Questions regarding my new MINI

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imported_Len_A

New member
First post! :)



Barring further west coast port closures, my very first-est new car should be arriving in about 5 weeks. It's a 2003 MINI Cooper S. Red, with white roof and hood stripes. I've been lurking for a while now, but am still uncertain what products I'll need to have on hand when the big day arrives.



See this page for a pic of a similar car, although that one isn't an "S". (First pic on page.)



I'm planning to go the Zaino route, so my questions are mostly about the paint prep and polish phase that's after claying, but before the first application of 'Z'.



I'm begging my dealer not to touch the exterior when they prep the car, although I'm not sure how much is sinking in. But let's assume that the car will be pretty much swirl free when I get it. What, if anything, should I do to the paint before applying the Z2? (Besides Dawn'ing and clay'ing?)



I bought my PC today, and I was thinking of getting either some Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner, or some 3M Perfect-It SMR. I'll probably use the product with a white pad since I'll be petrified. :) Too aggressive? If so, what would you suggest? I don't really need anything with fillers.



Second question:



There will be white stripes on my hood (bonnet) that I will have to be careful not to damage. They're not painted on, they are vinyl. (They are installed using soapy water and a squeegee.) I intend to layer the Zaino right on top of the stripes, but what about when I'm using the PC? Should I use some sort of masking to keep myself from accidentally buffing the stripes? Has anyone else dealt with this sort of stick-on graphic?



Great forum.



-Dave
 
good choice, we looked a a red mini S also:) if it were me I would just clay and start with the Zaino, and yes just Z right over the "stickers" Stripes on the hood.



Post pics when you get it :)
 
Yeah, lots of black trim on that car. I plan on eventually having all of the black plastic trim painted body-color (red), but I probably won't be able to afford to do that right away. :sosad Until then, I'll need to be careful.



(Painted arch pics can be found here, and here.)



I think Zaino is trim-friendly, right? I was under the impression that I could slather 'Z' all over just about everything (trim, windows, wheels) with good results. Let me know if I've got that wrong! :)



But, if it turns out I use a paint cleaner beforehand, I guess I better be sure to keep that off the textured trim. I better go buy a couple rolls of that blue masking tape.



I'm still really interested in hearing how I should keep the PC from eating those vinyl stripes...



-Dave
 
Cool car!:xyxthumbs

It's doing to me what the PT did for me a year ago!:D



Anyways, I wouldn't intentionally put Z on trim. It doesn't do any good. It's just "trim-friendly", which means it won't stain them white like so many carnaubas.



I would just Dawn, clay, and Z7 wash, then start layering the Z!!!:bounce



:wavey
 
Zaino is good on almost everything, the black trim should be no problem. The only things you need to avoid are any rough textured or unfinished surfaces.



Another advantage is that you aren't left with all that white wax residue to clean out of the cracks.



I was out on the California coast (Highway 1) a few months back and saw 2 identical red Minis chasing each other up the road. They flew past me in no time, very cool! :up
 
Just speculation here, but if you put masking tape on the white stripes, won't you have to be really careful when you take it off? How tightly are those vinyl stripes attached? I wish I had a good suggestion for how to protect the stripes...
 
We have 2 red S's, a black over red, and a red over red (mine). For the stripes, keep the clay away from the edges - clay outward from the stripe, not inward.



Masking along the stripe, about 1/2" out from the stripe (so the tape starts on the stripe, and covers the first 1/2" of paint next to the stripe) is the way to go. I love the looks of the stripes, but I'd rather have paint for this very reason.



Both of our cars had splatter of residue in door jambs, and buffer marks on several parts of the paint. Neither had any record of repairs at the VPC, so we have to assume it's stuff the factory "fixed" before loading on the ship.



SMR 39009 on a white pad should be fine to remove marring like that. Follow it with the Zaino and you'll be fine.



You might try using a rubber and vinyl dressing on all the trim (rockers, wheel well arches, etc.) before applying any product to the paint just in case you get some slop.



Enjoy the car - I've got this big pile of parts to be installed on mine after SEMA, when I get a little time.
 
Just speculation here, but if you put masking tape on the white stripes, won't you have to be really careful when you take it off? How tightly are those vinyl stripes attached? I wish I had a good suggestion for how to protect the stripes...
Click to expand...



You've put my fears into words, Taxlady! ;) Going by Forrest's comments, it sounds like I'll need to come up with a way to remove the tape without lifting the stripe. I'm thinking that if I always peel "away" from the strip, and don't pull upwards on the tape any more than necessary, I should be okay. I hope. :)



I'd ask Forrest what parts he's got ready to be installed, but that would be inappropriate use of the forum. :cool: Myself, I'll be yanking the factory 17" wheels off immediately and replacing them with a much lighter wheel/tire combo. No firm plans after that.



I just spent $200 at CMA, and just ordered a Vac 'n Blo from Amazon, and I haven't even ordered my "Z' yet! I'M OUT OF CONTROL! :eek: I'm really digging the PakShack towels I got a month ago. Got's to get me some more of those too. :rolleyes:



Thanks for the reponses, folks. I did order the 3M SMR, since I was getting the impression that the Premium Paint Cleaner was a tad too aggressive. Hope it gets here soon so I can start practicing on my wife's car! :D



-Dave
 
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