Father – Son Moment

Detailing, Mobile Post No Comments »

I had a great father son moment today at the car wash. I have the feeling that, as I age, moments like today will be the ones I remember.

These days some see fatherhood as more of a friendship roll. As a father I look at my roll as more of a teaching one This is true even in the simplest tasks, like washing a car.

Whether it’s was telling him to not let the drying towel touch the ground or letting him know you save water and soap by washing the top first, all those things help me believe that he will grow into a smart and productive young man. As I type this it sounds very silly, but it still feel likes it’s my duty.

I love you son, today was very special for me. I hope it was for you too.

Hope The Bride Isn’t Too Mad | Clubman

Clubman, Install, Tire Service 1 Comment »

I have been searching for new wheels and tires for the Clubman.  Every day I drive around on these Continental all-season tires thinking…”these thing are going to be bald by the time Winter gets here”.  I day dream of getting some new rims and putting come phat Summer rubber on them.  Storing the all-seasons away for Winter.

Some options I have:

  • buy new all-seasons before Winter [$1000]
  • buy a set of snow tires and mount them on my old Black S-lights from my ‘06 [$1000]
  • buy some Summer tires and save the all-seasons for Winter [$1000]
  • buy some new rims and Summer tires, then sell the Crown Spokes and put the all-seasons on the black s-lights for Winter. [$1600-$500=$1100]
  • buy some new rims and Summer tires, then sell the S-Lights and save the crown spokes and all-seasons for Winter. [$1600-$400=$1200]

OR:  Steal these rims and Summer tires from a guy on Craigslist today for $1000.  Sell the Crown Spokes for $500. Keep the Black S-Lights with the all-seasons for Winter.  Netting two near new sets of rims and tires for $500 out of pocket.  AWESOME!

This was a great deal.  The wheels and tires I purchased recently sold on NAM for $1800.  Yes folks, Craiglist is your friend.  They were posted on June 9th, and I called him today, still had them…WTF?  I ran to the bank and ran over to his house.

New Mini Strips | Clubman

Clubman, Install No Comments »

I put Viper Stripes on the Clubman yesterday.  They turned out really good.  The few little air bubbles should heat up and go away.

NM Lowering Springs | Clubman

Clubman, Install, Suspension No Comments »

Saturday morning I tackled installing the NM Lowering Springs on the Clubman.  The job in itself was not too tough.  I did a couple of things twice.  On the drivers side I ended up pulling the shock/coil out twice.  I forgot the to put in the second steel washer under the bearings/top mount.  Luckily I saw the washer while removing the passenger side.

If we ignore that minor mishap, the install went pretty easy.  I have had a number of vehicles apart in the garage, but never a Clubman.  I have to admit I was a little scared.  The Clubman only has about 5000 miles on it.

The total install only took about 2 hours. After the install I put the car back on the ground and really didn’t notice any difference.  So I took it out for a test drive.  The hadnling is amazing.  The documented Clubman Wheel Hop is now not as noticeable.  I only noticed the lowered stance after taking it out for a good long drive.  It’s not slammed, but it sure ads a lot to the look of this car.  What do you think?

More Parts Arrived | Clubman

Clubman, Modification 2 Comments »

I got a few parts today from OutMotoring order.

  1. Lowering Springs from NM Engineering
  2. John Copper Works Black Grill Trim

The order was short the two Blackout Beltline Kits I ordered.  They also sent me two t-shirts, not the ones I ordered.  I called and talked to Allen.  He said I could keep the shirts and he would send the missing item out today.  I told him no worries and that I would offer up one of the free shirts to Mini In The Mountains.  At least he gets some advertising mileage out of it.  He said thanks and apologized again.

I might take Father’s Day and have my two boys help me put on the coils.  We’ll see what happens.  My kids would love getting dirty under the Mini, and I would get something done.

Before writing this I put the JCW grill trim on the Clubman and it looks great.  What do you think?

