Saturday, April 17, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Detail Workshop
Pictures and story by Dennis Harrold
Hold it right there! Put the Dish Soap down and back away slowly - keep your hands where we can see ‘em! Yes, we know it has Mandarin Orange Essential Oils, but it’ll strip the wax off your finish along with the dirt.
Justin Archer of West Coast Detailing hosted a very informative session for our local members on March 20. Fifteen of our local members plus a few friends were in attendance, including first timers Gregg Stratton and Paul DiMauro, founder of the annual Pacific Sharkfest for E12 and E24 coupes.
Justin talked us through his procedure when detailing a customer car, covering lots of material and product information. Our focus will be on tips and procedures not mentioned in previous articles. We’ll skip the product info since much of what West Coast uses is only available commercially.Our discussion began with cleaning the interior, where West Coast starts a complete detail on a customer’s car. Some of the dirt and dust usually ends up on the exterior, not good if it’s already been washed. Justin is an advocate of using compressed air to get in those hard to reach places. The Twilight Zone between the seats and center tunnel comes to mind, with magnetic properties where small objects are concerned.
Carpet stains are handled by scrubbing with a wet rag using Tuff Stuff or a similar cleaner and a light touch. The idea is to clean the dirt near the top as it works it’s way up. “Deep Cleaning” is a neat marketing slogan, but attempts at this usually result in bringing more of the dirt to surface. We’ve found the same to be true with carpets in the house.
Often neglected are the door jambs and the perimeter of the doors. If not attended to regularly, water can eventually etch the paint to a degree that may not be restorable. This is especially true in areas with hard water, as is the case with much of California.
For the exterior wash Justin uses 3 different mitts, or sponges - one for the top surface, another for the sides and the third for the tires and wheels. A mitt that is dropped is “retired” for the day so there’s no chance of any grit scratching the finish. Compressed air is useful here, too, getting the water out of spots like the mirrors and grills. He uses a chamois for final drying, and if cared for they will last until they literally fall apart.
Next is a clay bar treatment before any polish is applied. This is a must - if not done, any micro specs of dust or dirt will be rubbed deeper into the finish. A silicone lubricant is used, and the clay bar reformed as necessary to have a clean surface to work with.
Scratches are then attended to before a applying a one-step cleaner/wax or paste wax. Minor ones may respond to a little extra effort with a cleaner/wax. More serious ones require polishing or rubbing compound, done with care since we are working with a mild abrasive. The last resort is color sanding which may be best left to professionals.
When it's time to apply polish or wax, Justin prefers a more absorbent cloth than microfiber pads. They are such a tight weave that they will sometimes smear, so it comes down to personal preference and what products are being used. There will be some “cob-webbing,” or polish marks when wax is applied, either a paste or in a one step cleaner/wax. Generally the higher the wax content, the more visible the marks.
A few other tips were shared by Justin and several of our members who are concours and show veterans. If your windows have been etched by hard water, 0000" steel wool used with window cleaning fluid will usually restore them - used gently, of course.
Bugs can be just as toxic to the finish as bird droppings and should be removed as soon as possible. Ammonia in water will do the trick in absence of commercial products. If you’re traveling through the Valley of Locusts and don’t have Griot’s Bug Off at your disposal, you can apply PAM baking spray to the front around the grill and headlights. We had a testamonial that it does work, and is not difficult to wash off.
It was a 90 minute session packed with information, ending with a round of applause for Justin. This was his first event of this type, but we assured him that he has another career path available since he made a terrific presentation. West Coast Detailing is located near downtown San Luis Obispo and offers services from a basic wash to full detailing. They offer mobile service in addition to their shop at 4090 Broad Street.
Monday, April 12, 2010
2012 3-series (F30) rendered by automotorsport
Sent to you by Franki via Google Reader:
via BIMMERPOST = BMW Forum, BMW News and BMW Blog by admin on 4/11/10
Here's the latest F30 3-series sedan rendering by Auto Motor und Sport. Expected to debut in two years (2012), but buzz surrounding the BMW F30 is that it will be a revolutionary (rather than evolutionary) change from the E90.
