Josh Wardell’s MINI Cooper S

I have always been interested in having a blinking third brake light–the top center strip that uses LEDs. Quickly flashing it a few times when first braking catches people’s attention (you know–the ones blabbing on their phones and playing with their ipods) and increases their reaction time, reducing your chances of being rear-ended. Some car brands have them built-in and if made ideally they will flash quickly a few times then stay solid so as not to be annoying.

Many MINIs in the area have installed kits that flash the brake light, I assume using the hockey puck kit that Ian mentioned on his site long ago. I however found this to flash too slow, too many times, and for too long, so it was annoying. In fact, I often found myself behind someone with one of these on MINI runs and after 15 minutes or so I wanted to rear end them just to make it stop! 😉

So I was very pleased a few weeks ago when GoMINIGo, makers of the best glovebox organizer, announced on NAM that they were introducing their Third Brake Light PULSAR. I sent a few PMs back and forth to be sure it flashed quicker and shorter, and once they posted this video I was sure it was better than the other. The price was right at $25 so I took my chances and ordered one.

I installed the Pulsar tonight and am much happier with it than what I’ve seen on others’ MINIs. I would still prefer it a little bit quicker flashing and shorter delay till solid, but it is at least three times faster than the hockey puck kit, and should therefore be three times less annoying. I only wish that these did not re-flash if you hit your brakes again in the next several seconds in case you are driving in a spot that needs braking often (that would be hard to do as it only has power when the brakes are on). But for the cheap price, tiny size, and easy installation, the GoMINIGo 3rd brake light pulsar is a safety mod that could pay off big time. This means YOU, Dr. Doogie!

I am notorious for taking forever to edit and post my photos, often just doing a few good ones and leaving the rest. I’ve got thousands of pictures and this past week I’ve been trying to finally work on them. Some of these galleries are from a while ago, but well worth the look!

9/10/05 Purgatory Chasm Run

11/13/05 MOP Care for Kieth Event

7/29/06 MAMA’s Blueberries and BBQ

The daunting galleries of MINIsOnTop (both 05 and 06!) still remain to be completed but I hope to soon. Of course there are plenty of other MINI event photos that I finished editing but haven’t mentioned. Have a look through both 2005 and 2006 galleries.

This year I set out to find a wheel fender trim treatment product that would restore my horrible-looking trim to its original look while standing up to rain and washings. If you’ve read the first and second tests, you would know that the many, many products out there for the purpose wash away with a day or two of rain. Like many of my preferred detailing products like Zaino and Aquapel, I want something that will last through our New England weather and doesn’t require application every week or two. After many tries, I finally found it.

The final test mixes some old products with some new: Zaino Z16 and 303 Protectant were previous favorites. Mothers Back to Black I wanted to give a second chance as I continued to read recommendations. Forever Black, which thinks differently and is actually a black dye treatment. I added extra virgin olive oil next to the usual Peanut oil as some said it would be less dusty and oily.

Soon after I started the test, I was “blessed” with two days of medium to light rain, and as before, the vinyl treatments were gone:

Though I don’t have a photo, the Z16 took two days to wash off while the other two were gone in the first day. The forever black was undaunted and the oils were dusty and dirty but going strong. Another week passed with a little more rain, and I washed the car. And then there was one:

Forever Black. It comes as a kit with a cleaning solution, and the dye has an applicator built into the bottle. Easy to apply, however you will want to use painter’s tape to prevent any from getting on your paint (it can be wiped off with water before it dries, but why chance it), as I have done with all these tests. Actually, I had basically given up after failing so many products, and forever black was my last chance. I tested it on another spot well over a month before I started this test, and that spot is still black to this day. I’m so happy to have good-looking trim again!

Below is a list of all the products reviewed in my trim tests and my findings:

Forever Black

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – very slightly less dusty than peanut oil

Peanut Oil – household oils last a few days of rain but are messy and attract dirt

Zaino Z16 Perfect Tire Gloss – Lasted through a day of rain but not two

The remaining products washed away in a day of rain or less:

Mothers Back to Black

Black Again

Sonus Tire & Bumper Dressing Gel

Sonus Trim & Motor Kote

Vinylex

Aerospace 303 Protectant

Armor-All Protectant

AutoGlym Bumper Care

Poorboy’s Trim Restorer

Before application, I suggest taping off with 3M Scotch-Blue Painter’s Tape, and scrubbing the trim clean with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

I’ve been so busy this summer that I haven’t had much chance to keep my car clean. Usually just the occasional quick wash. Today, for the first time since the beginning of the summer, I had a chance to do a proper wash and Zaino wax. It was also my chance to use some new products.

Though I still use my Mr. Clean Auto Dry for quick washes, I wanted to go back to a bucket wash with Zaino Z-7 Car Wash whenever I was going to wax. I haven’t used it in a few years and I forgot just how well Z7 suds and lubricates. I also used my new Ultimate Nozzle which is impressive and works as advertised (I added a Goodyear on/off switch and brass quick connectors from home depot). This was my first chance to use the Professional Bucket with Grit Guard. It’s pricey but feels like a great piece of engineering. Videos on NAM show how important that grit guard is, but what I really like is using the bucket as a rolling seat when waxing.

I wish I had as much time to keep the MINI clean as I used to, it always feels rewarding when it looks good as new. You don’t have to trust my opinion, just ask my assistant as she admired her reflection!