DSC00688

DSC00687

Stayfast Canvas Boot | Karmann Ghia

Ghia, Install No Comments »

The black Stayfast canvas boot cover came for the 1970 Karmin Ghia today.  I bought it used off Samba.  The boot usually sells for $399 new, but I picked up the “used” one for $165.  What a smoking deal.  The wife and I had to put the snaps on.  It had NEVER been used.

EDIT: Added some pictures today 6/18/09

DSC00690

DSC00689

2009 Clubman with Miltek Cat Back | Clubman

Clubman, Engine, Service No Comments »

Garage Day | “What the hell did I do”

Photo No Comments »

Not sure how this happened.  By boy “03_Indigo” was working on his junk today and before breaking for lunch we found this on his head.  I’m sure it was one of those “Where the heck did I put the 16mm socket”

Caption This

Caption This

Registared for Track Day | Clubman

Clubman, Event, Track No Comments »

I registered for track day today.  John with the Lotus Colorado club took my last minute registration.  Thanks again John.  I promise it went out in the mail today.

I can’t tell you readers how excited I am for my first track day.  Now I have to find a helmet.

Track day is June 28th and it’s at the new High Plains Raceway.

DDM Install and Mods | Clubman S

Clubman, Engine, Install, Modification, Uncategorized No Comments »

The DDM Race Intake came today.  Very impressive looking.  The parts came well packed and the instructions are top notch.  I won’t post pictures, we’ve all seen them, or look here.

A few things I need to bring to the forefront.The kit instructs you to remove the grill in the Clubman S’ hood scoop.  I live in the Denver area where they us sand/gravel to help melt the snow.  I was afraid of getting those remnants and other road debris scoped up and tossed into the air box.  I decided to get the Dremel out and just clear out some the area closed off by the OEM grill.

I used this bit on the Dremel.

Results where pretty clean.

I took it for a quick test drive after everything was complete.  I must say it didn’t feel any different,  I could definitely hear the turbo roll off.  I will post some more after and extended test drive.

a bit of Motoring today | Clubman

Clubman, Cooper'isms, Motoring, Motoring Log No Comments »

picture-12

Link

Brake Dust | Clubman

Clubman, Detailing, Maintenance, Warranty 2 Comments »

picture-11This morning I spent some time researching a way to reduce brake dust.  I cleaned the heck out of the wheels on my Clubman.  It’s back “braking” work (pun).  According to the guys on m | u the best option is to switch pads and rotors.

The change I am making is to Powershot Rotors and Hawk Ceramic Pads.  The Hawk parts number for the Clubman are: HB574Z.636 Rear, HB560Z.677 Front.  I am still looking for the rotors.

The only question now is when do I make the move.  I hate brake dust, but I love my warranty and free maintenance more.  After all BMW will replace my OEM pads and rotors for 36,000 miles.  I guess I’ll have to wait until after that is up.  Why spend the cash on an upgrade when I can get OEM parts for free?

Any of you know any other ways of keeping brake dust from sticking?

DDM Race Intake Arrives Tuesday | Clubman

Clubman, Engine, Install, Modification No Comments »

I am counting the days…it’ll be here Tuesday.  I even called Friday to see if I could pick it up from UPS in Commerce City.  “No, not on ground shipments”

MaddoxTint Clear Mask | Mini Clubman

Clubman, Install, Modification 4 Comments »

Yesterday I had the opportunity to get a clear mask installed on my new Clubman.  After searching the web, the forums, and reading all the reviews I decided to get it done at Maddox Tint in Aurora, Colorado.

picture-1Chris Maddox, the owner, spent a few minutes on the phone with me discussing his experiance.  He was been doing tint and clear mask for over 20 years.

The install experience was great.  Chris’ shop is very busy, but he takes the time to make you feel like someone who works there.  He had no issues with me hanging out and chatting it up with the staff.  His staff is very skilled and made quick work of a tint job while I was there.  A+ work by the way, their quickness should not be seen as short cutting.  They do great work.

