When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
First set of new wiper blades in 6 years. Blade surface was good but was separating from the base so was time for new ones. Also order a proper horn, hoping to get it in this weekend.
Let's see... drove in pouring-rain to get Lola dyno'ed today. So far, the only mod I have is Alta intake, result no HP ( 180 hp as per Mini) gain at all, just the cool sound of turbo but for the next dyno, magnaflow and JB+ will be add it on....
I'm actually in the Albie Garage doing something that pales in comparison to the rat rod project, but wondered about something. Long story short, I de-badged the MINI badge on my boot. I'm getting ready to finish my stripe. I filled the holes, primed, first base coat applied. Once my second coat is applied, should I wet send and then clear? All of this is rattle can since the vinyl stripe will be covering. Which is lucky since I'm not you!
Best way to do it with limited experience is to, give it a good scuff with either a red Scotchbrite, or if you cant find any at a paint supply store, be careful but use 600 grit wet. If using the paper, keep the panel saturated and when the paper sticks its flat... Let it dry and use a good wax/grease remover (body shop type, not a household chemical), then clear with some healthy coats leaving a minute or two between. Let it sit a night, and wet sand with 1000, then finish with 1500-2000, and buff it.
Ha! I'm going to be at it awhile anyway, me thinks. I'm looking at this being done this weekend - I taped off to be within the the stripe so anything I do will be under vinyl. But as I understand it, I needs to be smooth. Real smoooooooth or it will show through.
Do you have a thread devoted to your upgrades? I'd be very interested in following your progress, especially if you're backing it up with dyno numbers.
Originally Posted by Mini Union
Let's see... drove in pouring-rain to get Lola dyno'ed today. So far, the only mod I have is Alta intake, result no HP ( 180 hp as per Mini) gain at all, just the cool sound of turbo but for the next dyno, magnaflow and JB+ will be add it on....
Oil Change- A Great Way to Spend a Sunday Afternoon
Oil Change this weekend for the R56. I do oil changes every 6K miles regardless of what the OBC indicates. Perhaps other Mini Maniacs knew this but I discovered a trick. Before I drain the engine I remove the Oil Cap. The theory here is this would create a vacuum affect for sucking oil from the filter. It seemed to have worked well because I drained the engine completely then removed the filter. There was merely just a couple of drips from the filter which avoided a greater mess. Also cleaned the K&N air filter. Within 6K miles I have to change the Coolant. I think I'll leave this for my mechanic! Happy Motoring!
Oil Change this weekend for the R56. I do oil changes every 6K miles regardless of what the OBC indicates. Perhaps other Mini Maniacs knew this but I discovered a trick. Before I drain the engine I remove the Oil Cap. The theory here is this would create a vacuum affect for sucking oil from the filter. It seemed to have worked well because I drained the engine completely then removed the filter. There was merely just a couple of drips from the filter which avoided a greater mess. Also cleaned the K&N air filter. Within 6K miles I have to change the Coolant. I think I'll leave this for my mechanic! Happy Motoring!
You could go one step further and stick your mouth in the oil cap opening (not literally but close) and blow! haha create enough air to "help" push the remaining oil out! Wife thinks I am weird so I recommend that you do that when no one is watching! hehe
Today, I miss it terribly! It's 1,200 miles away. Won't see her for 3 more weeks :>( It's such a beautiful motoring day too. 78 and sunny in Lincoln, NE.