MINI2

Bill Sz. · Jun 15th, 2002, 05:34 PM

Even though we picked up our DS MCS on Thursday, often times "dealer prep" leaves something to be desired. For instance, the black plastic body moulding had some sort of white over-spray spots (maybe some sort of coating they use when the cars get shipped?) Anyhow, although the car looked pretty good when it was delivered, we decided to immediately have it professionally detailed.

Below are pictures after the detailing.

The car was hannd-washed, pure carnuba wax was applied, the black plastic moulding was cleaned and treated, and finally the leather interior was treated with Lexol.

We have 3 coats of carnuba wax on the CVT Cooper, and over the next few weeks we'll put several additional coats on the S. It does make a difference.

Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and,

Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands).

Bill

ficcion · Jun 15th, 2002, 10:13 PM

Makes me remember how easy it was to wash a car and keep it clean in So. Cal. (grew up there).

Now it's cracks in windshield, chips in the paint, and basically washing her after every serious drive just to try to keep that California look. (Other than that I love Colorado)

Well, at least no crappy "add 2hrs onto your trip" traffic planning

Car looks great, keep up the good work.

KarmanS · Jun 15th, 2002, 11:52 PM

wow, nice and shiny!

Not familiar with this, but did the leather really need treatment this early in the life of the car?

Blue Thunder · Jun 16th, 2002, 12:04 AM

You need to get a car cover! I remember when I lived in L.A. due to the heavy traffic, your car would get covered with dust & grime just parked on the street.

Bill Sz. · Jun 16th, 2002, 01:18 AM

Luckily, we park the twins in garage and have them hand-washed every week. But, you are right. A cover would be nice.

Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and,

Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands).

Bill

Bill Sz. · Jun 16th, 2002, 01:29 AM

"Not familiar with this, but does the leather really needed treatment this early in the life of the car?"

It certainly won't hurt it. The first application of Lexol has made the leather just a bit softer. However, the real reason is that here in Southern California when the car is parked outside during the day, on hot days the inside temperature can be brutal. That sort of heat isn't good for leather (in my opinion) in the long run. On the cars that I have owned with leather interiors (Volvo, Jag, Porsche, & Mercedes) I have always used either Lexol or Rolls Royce leather conditioner (I believe that the Rolls stuff is the same as the Connolly conditioner). It just seems that I get more mileage out of the leather using a good conditioner. Since I plan to keep my MCS for a long time, I thought I'd start early ... and the Lexol is less expensive than the Rolls conditioner.

Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and,

Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands).

Bill

aerodragon · Jun 16th, 2002, 12:19 PM

Bill,

Great looking car! I sent you a PM about some detailing question...

disdis · Jun 19th, 2002, 10:46 AM

can u pls tell me which brand or product to use for both exterior and interior?
i m not familiar with car-care products....

i usually use McQuires products since they are readily avail in australia...

inside, i just polish the leather with whatever the dealer gave me....

my DS S should be coming in August, so ur help would come in handy!

btw, nice looking S!

S2000&CooperS · Jun 19th, 2002, 11:11 AM

Beautiful!!

For detailing products, I HIGHLY recommend Zaino. Check out http://www.zainobros.com It's used by folks in several car clubs around the country. I've used it for the last 2 years on my S2000 and now on the MINI - very satisfied.

KarmanS · Jun 19th, 2002, 01:26 PM

Thank Bill for the response. I may very well follow your footsteps on this. The very last thing I want to see is cracked leather!

Thanks S2&CS for the recommendation. I have heard of nothing but positive feedback on Zaino products.

LMB · Jun 19th, 2002, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Sz.
The car was hannd-washed, pure carnuba wax was applied, the black plastic moulding was cleaned and treated, and finally the leather interior was treated with Lexol.

Does anyone know the UK's equivalent to:[list=1][*]Carnuba Wax[*]Lexol[/list=1]

Cheers.

Bill Sz. · Jun 19th, 2002, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LMB

Does anyone know the UK's equivalent to:[list=1][*]Carnuba Wax[*]Lexol[/list=1]

Cheers.

LMB: I'll ask my detailer which brand of carnuba wax he uses. I think it is an English product, so it should be readily available.

As to Lexol, you may want to check their web-site for distributors/sales agents. Or, check with a good automotive parts store (Halfords?) or a tack and saddle shop.

Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and,

Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands).

Bill

AidenL · Jun 19th, 2002, 03:41 PM

Car looks fantastic.......

Bill Sz. · Jun 19th, 2002, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AidenL
Car looks fantastic.......

Thank you. I'd love to do the rings of Kerry and Dingle in the car! That would be FUN.

Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and,

Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands).

Bill

AidenL · Jun 19th, 2002, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Sz.

Thank you. I'd love to do the rings of Kerry and Dingle in the car! That would be FUN.

Bill

Yep Bill, we sure do have perfect roads for the S over here.....you should try Donegal some time too, my home county, great viewa along the Atlantic Drive, super rally stages actually, and used often for competition !!

Bill Sz. · Jun 19th, 2002, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AidenL

Yep Bill, we sure do have perfect roads for the S over here.....you should try Donegal some time too, my home county, great viewa along the Atlantic Drive, super rally stages actually, and used often for competition !!

AidenL: I'm quite fond of Donegal ... we normally stay in a small hotel/B&B on St. Ernin's Island ... The Ernin Park Hotel? You go on a little bridge or causeway to get out to it. Actually, we almost bought a house near Bantry Bay in Ballylicky. Fantastic place, Ireland. Just the type of place that the MINI is made for!!

Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and,

Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands).

Bill

AidenL · Jun 19th, 2002, 04:48 PM

Is that St. Ernans Bill, just outside Donegal Town ?

I only live 10 miles from there, a town called Ballyshannon.....

I might meet you for a pint next time you are over !

Austin · Jun 19th, 2002, 06:05 PM

Zymol wax is one of the best car waxes you can get over here, it has a high content of Carnauba wax and will bring the car up a real treat. I have personally used it on my Porsche for the last five years and I am always amazed at the result. You can find out more at www.Zymol.co.uk www.zymol.co.uk

LMB · Jun 19th, 2002, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Austin
Zymol wax is one of the best car waxes you can get over here, it has a high content of Carnauba wax and will bring the car up a real treat. I have personally used it on my Porsche for the last five years and I am always amazed at the result. You can find out more at www.Zymol.co.uk www.zymol.co.uk

Cheers Bill and Austin.

Bill Sz. · Jun 19th, 2002, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AidenL
Is that St. Ernans Bill, just outside Donegal Town ?

I only live 10 miles from there, a town called Ballyshannon.....

I might meet you for a pint next time you are over !

AidenL: Yes it is. Sorry for the misspelling. They have a fantastic restaurant there. Yup. I've been to Ballyshanon as well ... on the road to Belleek, I believe? I'd certainly like to meet you for a pint or two or three the next time I'm over. (Or perhaps a double Paddy's on the rocks!)

Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and,

Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands).

Bill

Jun 15th, 2002, 05:34 PM	#1
Bill Sz. MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southern California Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 164 Offline	DS Cooper S: After first bubble bath & polish Even though we picked up our DS MCS on Thursday, often times "dealer prep" leaves something to be desired. For instance, the black plastic body moulding had some sort of white over-spray spots (maybe some sort of coating they use when the cars get shipped?) Anyhow, although the car looked pretty good when it was delivered, we decided to immediately have it professionally detailed. Below are pictures after the detailing. The car was hannd-washed, pure carnuba wax was applied, the black plastic moulding was cleaned and treated, and finally the leather interior was treated with Lexol. We have 3 coats of carnuba wax on the CVT Cooper, and over the next few weeks we'll put several additional coats on the S. It does make a difference. Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and, Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands). Bill Attached Thumbnails Bill Sz. Last edited by Bill Sz. : Jun 16th, 2002 at 01:31 AM.

Jun 15th, 2002, 10:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
ficcion MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Location: Denver, CO Local Time: 12:07 AM Posts: 194 Offline	Makes me remember how easy it was to wash a car and keep it clean in So. Cal. (grew up there). Now it's cracks in windshield, chips in the paint, and basically washing her after every serious drive just to try to keep that California look. (Other than that I love Colorado) Well, at least no crappy "add 2hrs onto your trip" traffic planning Car looks great, keep up the good work. Chili Red S Borla exhaust Madness Intake 16x7 Rota Circuit 8 Falken Azenis

Jun 15th, 2002, 11:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
KarmanS MINI2 Master Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: HKG Local Time: 03:07 PM Posts: 1,366 Offline	wow, nice and shiny! Not familiar with this, but did the leather really need treatment this early in the life of the car? Last edited by KarmanS : Jun 16th, 2002 at 01:26 AM.