I had them do a 12″ front clear mask, all the fingernail door areas, and a piece on the rear bumper.  The work was incredible.  No knifes on the paint, everything was cut off the car or in a seam.  Chris is a real master of the clear mask.

He charged me $289, which pummeled the dealer price of $495.  If you need tint for your home, office or car, Maddox Tint is the only place to go.

Maddox Window Tint
4351 South Parker Rd.
Aurora, CO  80015
(303) 680-1914
www.maddoxtint.com

Boost Gauge Parts Gathering | Mini Clubman

Clubman, Install, Modification No Comments »

In the next few weeks I am planning to install a boost gauge and a water temp gauge in my new Clubman.  Installing gauges in my Clubman is taking some planning.  It’s been difficult to find exactly what I want.  Below is the look I want.

jayhox_mini10

I finally found some part numbers on the Stewart Warner gauges I want to put in my Clubman.  I found them via this thread on NAM.

picture-2

The next step is to find a pod cluster I like.  The image below is the Alta cluster.  I hate the look of the back of it.  I want something clean, with a back.

side

MINI Being Made

Cooper'isms No Comments »


Aqui está a linha de montagem dos novos minis, ach

Yakima Skybox16 | Clubman

Clubman, Modification 2 Comments »

A year ago I bought a Yakima Skybox16 from REI here in Denver.  Sunday I was test fitting on the new Clubman.  I was making sure of the fit and noise that might be associated with it before heading out on a family vacation in a few weeks.  As I placed it on top of the rack I turned the lock/latch to open it and the latch made a snapping noise and pulled out of the box, right into my hand.

Today I took the box and lock/latch down to REI for repair.  Surprisingly REI warrantied the whole box and gave me a brand spanking new one.  Way to go REI and Yakima.

Here’s a picture. New Yakima on a dirty Clubman.  I’ll most likely move the bars forward about 6″ before the trip.

photo

CravenSpeed | Splitter for Boost Guage

Clubman, Install, Modification No Comments »

This little beauty also hit the doorstep of CEOself headquarters this week.  It’s a PSIClone Adapter.  It’s basically a splitter for your MAP Sensor.  It’ll give you a second hole to use for reading the boost PSI. Looks like it needs a shot or two of car cleaner.  It’s got some sticky stuff on it from shipping.

Now I just need to find a perfectly matching Boost Gauge.  Maybe AutoMeter has something for me.  Once I find a gauge I like, I will post the install pictures.

Hotchkis 25.2mm Rear Sway Bar | Min Clubman S

Clubman, Install, Modification 2 Comments »

My Clubman experiences quite a bit more body roll than my old 2006 with sport suspension.  This mod will hopefully help me get back some of the feel that old car had without sacrificing the softer ride.  I went with the 25.2mm “race” bar from Hotchkiss for a few reason.  After reading the reviews of R56 owners, I felt this bar would be perfect for a Clubman.  Most of the R56 owners said they noticed a slight difference in roll with the bar set on the first position.  Therefore with the longer Clubman the middle setting on this bar should be about perfect.  I also picked this bar because it has greaseable bushing.

The install was pretty straight forward.  It took me about 2 hours.  I could knock out a second one in about 1/2 that now.

  • remove tires
  • remove coil overs
  • remove stock clamps & bushings on stock bar
  • remove sway bar from links
  • remove bolts from subframe (2 bolts called for removal in instructions.  I had to remove 3)
  • remove stock bar
  • wrap new bar with Teflon tape(around where the bushings will be)
  • grease Teflon tape lightly
  • insert new 25.2mm bar
  • slide on new poly bushings
  • install clamps
  • install subframe bolts
  • install coilovers
  • attach links to new bar
  • grease the bar clamps
  • install tires

*if I have to tell you to chuck your wheels, jack up the vehicle, and wear safety goggles, you shouldn’t be doing this or any mod

I drove the it around today running the bar through some twisties and such.  I think this mod was well worth the time and money.  I accomplished exactly what I wanted to.  The bar added tons of stability to the roll of the Clubman in a turn.  The bar takes nothing away from the smooth ride a stock suspension Mini should have.

