The time has come!

It's 5:26pm and I'm all packed (everything crammed into one take-on suit case) and ready for the Super Shuttle to pick me up at 7pm.

My flight isn't until 10pm tonight - this is one flight I don't want to miss! I just hope the monsoons don't cause any problems tonight with the flight. Fay (the tropical storm that's been terrorising Florida) had better stay in the South 'cause I don't wanna be driving back across the US in a torrential downpour!

All posts after this one (until I return) will be on my other blog:

http://whereinusiswilliamandedgar.blogspot.com/

Check it out - I hope to be posting details of the day and pictures as well.

Anyway, I'm SO ready to get this trip going and pick up the car... I just hope I can get some sleep on the plane tonight!

Here a blog, there a blog...

I created the first post on the "Where in the US is William & Edgar" blog today...

http://whereinusiswilliamandedgar.blogspot.com/

I'll be using this blog to document the trip to pick up Edgar - pictures and all!

Right now, I'm stressing about all the little things I need to get done before Sunday night when I leave on the plane.

Starting the QA process...

I contacted Jerry today to let him know that I had some concerns about a couple of items on my Clubman. I explained that I'd heard from other Clubman owners that a couple of items routinely get mixed up at the factory:

- Driver's side door missing weather stripping along the bottom
- Interior Chrome line - is messed up 90% of the time when the HI-FI option is ordered AND when the center arm rest is ordered (I have both) What winds up happening is that 75% of the chrome parts I paid $250 for aren't installed.

Since I've given them a full week to work out the kinks, I'm sure it will all work out.

One week from tomorrow.... can't wait!

Edgar has arrived at the Dealer!

I just got a call from Jerry at MINI of the Hamptons and he said that my Clubman is being taken off the truck right now! Part of me wishes I could move up my trip a week but I know that's not possible with all of the reservations I've made.

Now I have to get my insurance coverage paperwork sent to them so Jerry can get the temporary tag.

I guess now is the time when the days start going by slowly? :)

One step closer

I just talked with Jerry at MINI of the Hamptons and he says that Edgar should arrive at the dealership today or tomorrow. I feel ALOT better knowing that it didn't get delayed at the Vehicle Distribution Center.

He also said one of my packages has arrived - there should be 3-4 more coming to him.

I also got email from the Cocomat guys - they have a new variegated color they'd like to show me so they're sending a sample today. I should get it Saturday or Monday and can let them know if I want to stay with the black with grey dot or switch. They also made me a good deal on getting the boot mat done too!

10 more days till my flights and 11 till I start motoring!

Edgar's on dry land!

The ship docked a full day early and left port around 10pm last night EST. I know the VDC doesn't work on weekends so I hope Edgar got on the first ride to the VDC and is standing 1st in line!

Also, I've pretty much determined my route driving back. I posted it on the NAM forum to get some feedback. As usual, the folks on there are VERY helpful with ideas!

Here's my trip so far:

Day 1: Southampton (NY) to Costco (37 miles away to pick up air pump, MF cloths for wiping brake dust , maybe a cooler and plenty of snacks) then on to North East (MD) to stop for the night

Day 2: take the back roads to Front Royal (VA) - taking Skyline Dr thru the Shenandoah National Park - twisties galore , Lynchburg (VA), Danville (VA), Burlington (NC), Liberty (NC), Asheboro (NC), Mt Pleasant (NC), Midland (NC), Matthews (NC), Fort Mill (SC) Home of Cocomats AND my Parents / Brother!

Day 3: Work on getting my Southern Accent back and stop by Cocomats to pick up my order!

Day 4: on the road again to Kings Mountain National Park (SC/NC), Shelby (NC) where I spent 99% of my childhood, Forest City (NC), Rutherfordton (NC), Asheville (NC), Waynesville (NC), Fontana Village Resort at Fontana Dam (NC) whoo-hoo! TAIL OF THE DRAGON! Now - for some Interstate / Freeway driving

Day 5: Tallassee (TN), gonna bypass Dollywood this time , Clover Hill (TN), Big Springs (TN), Friendsville (TN), Antioch (TN), US 75, US 40 to Nashville (TN) then Memphis (TN) ending up in North Little Rock (AR)

Day 6: Staying on US 40, passing thru Oklahoma City (OK) to Amarillo (TX). Stopping for a bit to see some friends, then continuing on US 40 to Tucumcari (NM). I guess I'll have to 'splain to Edgar that any weather "twisties" we might see in OK/TX are NOT the kind we want to drive!

Day 7: Continue on US 40 for a bit, then head up to Santa Fe (NM) or maybe just head on thru to Albuquerque (NM) - I'm not sure yet. Then to Grants (NM) where we'll take a hard LEFT to Ramah (NM) across the reservation to Zuni (NM), into Arizona to St Johns (AZ) then stopping at Show Low (AZ)

Day 8: All familiar territory here... take US 60 to Globe (AZ), Miami (AZ), Superior (AZ), Apache Junction (AZ) to HOME in Phoenix (AZ)

Today, I hope to speak to Brian (the guy doing the clear bra install when I get back) to see how he feels I should protect the paint on my way home. I also want to see if I can schedule an oil change while in Fort Mill (Charlotte dealership)

It all seems so far away, but I know it will be here in a FLASH!

Stay tuned

A Day Early

I just checked the status of the Integrity and found that it's about 150 nautical miles off the coast of Boston. In fact, the shipping line has updated it's arrival date to 8/10/2008 - a day early!

It would be nice if that means it will get into the VDC (Vehicle Distribution Center) a day early as well.

I'm going to finalize my route to drive home tonight and get all of my hotel stays reserved. I'll post here when done.

Getting affairs in order

I finalized my loan with Sharonview Credit Union today. They will be mailing a pre-approved check to me that I'll just sign over to the dealer when I take possession.