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- Subscribe to BIMMERPOST = BMW Forum, BMW News and BMW Blog using Google Reader
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BMW finishes 2010 Q1 as world’s top premium brand
Sent to you by Franki via Google Reader:
via BIMMERPOST = BMW Forum, BMW News and BMW Blog by admin on 4/12/10
BMW maintained its place as the world's #1 premium brand as it outsold #2 Audi by 1,709 units globally in the first quarter of 2010. In the first quarter, BMW Group reported sales of 315,614 cars, a 13.8 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to BIMMERPOST = BMW Forum, BMW News and BMW Blog using Google Reader
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Wednesday, April 7, 2010
BMW M1 - Future addition to BMW M lineup finally spotted in advanced testing form
Dear Bimmerpost member,
If you haven't yet seen it on our Homepage this morning, we bring you these exciting photos of what we believe are quite possibly photos of the upcoming BMW M1 / 1M in production form (albeit minus some M-styling cues for now).
PHOTOS @ 1addicts: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=371795
Besides the persistent rumors regarding an upcoming new M1, the biggest telltale signs of this being such a car are the aggressive front bumper, widened fenders, upgraded wheels, large brakes with cross drilled rotors, and an LSD. Some may point to the absence of M-styling cues (hood power bulge, M-style side gills, and quad exhausts) in these photos as evidence that this is only an 135is or 1-series supersport model, but those are mostly cosmetic bits which may easily be added as the prototyping/testing of this car advances. Be sure to stay tuned to our M1 subforum at 1addicts.com for the latest in M1 related news, photos, and rumors.
Also, for all fans of the F10 5-series, which just had its worldwide debut at the 2010 Geneva autoshow and North American debut at the New York autoshow, we have just updated our Official F10 5-series INFO THREAD. Be sure to check that thread and our 5-series Forums for all info, pricing, media, and reviews related to the F10 5-series!
--
Friday, April 2, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Info request
From a fb friend; any thoughts?
>
> "Hey .. I am buying a 2001 BMW 745 w/ 95000 miles .. Price should
> be ? good shape and family selling it to me ... Thoughts ?"
>
> To reply to this message, follow the link below:
> http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox%2Freadmessage.php&t=1374553652030&mid=1fbcf9bG1fe1f882G530eed8G0&n_m=frankcowan44%40gmail.com
>
> ___
> Find people from your Gmail address book on Facebook! Go to: http://www.facebook.com/find-friends/?ref=email
>
> This message was intended for frankcowan44@gmail.com. Want to
> control which emails you receive from Facebook? Go to:
> http://www.facebook.com/editaccount.php?notifications=1&md=bXNnO2Zyb209MTU3NTE5MDkxNTt0PTEzNzQ1NTM2NTIwMzA7dG89NTM0OTAyOTE0
> Facebook's offices are located at 1601 S. California Ave., Palo
> Alto, CA 94304.
>
>
> "Hey .. I am buying a 2001 BMW 745 w/ 95000 miles .. Price should
> be ? good shape and family selling it to me ... Thoughts ?"
>
> To reply to this message, follow the link below:
> http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox%2Freadmessage.php&t=1374553652030&mid=1fbcf9bG1fe1f882G530eed8G0&n_m=frankcowan44%40gmail.com
>
> ___
> Find people from your Gmail address book on Facebook! Go to: http://www.facebook.com/find-friends/?ref=email
>
> This message was intended for frankcowan44@gmail.com. Want to
> control which emails you receive from Facebook? Go to:
> http://www.facebook.com/editaccount.php?notifications=1&md=bXNnO2Zyb209MTU3NTE5MDkxNTt0PTEzNzQ1NTM2NTIwMzA7dG89NTM0OTAyOTE0
> Facebook's offices are located at 1601 S. California Ave., Palo
> Alto, CA 94304.
>
Thursday, March 4, 2010
New Mercedes Model A MUST READ
you too old to DRIVE this Car?
No joke! Scary, But - true?
Scroll down
No joke! Scary, But - true?
Scroll down
Presenting the New Mercedes Benz SCL600
Pretty, isn't it?
So?
What's different about this car?
Not this...
????
Here is the real difference
WHOA !
No Steering Wheel
No Pedals either
You drive this car with a joystick
Do you think that you
can drive with a joystick?
Your kids and grandkids can.
The influence of video games in our lives
has really arrived, wouldn't you say?
But there is more!
The SCARY THOUGHT is:
NOW a 3-YEAR-OLD can STEAL your car
AND DRIVE IT BETTERTHAN YOU CAN !
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Make sure you watch this
Take time to watch this video below about expired tires.
Pass this on to all your friends. You may save a life.