Photo | Why I Love to Drive

Cooper'isms, Motoring, Photograph No Comments »

Some of you may wonder why I enjoy driving some much.  Most of you may see driving as a mundane unavoidable task.  For me, driving is passionate.  Whether it’s climbing a wall of rocks in the Jeep, or puling low end G’s in my Mini Copper, I enjoy being behind the wheel.  Maybe it’s the sense of control, or maybe the focus it needs takes my mind off the problems in my life.  I’m not sure.

I saw this photo posted on the NAM forum today and had to post it.  It was posted by “markfm”.

twisties

Ordered some mods | Way Motor Works

Clubman, Modification No Comments »

waymotorworks

I just ordered some the of the mods I want for the new ‘09 Clubman.  Way Motors Works was my choice.  I could get everything I wanted from them.  I met Wayland at Mini In The Mountains in 2008.  Great guy, all he did that weekend was work.  I admire hard work, so I have no problem sending my hard earned money to his business.

DDMWorks R56 Race Intake System $448.00
H-Sport Competition Rear Sway Bar $219.95 (best price I found anywhere)
PSIclone Adapter $39.95

I hope I see them at the office next week. :)

Recalls and Common issues with the Mini Cooper Clubman

Clubman, Warranty No Comments »

I wanted to start a list for myself of the issues that others are having with their Mini Cooper Clubman.  This will help me keep an eye out on issues I may have.  I will update this list as new issues arise

16″ Brake Recall: models equipped with 16 inch diameter front brake discs – link

Punch Black Leather: peeling – link

Twitter | Follow Us

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Follow us, now at the 5280driver user name

New Ride

Clubman, Event, Photograph No Comments »

Traded my 2006 Mini Cooper S in for a brand new 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman S tonight.

2009 Mini Cooper Clubman S | 6 spd | Astro Black | Leather Punch Carbon Black | Color Line Red Rooster | Piano Black accent | 17″ Crown Spokes | Bluetooth/USB | Cold Weather Package | Premium Package | Roof Rails | Chrome Mirror Caps | Center Armrest | Xenon headlights | Anthracite Headliner

DICE – SILVERLINE iPod Integration Kit for BMW / MINI Cooper

Install No Comments »

DICE – SILVERLINE iPod Integration Kit for BMW / MINI Cooper
Add an iPod or iPhone’s music to your stock Cooper radio. This adds a cable that connections to the bottom of your iPod or iPhone. It also adds a cable to attach music via a head phone jack. That can be used for satellite radio or even a laptop.

I bought it for $159+shipping.

$100 Has all the cables, instructions, original box, receipt. In fact you won’t be able to tel the difference between this one and a new one.

If you live in Denver Metro I’ll meet you for deliver in person. Cash please.

VW Karmann Ghia | Motor is out

Ghia, Install, Service No Comments »

We closed down work around 12-12:30 today.  That left me an opportunity to get started early on the Ghia motor pull.

The first step was to use my label tool to badge all the electrical wiring. Removed some engine compartment floor shielding. Heater cables and hoses were next. Then four bolts and she dropped out.

Now for the bad news. The clutch, pressure plate and throwout bearing are all in great shape. The clutch still has the manufactures ink stank visible on it.

So now I am surfing the net to try and find some more information.  I am at  a loss to the cause of the vibration.  It was vibrating when the clutch was released.

The tranny shaft does have some up and down movement, but nothing more than 1/32 of an inch.  Slight pressure yields a tick/tock tick/tock clicking as the shaft moves up and down. This could mean a bad bearing inside the tranny. I would expect more movement if that was the case though.

The Samba has give me some ideas. One poster said that it may have been as simple as adjusting the clutch cable. Gosh…I hope not. Pulling the motor when all I needed was a simple adjustment would be the ultimate screw up on my part.