Jun 16th, 2002, 12:04 AM	#4 (permalink)
Blue Thunder MINI2 Senior Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lost in Texas Local Time: 02:07 AM Posts: 370 Offline	You need to get a car cover! I remember when I lived in L.A. due to the heavy traffic, your car would get covered with dust & grime just parked on the street. My mini is bigger than yours ... www.promini.com

Jun 16th, 2002, 01:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
Bill Sz. MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southern California Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 164 Offline	Luckily, we park the twins in garage and have them hand-washed every week. But, you are right. A cover would be nice. Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and, Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands). Bill Bill Sz.

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Jun 16th, 2002, 01:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bill Sz. MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southern California Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 164 Offline	"Not familiar with this, but does the leather really needed treatment this early in the life of the car?" It certainly won't hurt it. The first application of Lexol has made the leather just a bit softer. However, the real reason is that here in Southern California when the car is parked outside during the day, on hot days the inside temperature can be brutal. That sort of heat isn't good for leather (in my opinion) in the long run. On the cars that I have owned with leather interiors (Volvo, Jag, Porsche, & Mercedes) I have always used either Lexol or Rolls Royce leather conditioner (I believe that the Rolls stuff is the same as the Connolly conditioner). It just seems that I get more mileage out of the leather using a good conditioner. Since I plan to keep my MCS for a long time, I thought I'd start early ... and the Lexol is less expensive than the Rolls conditioner. Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and, Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands). Bill Bill Sz.

Jun 16th, 2002, 12:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
aerodragon MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Georgia Local Time: 07:07 AM Posts: 218 Offline	Bill, Great looking car! I sent you a PM about some detailing question...

Jun 19th, 2002, 10:46 AM	#8 (permalink)
disdis MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Melbourne Local Time: 05:07 PM Posts: 298 Offline	some help pls can u pls tell me which brand or product to use for both exterior and interior? i m not familiar with car-care products.... i usually use McQuires products since they are readily avail in australia... inside, i just polish the leather with whatever the dealer gave me.... my DS S should be coming in August, so ur help would come in handy! btw, nice looking S!

Jun 19th, 2002, 11:11 AM	#9 (permalink)
S2000&CooperS MINI2 Master Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Glen Allen, VA USA Local Time: 07:07 AM Posts: 956 Offline	Beautiful!! For detailing products, I HIGHLY recommend Zaino. Check out http://www.zainobros.com It's used by folks in several car clubs around the country. I've used it for the last 2 years on my S2000 and now on the MINI - very satisfied. 08 Smart ForTwo Passion Silver/Black/Red (Going on Ebay!) 07 Honda Accord V6 6-speed Taffeta White/Tan (wife's) 06 MINI Cooper S JCW Checkmate Astro Black/Silver

Jun 19th, 2002, 01:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
KarmanS MINI2 Master Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: HKG Local Time: 03:07 PM Posts: 1,366 Offline	Thank Bill for the response. I may very well follow your footsteps on this. The very last thing I want to see is cracked leather! Thanks S2&CS for the recommendation. I have heard of nothing but positive feedback on Zaino products.

Jun 19th, 2002, 02:03 PM	#11 (permalink)
LMB Toon Toon.. <div><a href= Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Up North Local Time: 08:07 AM Posts: 24,967 Offline	Re: DS Cooper S: After first bubble bath & polish Quote: Originally posted by Bill Sz. The car was hannd-washed, pure carnuba wax was applied, the black plastic moulding was cleaned and treated, and finally the leather interior was treated with Lexol. Does anyone know the UK's equivalent to:[list=1][]Carnuba Wax[]Lexol[/list=1] Cheers. Global Moderator

Jun 19th, 2002, 03:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
Bill Sz. MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southern California Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 164 Offline	Re: Re: DS Cooper S: After first bubble bath & polish Quote: Originally posted by LMB Does anyone know the UK's equivalent to:[list=1][]Carnuba Wax[]Lexol[/list=1] Cheers. LMB: I'll ask my detailer which brand of carnuba wax he uses. I think it is an English product, so it should be readily available. As to Lexol, you may want to check their web-site for distributors/sales agents. Or, check with a good automotive parts store (Halfords?) or a tack and saddle shop. Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and, Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands). Bill Bill Sz. Last edited by Bill Sz. : Jun 19th, 2002 at 03:52 PM.

