. I feel pretty wacky, pretty nutso, but oh well. I know I'm going to have to change my tune soon. Got to sell that Honda. Need the cash, have no where to park the thing--bought the MINI so I could say goodbye to that old jalopy! But maybe you can keep your MINI dry and pristine forever! I certainly understand the desire to do so!

[erickvonzipper]

Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny L

Yes, I know what you're saying. At least yours is white! Black Jack simply cannot stay cleant! I've washed Black Jack 3 times already in between all of this crazy NorCal rain.

But I believe I'm starting to get philosophical abuot this. I justify having a dirty MINI by pondering all of those great rally victories by the late 60s Minis. You think that John Cooper was ever worried about a little dirt and mud? I'm guessing "no."

Oh well, I guess a once-a-week wash will have to do . . .

Good luck, Crose'!

Yeah, Obie is all black, and I drove him home from dealer pickup in the rain.

I hosed him down yesterday, but haven't washed him yet because I'm trying to find some time to pick up the Mr Clean car wash kit - the one that works right off the hose. It was actually recommended by some people I know. It seems that no matter what you touch a black car with will eventually cause swirls or worse.

Zip

[crosebud]

Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny L

But I believe I'm starting to get philosophical abuot this. I justify having a dirty MINI by pondering all of those great rally victories by the late 60s Minis. You think that John Cooper was ever worried about a little dirt and mud? I'm guessing "no."

Johnny L, I like your idea of getting philosophical about this dirty car matter . . . I do need to find some new ways of thinking. I mean for one, I'm kind of having a moral crisis over all this . . . I'll explain.

(Well, I guess this is more about the MINI getting dinged up rather than dirty, but it's all part of this larger overprotecting the MINI problem I'm having . . .)

Of course, it's all about parallel parking here in the city--and parking spots are at a premium. So anyway, I've always been someone who , if I came upon a space on the street that seemed big enough for two cars, would make sure I parked so that there was room for that other car, too. I didn't believe in being a parking space hog, and it was a behavior that when I saw others engage in, shocked and dismayed me. Okay, now the confession----the other day, I actually situated my MINI so as to boldly ,glaringly take up two spots. You know how there's that thread on MINI2 about, "do you look back at your MINI as you walk away"? Well, as I looked back at my MINI swimming there in the middle of that enormous parking spot so made for two, I felt, well, bad.

And I am also having an identity crisis. I am known in these parts, for my excellent parallel parking skills. Pre-MINI--when I'd be driving around with friends, I'd start to back into a spot, and often the friend would say--"Are you sure you can fit into that space--it's *really* small?" And I'd flash a big smile and say "No parking space is too small for [my first and last name]!!", then squeeze my way in without ever bumping the car in front or back of me.

And then there's the time my ex-boyfriend, when we 'd gotten back together after some months apart, said to me wistfully as I backed into one of my tiny parking spaces, "I missed your parallel parking . . . " So you see, this skillful/ethical parking, it's one of my trademarks, it's who I am. Now, as I guard my MINI at all costs, hogging spaces all over town with no regard for my fellow man, (okay, I've only done it once so far), I feel so, well . . . dirty.

[Kellzir]

I got the MINI. Here are some photos.

In the 4th photo, you can see my plates and my new antenna

[Johnny L]

Ah, Finally! Looks great! Wonderful choice of wheels! Can't wait to hear of your earliest motoring experiences. Enjoy!

[Johnny L]

Hey, Crose, I know exactly where you're coming from. I lived in your Fair City for a couple of years, and I had a Miata, so parking was always a snap.

However, I would advise against taking up two spots. Remember Karma!

There is a silver lining, and I think you know what it is. One of the most frustrating things about trying to park in SF is when you think that you might see a space, but it turns out to be one of those 12 foot "tweener" spots (you know, that small section of curb between two driveways that always looks oh-so enticing but your Honda would never fit?). Well, the good news is that your MINI will fit into many of those spots now with, perhaps, the slightest overhang but w/o any blocking the driveway. When I visited my BIL last weekend, it was so cool to park in those tight little spots. It was a thing of beauty.

BTW, your ex-boyfriend must have had good taste and judgement to know such a highly skilled person as yourself!

Quote: Originally Posted by crosebud

Johnny L, I like your idea of getting philosophical about this dirty car matter . . . I do need to find some new ways of thinking. I mean for one, I'm kind of having a moral crisis over all this . . . I'll explain.

And I am also having an identity crisis. I am known in these parts, for my excellent parallel parking skills. Pre-MINI--when I'd be driving around with friends, I'd start to back into a spot, and often the friend would say--"Are you sure you can fit into that space--it's *really* small?" And I'd flash a big smile and say "No parking space is too small for [my first and last name]!!", then squeeze my way in without ever bumping the car in front or back of me.

And then there's the time my ex-boyfriend, when we 'd gotten back together after some months apart, said to me wistfully as I backed into one of my tiny parking spaces, "I missed your parallel parking . . . " So you see, this skillful/ethical parking, it's one of my trademarks, it's who I am. Now, as I guard my MINI at all costs, hogging spaces all over town with no regard for my fellow man, (okay, I've only done it once so far), I feel so, well . . . dirty.