MORE PICTURES

VW Karmann Ghia | Clutch & TO replacement

Ghia, Install No Comments »

The 1970 Karmann Ghia needs some maintenance.  A few months ago the clutch peddle was giving us quite a shimmy.  In a previous post I noted that the clutch had a little whine.  I think the throwout bearing is bad.  This being bad can cause the clutch peddle to whine when fully engaged.

Since this classic car is fairly new to us I had no idea if the engine and tranny matched the body.  The previous owner told me everything was original.  I just wanted to make sure before I started pulling the motor off the tranny.

I started my VIN/Chassis/Engine block number matching at The Samba.com.  It’s a huge source for information about VW production cars.  The link previous stated takes you to products years and VIN numbers.  Thier info helped me come to the conclusion that our 1970 Ghia Convertible is all stock.  The VIN and Chassis match, and the engine block number was produced with a few months of the VIN.  Perfect.  This is great news!

Now that I know the engine and tranny are alos 1970. I headed up to Painter’s Grinding.  This is a great little machine shop up in Denver that specizes in VW restoration parts and hot rodding them.  They hooked me up with a clutch kit.  The kit includes clutch, plate, and throwout bearing.  They also tossed in a clutch alignment tool.  I also picked up a main seal.  Since I’m already in there I might as well replace it too.

The plan right now is to pull it apart Friday morning.

4×4 Cooper Concept

Automobile News, Photograph No Comments »

 

4x4 Cooper Concept

4x4 Cooper Concept

Cool concept is you ask me.  See some more picture and info here

Mini in the Mountains 2008

Event No Comments »

We had a great time.  Here are the pictures.

Nicole and I hit Loveland Pass, Indepence Pass, and Berthoud Pass.  Some towns that we saw.  Frisco, Winter Park, Leadville, Aspen and Glenwood Springs.

We made some new friends and took home some great info on our new Mini.

Thanks to everyone who planned the event.  We will see you next year.

Tire Service | Rotation

Tire Service No Comments »

tire rotation no balance (warranty coverage)

Mileage: 38184 | Dicount Tire Lone Tree, CO

Service | Front Brake Service

Service, Warranty No Comments »

replaced front brake pads and rotors (warranty coverage)

Mileage: 38160 | Ralph Schomp Mini Englewood, CO

Ralph Schomp | riding in to save the day, again

Service No Comments »

Ralph Schomp Mini saves me again.

On the eve of my first “Mini in the Mountains” Ralph. Schomp slid me into the service department this morning.

Yestarday afternoon my brake pad warning light came on and I paniced. Nicole and I are set to leave Wednesday evening for MITMs at Cooper Mountain.

I called them a few moments after the light came on. To add stress to the situation it was about 4:58p. Devon told me to bring it first thing in the morning. He said they were 120% booked but would do his best get it in on Wednesday.

I woke up early this morning and headed for the Schomp. I arrived about 30 minutes before the store officially opened. At 6:45 Devon took my info and told me he would call me as soon as he got to it.

The stores shuttle service goes downtown on Wednesday so I was out of luck getting to the Denver Tech Center. My plan was to borrow my mother’s Cooper today to run some last minute errands. While on the phone with my mom, Devon informed me my was car heading back and should be ready in an hour or so. I was floored.

Some of you know that I spent about 15 years working directly with car dealerships. Never have a seen a dealership more concerned about customer service. Ralph Scomp sell Hondas, BMWs and or course Minis. If you are looking to purchase or service any of these makes I highly recomend them.

New Addition…to the Garage

Ghia No Comments »

My Mini Cooper has had some company for the past couple of weeks. On July 6th I bought Nicole her dream car.

Through out 13 years of marriage I have been the “car hog”. Always choosing the new vehicle. During these times I would always ask…what she wanted. She would usually just agree with the decision at hand and move on with life. i mean thsi girl has been through Jeep after Jeep. Some brought home on flatbed trailers. Some she didn’t even know about until they pulled up out front. She has been through a lot. :D

Every good husband notices things though. Like when I would mention my days of driving my 73 Super Beetle. Which by the way is sitting in my garage, needing work. She would mention that she has always wanted a Volkwagon Karmann Ghia. That was quickly followed-up by “a convertible Ghia”. As if to make sure I knew exactly which model.