Jun 19th, 2002, 03:41 PM	#13 (permalink)
AidenL Nice TTs......... Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: On The Coast........ Local Time: 08:07 AM Posts: 42,173 Offline	Car looks fantastic....... *Global Moderator*

Jun 19th, 2002, 03:54 PM	#14 (permalink)
Bill Sz. MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southern California Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 164 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by AidenL Car looks fantastic....... Thank you. I'd love to do the rings of Kerry and Dingle in the car! That would be FUN. Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and, Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands). Bill Bill Sz.

Jun 19th, 2002, 03:58 PM	#15 (permalink)
AidenL Nice TTs......... Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: On The Coast........ Local Time: 08:07 AM Posts: 42,173 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Bill Sz. Thank you. I'd love to do the rings of Kerry and Dingle in the car! That would be FUN. Bill Yep Bill, we sure do have perfect roads for the S over here.....you should try Donegal some time too, my home county, great viewa along the Atlantic Drive, super rally stages actually, and used often for competition !! *Global Moderator*

Jun 19th, 2002, 04:05 PM	#16 (permalink)
Bill Sz. MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southern California Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 164 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by AidenL Yep Bill, we sure do have perfect roads for the S over here.....you should try Donegal some time too, my home county, great viewa along the Atlantic Drive, super rally stages actually, and used often for competition !! AidenL: I'm quite fond of Donegal ... we normally stay in a small hotel/B&B on St. Ernin's Island ... The Ernin Park Hotel? You go on a little bridge or causeway to get out to it. Actually, we almost bought a house near Bantry Bay in Ballylicky. Fantastic place, Ireland. Just the type of place that the MINI is made for!! Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and, Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands). Bill Bill Sz.

Jun 19th, 2002, 04:48 PM	#17 (permalink)
AidenL Nice TTs......... Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: On The Coast........ Local Time: 08:07 AM Posts: 42,173 Offline	Is that St. Ernans Bill, just outside Donegal Town ? I only live 10 miles from there, a town called Ballyshannon..... I might meet you for a pint next time you are over ! *Global Moderator*

Jun 19th, 2002, 06:05 PM	#18 (permalink)
Austin MINI2 Newbie Join Date: May 2002 Local Time: 07:07 AM Posts: 27 Offline	Zymol wax is one of the best car waxes you can get over here, it has a high content of Carnauba wax and will bring the car up a real treat. I have personally used it on my Porsche for the last five years and I am always amazed at the result. You can find out more at www.Zymol.co.uk www.zymol.co.uk

Jun 19th, 2002, 06:52 PM	#19 (permalink)
LMB Toon Toon.. <div><a href= Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Up North Local Time: 08:07 AM Posts: 24,967 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Austin Zymol wax is one of the best car waxes you can get over here, it has a high content of Carnauba wax and will bring the car up a real treat. I have personally used it on my Porsche for the last five years and I am always amazed at the result. You can find out more at www.Zymol.co.uk www.zymol.co.uk Cheers Bill and Austin. Global Moderator

Jun 19th, 2002, 07:18 PM	#20 (permalink)
Bill Sz. MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Southern California Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 164 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by AidenL Is that St. Ernans Bill, just outside Donegal Town ? I only live 10 miles from there, a town called Ballyshannon..... I might meet you for a pint next time you are over ! AidenL: Yes it is. Sorry for the misspelling. They have a fantastic restaurant there. Yup. I've been to Ballyshanon as well ... on the road to Belleek, I believe? I'd certainly like to meet you for a pint or two or three the next time I'm over. (Or perhaps a double Paddy's on the rocks!) Liquid Yellow Cooper CVT -w- white roof & mirrors and sport package, leatherette, xenons and 16" 5-Star alloys (in our hot little hands) and, Dark Silver Cooper S -w- white roof & mirrors, premium & sport packages and lapis blue/leather (also in our hot little hands). Bill Bill Sz.

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