[crosebud]

Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny L

Hey, Crose, I know exactly where you're coming from. I lived in your Fair City for a couple of years, and I had a Miata, so parking was always a snap.

However, I would advise against taking up two spots. Remember Karma!

There is a silver lining, and I think you know what it is. One of the most frustrating things about trying to park in SF is when you think that you might see a space, but it turns out to be one of those 12 foot "tweener" spots (you know, that small section of curb between two driveways that always looks oh-so enticing but your Honda would never fit?). Well, the good news is that your MINI will fit into many of those spots now with, perhaps, the slightest overhang but w/o any blocking the driveway. When I visited my BIL last weekend, it was so cool to park in those tight little spots. It was a thing of beauty.

BTW, your ex-boyfriend must have had good taste and judgement to know such a highly skilled person as yourself!

Ah, yes, the "tweener" spots! I shall go in search of those . . . and shall mend my ways.

Kellzir--awesome car, sweet doggie, too. Congratulations!

[AprilWhine]

I went on my first MINI run today with the MCSCa, so I thought I would share some of the pictures: Posted in this thread Following BJ

[dpacker]

Quote: Originally Posted by Kellzir

I got the MINI. Here are some photos.

In the 4th photo, you can see my plates and my new antenna

Kellzir - nice MINI! I see you went with the web spokes too - good choice! Your doggie is cute too. He looks like a doggie that we had until a few years ago.

Have fun motoring this weekend!

Debbie

[Kellzir]

Thank you everyone for the compliments. The MCSa is great. I decided to try the paddles after the break in. I am really glad I got the webspokes. Thay are nice, but needs cleaning quite frequently. Tomorrow I am getting tint for the car and trying to make an appoinment for clearguard this week. Kinda hard to motor with finals this week and next. Never thoguht I would have an urge to drive a car as much as I do. LOL

As for my dog, he is a year old now. I know he is a Lab mix, but any other ideas what he could be?

[erickvonzipper]

Quote: Originally Posted by erickvonzipper

the Mr Clean car wash kit - the one that works right off the hose. It was actually recommended by some people I know. It seems that no matter what you touch a black car with will eventually cause swirls or worse.

Zip

I bought the aforementioned Mr Clean car wash kit and used it on Obie today.

It did a nice job. It's not perfect but it's a hell of lot better than I would have expected a black car to turn out with no hand drying.

The kit comes in two versions. The first one, at $18.99, includes the spray gun, the wash solution, and a filter. The $34.99 version includes the gun with an extra jet spray setting (not worth it), the wash solution, the filter, a quick release hose adapter, a wash mitt, and a carrying case.

The wash mitt is not a 100% cotton item, so, for $4.99, I bought a 100% cotton chenille one. I mainly wanted the case so I popped for the $35.

It worked well. Made it even easier to wash the car than with my old car brush on a stick, and it left no marks. I used my old wheel brush on the wheels, though.

Zip

[Tazminia]

Quote: Originally Posted by erickvonzipper

I bought the aforementioned Mr Clean car wash kit and used it on Obie today.

It did a nice job. It's not perfect but it's a hell of lot better than I would have expected a black car to turn out with no hand drying.

The kit comes in two versions. The first one, at $18.99, includes the spray gun, the wash solution, and a filter. The $34.99 version includes the gun with an extra jet spray setting (not worth it), the wash solution, the filter, a quick release hose adapter, a wash mitt, and a carrying case.

The wash mitt is not a 100% cotton item, so, for $4.99, I bought a 100% cotton chenille one. I mainly wanted the case so I popped for the $35.

It worked well. Made it even easier to wash the car than with my old car brush on a stick, and it left no marks. I used my old wheel brush on the wheels, though.

Zip

Hey Zip, I bought that kit too and I had pretty darned good luck with it. (my Mini is CR though) I played around with it first on my car before I tried it on the Mini, but I found that it works best if a person REALLY rinses the soap off well, and keeps the car wet until the final step-the ionized water treatment. Even then, I didn't get more than a foot away from the paint and went over it thoroughly. It seemed to have come out perfectly spotless for us. (I had to use reflections to make sure-it was that clean) Maybe black is just harder, but for the money, I give it 3 thumbs up.

[erickvonzipper]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tazminia

I found that it works best if a person REALLY rinses the soap off well, and keeps the car wet until the final step-the ionized water treatment. Even then, I didn't get more than a foot away from the paint and went over it thoroughly.

I rinsed the car very well on the normal water rinse setting, but I probably let some parts of the car dry a bit before using the filtered water setting. It probably would have come out better if the car was wet, like you said. At any rate, it worked well, and I'm happy with it. I'm going to buy some refill kits for it this week.

Zip

[crosebud]

Hi Guys, thought I'd share the latest of my MINI photography. It's a parallel parking shot here in San Francisco. No, I'm not hogging the block ! I was the only car *on* the block until that red car arrived. I know I said parking is at a premium here. But this is Sunday in a sort of funky industrial neighborhood. It looks unsavory, I know, but actually it's sort of unsavory/trendy. I'm up in a loft style workspace, supervising my MINI from above.

(Hope this photo is big enough--still learning how to work the settings on my camera)

[AprilWhine]

Nice pic! Yerba Buena Island and the Bay Bridge in the background looks gorgeous.

That is near the old Navy facility which was closed back in the mid nineties.