So I found one. I had been actively looking under her nose for about 8 years. I found it on Craigslist. It had been garaged since 1999, and was in good drivable shape, and close. It was in Loveland. The icing on the cake for me was that it was a 1970 model just like Nicole.

link to more pictures

7/14/2008 Oil Service Log

Oil Service Log No Comments »

Mileage: 36945 | FastTrax | Royal Purple 5w 30: 5 quarts |

JVC KD-AVX44 El Kameleon Vehicle Multimedia Receiver w/ 3.5″ Monitor

Modification No Comments »

I totally want this deck for my Mini Cooper. Anyone installed it?

Has 3.5″ DVD screen a video out and is ready for XM/Sirrus and HD.  Ooo La La

2nd Cooper in the family

Event, Photograph No Comments »

My mom came up to our house today with her band new baby. A 2006 Mini Cooper Convertable. Nice job mom!

[pictures link]

most cargo room in its class

Long Trip, Modification No Comments »

We needed a cargo box for an upcoming family trip.  We found one on sale yesterday.  The cargo box is going on the Honda Odyssey, not the Cooper.  However we found it on sale while driving the Cooper.  

I enjoyed the looks I got while driving it around yesterday. :)

...most cargo room in its class

  

4/18/2008 Oil Service Log

Oil Service Log No Comments »

Mileage: 32,582 | FastTrax | Royal Purple 5w 30: 5 quarts | 

April Fools 5280driver style

Motoring No Comments »

Anyone get had yesterday?

I sure did. My boss and I are rolling down the interstate about 65 mph. We roll up on this guy. I whip out the camera phone to snap a picture of this dingdong…

As we pass I snap the photo. I then start pumping my index finger up and down…like “yo, your Carmel, triple shot, skinny, no foam is on the roof.” He then holds a small sign…says “April Fools”.

I wish I had thought of that!

Warranty Item: Wheel Speed Sensor

Service, Warranty No Comments »

Mileage: 31,227 | Front, Driver’s side wheel speed sensor replaced.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): The Car Wash Years

Detailing 1 Comment »

Great tips in this thing, well worth the full watch.

 

03/18/2008 Tire Service

Tire Service No Comments »

Mileage: 30180 | Location: Discount Tire | Price: $235.00 each

Two new Pirelli Eufori Run Flats. Tires were put on the front. The two rear tires were inspected and only have about 6,000 miles on them. Received tire warranty on all 4 tires. Lifetime rotation and balance on each tire.

PIAA 540 install

Install, Modification No Comments »

The UPS man showed up with some more goodies.

It was the PIAA 540 install kit for the 2002 to 2006 Mini Cooper. My Cooper has Xenon headlamps. These lamps can cause some snow blindness while driving during a quickly falling snow storm. In the past I have successfully use my fog lamps w/o the headlamps to navigate. This kit will give me one more option.

The kit comes with instructions that can be described as…decent, to put it kindly. The light brackets fit my Cooper perfectly. No issues with mounting the hardware, lamps or even running the wire. All went well and without any troubles.

Tips:

  1. When drilling and mounting the top screw of the light brackets. Remove the two access panels. These access panels are there to give access to the nuts that hold on the ram are duct. This will make it much easier to fish some of the mounting hardware.
  2. Run the light wiring towards the drivers side. There is a nice ground that can be used just beyond the washer fluid filling area.
  3. The open area next to the master cylinder makes for a nice area to zip tie unused wire.
  4. The master cylinder area also makes a nice launch pad through the fire wall. It is also a way to get to the battery connection.