Fascinating and everyone should be aware of this............
Important information that you may not be aware of about
tires. There is a 30 sec commercial at first and then the video. The
video is well worth watching. Please watch until the end, because
some of the most important information you need to hear and see is
past the middle of the segment. It could save your life, or that of
someone you love. This goes true for car, truck and RV tires
When the page opens, wait for the video to start.. It may take a minute or two.
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4826897
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
2010 YVR Belcarra Park Meet by British Columbia members
Sent to you by Franki via Google Reader:
via BIMMERPOST = BMW Forum, BMW News and BMW Blog by admin on 2/10/10
Despite the damp weather, our British Columbia members managed to meet over the weekend at Belcarra Park in modest numbers. Check out their meet photos inside.
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- Subscribe to BIMMERPOST = BMW Forum, BMW News and BMW Blog using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
2010 Calendar
We had a good turnout for the Meet & Greet on January 30th, thanks to all who attended for your input. It's time to Lock and Load - the dates are set for this year's events. Please plan on joining us for some great rides, great companionship and great outings. If you click on the links provided you will get a Google map, which you can print and bring with you to the ride.
Important! We would appreciate a "yes" or even "maybe" if you plan to attend the February or March events. Here is the final schedule for 2010:
Sunday February 28 - Tour of beautiful, exciting, varied, north Santa Barbara County. This ride features narrow, winding roads and spectacular scenery. Meeting time is 10:00 A.M. at Panera Bread, 540 East Betteravia Road in Santa Maria. Meeting MapThe route will consist of Bull Canyon Road to Highway 166, Tepusquet Road, and then Foxen Canyon Road to our brunch destination, The Vineyard House in Santa Ynez. Other options after we dine are wine tasting and several museums in the area. Here is a link where you can check out the brunch menu: The Vineyard HouseSaturday March 20 - Detailing Seminar at West Coast Detailing, 4090 Broad Street Ste. B, in San Luis Obispo at 10:00 A.M. It's about ¼ mile south of Tank Farm, where you turn east onto El Capitan, and they are the first driveway on the left. This will be very informative for those who participate in shows or concours, and a great opportunity to ask questions. If anyone is interested in having their car detailed or waxed, please contact me and we can arrange for it to be part of the demonstration. Here's a map: West Coast Detailing MapSunday April 18 - M-Power Flower Tour (north SLO county), lunch at McPhee's. What can we say? Lush hillsides covered with nature's beauty, great roads, great company and lunch at an amazing restaurant. We will conduct our tour at a more modest pace than usual, since we'll be sharing the road with cyclists and tourists. Don't miss this! McPhee's mapSaturday June 12 - Route 33 to Ojai. This ride promises to be exciting! Great new scenery, a challenging road and beautiful hills. 166-33-Ojai Map
*Sunday July 25 - North Coast Tour to Ragged Point (subject to change). If you haven't been up national treasure Highway One north of SLO you can't miss this great trip. We have some surprises planned, possibly shopping and lots of picture taking. North Coast Ride MapSaturday September 18 - Jalama Beach Burger Run. If you weren't with us in 2009 you missed not only a thrilling ride with wonderful views, but also one of the world's best hamburgers. Imagine chomping down on that bacon burger while looking out at the beautiful Pacific Ocean and Jalama Beach. Mmmmm good! Jalama Map
Sunday October 24 - Avila Beach Concours tour + tailgate lunch. This is a car lover's ride for sure, dude (and dudettes). We'll enjoy a short sprint to a fantastic spot overlooking the coast high above Cambria where we'll have a picnic lunch. Then we head for Avila to check out the amazing machines displayed on the golf course. Avila Beach MapSaturday December 4 - Parkfield Tour, starting at The Country Diner in San Miguel where they serve brunch outside on Saturdays. If you say "what's shakin'" in Parkfield you won't be wrong, seismically speaking. Pastoral pastures and the USGS earthquake prediction experiment are highlights of this ride. You won't want to miss the Parkfield Cafe and Inn tour. We then ride past the James Dean memorial.*Changed from Hearst CastleIn addition to our BMWCCA slate we'll pass along information on other area events we support, among them several car shows that benefit local charities.Dennis & Frank
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Old cars
This is amazing! If you will take a couple of minutes to watch this slide show, you will soon realize that none of the cars or scenes in which they appear are real. Everything was made my master model-maker and photographer Michael Paul Smith...
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