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cmcveay

Past Club Member
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Posts posted by cmcveay

  1. And a note since it didn't make it over... the ceramic tint (GWF's Premium automotive tint) is $100 more.

     

    Ceramic tint has much higher heat reduction than metallized tint, and also won't affect RF signals like GPS and cell phone.

     

    But the advantage of metallized tint is that it makes it harder for the black helicopters to monitor your thoughts so you won't have to wear an aluminum foil hat while driving! :idea:

  2. I might come out and hang out. Do you want RSVPs for the groupies or only people getting a tint? It's the week after my knee surgery so I'm a maybe for everything until I'm sure about how things are going

     

    I think only RSVP's for getting work done. It's an open garage day so everyone is welcome to come hang out if they like.

     

    If the weather is nice, I've already cleaned up and used the BBQ grill and it can be put to good use.

  3. 1975_Mini is correct, I would go with one of our local vendors, OEM or online like Out Motoring for the brake wear sensor. With my Big Brake Kit, I did solder the front sensor wires but if you are keeping OEM or sensor compatable pads on both end of the car, I'd suggest keeping the sensor. With that, if you get any unusual wear on the pads, it's going to tattle on them when they wear - of course that only if it's the front left or rear right that wears improperly...

  4. I assume that your sensor has worn down, triggering the warning light. First thing to do is determine whether it is front or rear, then determine how much more pad thickness you have on the other set. Then decide whether you are going to do both front or rear, or just the set that tripped the sensor. Then decide whether you need to install new rotors, or just pads. Then decide whether you want to shop the internet for parts or let the installer use what they want and charge you accordingly. Then decide whether you want to use your trusted local garage mechanic, or go Mini-specific independent like Mach V or PTuning.

     

    Lots of opportunities to save money in the process, but $1500+ is insane.

     

    +1 on the insanity of that quote. JAB's suggestions are on the "money" if you'll pardon the pun.

     

    Another option is doing it yourself. Thanks to a very generious contributions/loans by a couple of club members (Laura and Brian, please take a bow) the Garage Mahal has both 1st and 2nd Gen repair manuals and there are a few of us around that have done a dozen or so full up break jobs on MINIs. The biggest expense in this is the cost of labor so if you get that out of the way, your costs are only for parts.

     

    The MINI brake rotors are not designed to be resurfaced and they are reasonably thin. In MY experience, they are good for about 2 sets of pads adn then they need to be replaced. There are of course exceptions and your rotors may need to be replaced sooner than that but even that isn't a major piece of work to get done.

     

    Pads and a wear sensor (or both if you choose) are very reasonable and if you need rotors, there are lots of options for either OEM, OEM replacement or some upgrades like slotted rotors to improve your braking ability.

  5. Welcome to the forums, welcome back to the States and welcome back to your MINI!

     

    We have several vendors that give club members discounts on parts or labor or both. We also have club members that are always willing to help others with mods of different sorts.

     

    Here's a list of our Vendors, I hope you find something useful here.

  6. At some point, someone always posts a weather update for Fontana so here it is...Fontana Dam, according to Weather.com

     

    Looks like rain and Thunderstorms Monday, Tuesday and part of Wednesday. BUT! for the rest of the week, it's looking pretty darned good!:top: :motor: :rock: :motor: :congrats:

     

    Now, I'm certain that I've used my entire emoticon quota for the month.

  7. Okay, it's time to clear out some of my "extra" camera gear. I've checked the prices and condition against both KEH and Adorama for this stuff so you are getting a reasonable deal.

     

    So, here we go:

     

    Nikon D700 body with MD-10 external battery tray, charger, 2-8GB CF cards, and 3 batteries-$1,000

    Nikon D40x with 18-55mm kit lens, charger, battery and 2-8GB SD cards - $200

    Tokina AT-X Pro f/2.8 11-16mm - $200

    Nikon/Nikkor ED f/2.8 70-200mm lens with 77mm Tifen UV protector (comes with original box, documents and case) - $1,200

    Tamron Di f/3.5-6.3 28-300mm lens w/ 67mm circular polarizer - $150

    Tamron Di f/4-5.6 70-300mm lens - $150

    Both Tamron lenses are made for the Nikon FX sensor (like the D700, D3, D4) so if you use these on a Nikon with a "DX" sensor (like the D40x and other "prosumer grade Nikon cameras), the focal length is actually about 1.4 times greater than advertised.

     

    When not in use, my gear has it's own cabinet and when in transit, I use a Pelican case to protect it. Exceptionally well maintained so it's all in "like new" condition.

     

    I'm going to be out of town 4/27-5/4 without cell phone coverage or internet access so I'll respond to questions when I get back.

  8. We're smoking 6 chickens on Friday!!

     

    I'm also planning to make some collards and maybe sweet potatoes (they'll be done savory not sweet)

     

    I'm sure Mark will bring Scotch too

     

    It looks like we'll add a pork loin to the smoker and I think I'm going to add a few boneless chicken breasts as well. I may include a small beef brisket or some venison tenderloin for some variety.

     

    The absolute WORST part of this will be driving 500+ miles with all of this smoked goodness in the back of the Jeep. I may have to go topless.

  9. A summary for safety? HWY 129 (The Dragon) is a public roadway, not a race track. Obey the posted speed limits and "rules of the road". Stay on your side of the yellow and white lines, be cautious and aware of those who don't. In general, you don't have to worry about the sport bikes, you won't be able to keep up with them (and you should never try). The full dresser bikes (full fairings, saddle bags, etc., etc.) and trikes, are typically going to be at, or just below the posted speed limit so honking at them and getting upset isn't going to help. If a State Trooper see's you doing so, it could end up being a substantially dissapointing experience. The same goes for other vehicles that use the road as the shortest route between points A and B.

     

    The legends of tickets are actually true and while I hate the idea of ticket writing for revenue purposes, these tickets are for safety... For a reality check, take a look at the document in this link. I don't think I've heard of a single year in which the troopers didn't write a few tickets during the Dragon Parade and speed limits and rules of the road will be strictly enforced - especially on Sunday morning when every state and local law enforcement agency knows that there will be hundreds of cars leaving on a limited number of roads.

     

    Enjoy it to it's fullest and survive to go again, and again, and again.

  10. Since I won't be there, I'm wondering if I could ask you guys to do the following favors for me:

    1. Hug all my friends.

    2. Hug Joey( Blond gay guy who's head of food services)

    3. Eat at least one BLT from the Mountain Cafe

    4. Eat a grilled cheese from the restaurant at Deal's Gap

    5. Drive the Cherohala..

    6. Have at least one campfire in front of the DCMM cabin.

    7. If it rains, take a nap.

    8. Take LOTS of pictures, especially at the spaghetti dinner. Post them when you can.

    9. Help Barry if and when he needs it.

    10. Be safe.

     

    There might be more, later...

     

    I'll be the first to volunteer for the following:

    #1, #2, #4, #6, #7 (and repeat if needed), #8, #9, and #10.

     

    I may also get #5 in but we'll see. :)

     

    You will be missed.

  11. Other than a little chill at the start, this was once again such a fun event. I will give credit to Haemish- he DID NOT underestimate the quality, quantity and ferocious nature of the potholes out there today. It was kind of like inverted autocross... Instead of avoiding the cones sticking up, you avoided the holes in the ground.

     

    Great event, great time - so good to see so many smiling faces!

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