Purchase Link $249.99

Here are some pictures

IMG_0109 IMG_0110 IMG_0118 IMG_0113 IMG_0112 IMG_0115 IMG_0116 IMG_0119 IMG_0114

Black P/C S Lites

Modification No Comments »

I picked up some “new-to-me” S lites from a good friend a few weeks ago. Thanks Grant! Even though they were a bright yellow I took them off his hands. The price was right, or should I say the lack of a price was right. Did I say thanks Grant already?

On my way home this evening I pick them up from a powder coater. I had driven by the shop hunders of times and never stopped. I sure am glad I did stopped this time. The place is called Roadrunner Powder Coating and Fabrication. Dan and his staff are great. Didn’t even blink and eye at such a small job. Most of the stuff they were working on…I could have parked my Mini inside of. They are huge operation.

At $50 a rim to strip and re-coat I couldn’t pass it up.

Here is the final product.

IMG_0100 IMG_0108

AFE Air Intake Install

Install, Modification, Photograph No Comments »

$239.99 | Buy it here


AFE Cold Air intake installed in a 2006 Mini Cooper S

Pretty happy with this. Install went very smooth. I try to always test fit everything prior, it seems to make the actual install quicker.

It’s a great value. Watch my fuel log to see if I am getting any better mileage. Hit the comments on the top right of this post if you have any questions.

Here are some pictures

IMG_0101 IMG_0102

IMG_0104 IMG_0105 IMG_0106 IMG_0107

02/28/2008 Oil Service Log

Oil Service Log No Comments »

Mileage: 28,650 | FastTrax | Mobil1 Synthetic 5w 30: 5 quarts |

Front Bumper Dressing

Modification No Comments »

My used Mini came no front license plate holder. Colorado requires I run a front plate so my search for an option was on.

First I looked into the “holeless” option offered by a Vendor on the NAM site. Hit the link, this option is really great, but I already have the holes for the stock one in my bumper. As a looked at pictures of this option It looked as if it might restrict a little air flow. It may even block some of the light give off by the factory fog lights. I would love to be able to put a new bumper on it, but that’s not financially feasible right now. I understand the hole can be filled and the color touched up, but I have never been really good and that sort of thing. I hold things like this to a pretty high standard, sometimes standards that I, personally, can’t reach.

The second option was to find the stock plate holder, like the one that came on my Mini new. Not my first choice, but the best given the circumstances.

I stopped at Ralph Schomp Mini today to pick one up. $90+ later I had my stock holder. I picked up a Badge holder for the grill also.

Shelly at Schomp is just absolutely wonderful.

New URLs

Cooper'isms No Comments »

As with anything I get interested in, I head out and pick up a URL or two. This time I already had 5280driver.com. I was planning to use it for something else, but never got around to it.

Today I picked up a few URLs to go with my new found Mini Cooper love.

  • www.miniroad.com
  • www.spinmini.com

Not sure what I’m going to use them for yet. Tossing around the idea of buying a vinyl sticker cutter and making some stickers. I have been thinking about that for years. I have some good ideas for the Mini audience. More to come on that idea in the next few weeks.

Ralph Schomp 2008 Clubman Event

Event, Mobile Photo No Comments »

IMG_0084Ah Yes my first real “Mini Event”

Ralph Schomp Mini in Englewood Colorado hosted a Clubman unveiling this afternoon. I had been to the dealership a few times already, but never with such fan fair. They rolled out the red carpet for us, literally. No…they really had a red carpet.

IMG_0091I arrived around 11:30. Really just to check out the spread. I was starving and wanted to know if I needed to grab something before the noon unveiling. When I arrived Schomp was laying out a array of “Club” sandwiches. Knowing the food was there…I decided not to stuff my face until after the noon showing.

Pictures of the Clubman have been all over the forums and even some other blog reviews have been posted already. The actual viewing was less climactic because of this. Still nice to see one up close and in person though.

IMG_0083 IMG_0086 IMG_0087 IMG_0088 IMG_0089 IMG_0090 IMG_0092

Thule Rapid Aero Roof Rack Install

Mobile Photo, Modification No Comments »

IMG_0082IMG_0081 IMG_0080 IMG_0079

My Thule Aero Style Roof Rack install went well this evening. I spent the my lunch hour searching for the correct “Fit Kit” for the Mini Cooper. The load range is 110 lbs according to Thule, but I wouldn’t have a problem loading up to 200lbs IMHO.

The install took about 2 hours to complete, including a test drive.

While I was test fitting it I pushed the bars forward. The faring was touching the edge of the windshield. Since the bars are to be 24″ apart, it made the install look out of sync. I chose to move it back a bit.

The next addition will be some ski mounts. We are taking a trip up to the ski condo in a few weeks and will need those attachments.

The Rapid Aero load bars are great for someone who needs to pull off miscellaneous attachments at a moments notice. With the system you just need to remove the end caps to pull off attachments. No longer will I have to pull the foot mounts off the car to remove the ski or bike mounts. I believe each attachment comes with a locking end cap for security.

Thule part numbers for this install are:

  1. 400XTR Aero Foot pack [attachment feet]
  2. 2145 Fit Kit [finger brackets and rubber scuff pads]
  3. RB47 Rapid Aero Load Bars
  4. LOCK [locks]
  5. 871 [38" fairing]

Cooper S CAI (Cold Air Intake)

Modification No Comments »

54-10572ais.jpgI just ordered a CAI for the Cooper. I decided to go with a model from AFE. This model provides an enclosed box for keeping the temps low. It also looks like it can be easily moded to except left over scoop air also. The photo is somewhat deceiving. The steel plate moves over the top of the filter to create an enclosure.

Some of you may know, I own an only off-road parts supply and manufacturing company. Some of my suppliers also supply parts for Mini Cooper and and Cooper S models. I will be posting links to my BIGoffroad site. The shopping cart is already built there and can be used easily. Please support me by using links to these products.

Cooper S products via BIGoffroad

Wash-A-Vac

Detailing No Comments »

The Cooper got it’s first official wash and vacuum today. The boys helped me. They hung up the mats and dropped in the quarters. Trevor become quite the critic by pointing out all the spots I missed.

DICE Silverline iPod Connector

Modification No Comments »

I installed the DICE Silverline iPod connector this evening. I purchased it from European Auto Source for $149. There are probably less expensive options but I wanted to have the iPod connector and an audio in jack. This option also allows the song’s title, artist and song to be displayed on the radio screen.

The install was pretty simple. A little searching on the NAM forums will get you the info you need. I use an iPhone and chose to not “Lock” the device controls. I have some mounts coming form ProClip USA that will make the input device easy to reach. The DICE interface works decent. However I use Playlists a lot and it does not really display the info like using the device. So I chose to control it off the input device instead.

02/06/2008 Oil Service Log

Oil Service Log No Comments »

Mileage: 25968 | Ralph Schomp Mini | 5w 30: 5 quarts |

Tint Job

Modification No Comments »

If you reviewed the picture of the Mini when I bought it you’ll see it had a horrible sticker in the back. It wasn’t really my style. The sticker was placed between the reflective tint job and the glass. Which meant the tint has to come off.

IMG_0071IMG_0070After my dealer visit I took it down to John’s Sunroofs. Darrell and his shop has tinted every one of my vehicles. I am trusting the Mini to the best in the business.

The reflective tint is illegal here in Colorado so if I want that sticker removed from the rear I will have to re-tint the whole car. I added a clear bra to the hood and inside the door handles.

Dealer Visit

Service No Comments »

Scheduled service for this morning at 8am. Turns out the original owner purchased the extended maintenance package for this Mini. Maybe it already comes with that, not sure. Either way it cost me nothing. Oil change, 25,000 mile inspection. They said my Mini was in tip top shape.

Welcome

Photograph No Comments »

We brought home a 2006 Mini Cooper today. It has Dark Silver, Sport Package.

The Jeep Commander had such lousy gas mileage. I expect to double the 16mpg the Commander got with this. Here is a link to the images. I pulled them off the dealers site.

Picked it up for $20,000 less what the Commander was worth.

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