I also have ordered Cocomats (front and rear, haven't decided on boot area yet) - and will pick them up when I visit Mom/Dad. Found out that Cocomats are made in FORT MILL, SC! What a small world.

I've also ordered windshield and sunroof sun shades. Had them shipped to Jerry at the dealership so I don't have to carry them on the plane.

Finally, I ordered a radar detector (yea, I know) so I can keep out of trouble as I take the back roads of the US getting back home.

Halfway there

It's day 5 of Edgar's boat ride to New York. I've pretty much decided what my trip route will be - am thinking of making lodging reservations sometime tonight.

Oh, here are some pictures of the boat Edgar's on - the Integrity

Take a look at the life raft that's positioned on the rear. Can you imagine what it would feel like to launch off the back of the boat in that!??!

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

I've purchased my one way flight to JFK - a red eye flight arriving in New York on 8/25 around 6am. I'll then take the train to Southamptons to go to the dealer.

I'm currently in process to map out how I'll get back to Phoenix. I've taken off 2 weeks but will likely try to make it back in 10 days - leaving me a few days to tie up loose ends (window tinting, install clear bra, license and registration, etc)

I've learned about the "tail of the Dragon" in North Carolina / Tennessee (the site of the annual MINIs on the Dragon). I'm seriously considering taking that route since I'll be stopping to see my Mom/Dad/Brother in North Carolina as well.

Once my route is decided, I'll be posting a link to google maps so everyone can make recommendations as to sites I "can't pass up!"

Where in the world is Edgar?

There are a couple of web sites that I'm using to see exactly where Edgar's ship is:

http://www.sailwx.info/shiptrack/shipposition.phtml?call=WDC6925

You can change the number of hours on this page to see the elapsed travel of the Integrity.

Other information about Integrity's Voyage:

Voyage: EB831-ITG

SOUTHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM Departs 08/01/2008
NEW YORK, NY, U.S.A. Arrives 08/11/2008

Missed the Boat

I got up early this morning to see if "Edgar" made it on the Don Juan (ship) to head to New York. The Don Juan sets sail today from Southampton, England to New York.

When logging onto the Cargo Status web page for W&W, I see he is now booked, but is on the Integrity leaving on 8/5/2008! Oh well, I'd heard there had not been a ship leaving England for over 10 days and alot of MINIs were ahead of him.

So, assuming that the weather cooperates and there's no pirate attacks (grin), he should be arriving in New York on 8/11/2008. He'll spend at least 2 days at the BMW VDC (Vehicle Distribution Center) in New Jersey, then head to the Dealer in Southampton, NY. At MINI of the Hamptons, he'll probably be there 3 to 4 days getting ready for my visit.

So, now, I have to get the loan finalized, schedule the time off (did I post that I've decided NOT to ship him, but to fly out and drive him back?) and get my plane tickets ready... It's going to be a gamble reserving a flight without knowing for sure when he'll be ready.

T-minus ?? days and counting?

The Truth and nothing but the truth!

"Your vehicle production is COMPLETE and awaiting release to the carrier"

Can you believe it? Edgar is finished and ready to get on the boat! It was the truth - completion by 7/25.

The next stage is to check with the boat carriers, using Edgar's VIN to make sure he's on a specific boat. I've been told the boat he'll likely be on is the Don Juan, leaving England on 7/31 for an 8 day trip to the port in New York.

Pretty in Paint

A call to Ask MINI this morning got an automated, "You're MINI is now in the Paint Shop. Estimated completion is July 25th"

There's got to be a delay in this reporting - I don't see how you can paint the car, assemble it AND do QA to be finished in the same day!

Anyway, as long as it's completed in time for the ship that leaves for NY on 7/31 - that's all that matters!

Body Shop?

Huh? I call Ask MINI and the automated attendant says, "You're MINI Cooper S is in the Body Shop" Sounds like it's already had an accident!

Well, not really. I found out that means it's being fabricated - forming the metal parts and assembling the aluminum frame. Next is paint...

Now, they STILL say completion is 7/25/08 - that's TOMORROW!!! If it hasn't been painted yet, but will be painted AND all parts interior and exterior assembled AND quality assurance done by 7/25/08 - all I can say is, "WOW!"

I just hope the paint is dry when they start the assembly! :)

T-Minus 3 days and counting

The automated information system at Ask MINI is reporting that Edgar will be "born" on July 25th. That's perfect timing for him to catch a ride on the Don Juan ship and head to NY!

Once he's finished and on the boat, depending on which shipping company's boat he's on, I may be able to post a link to track the actual location of the boat during it's trip.

Eureka!

I just called Ask MINI and he stated "your vehicle is in production" and will be completed this week! I got my VIN number as well! I guess the real waiting period starts while it's being shipped and delivered!

Oh yea, he has a name too... From the movie, "Electric Dreams" - I've named him after the computer that takes over Miles' life.

Edgar

Slow going

Well, am still checking (daily) the production status of the MINI. It's still scheduled for week 30 but no defined production date. My last call, just now, the helpful representative told me that the current status was "daily production pack" - where they inventory all of the individual parts, preparing for the production day.

The OCD is starting to kick in!

Slight disappointment, but at least I know

I spoke with Jerry at MINI of the Hamptons today to confirm that my build week was 28 - he sent me email later saying it was and to expect the car to arrive in NY within 30 days.

However, after making my first post to NAM (www.northamericanmotoring.com) as a first time owner, I got access to an 800 number where I could ask a person at the plant! They told me I was actually week 30. They gave me actual dates but I was so paying attention to the fact I was slid back two weeks, I failed to write the dates down! Oh well, I'll call again next week! :)

It's a bit of a disappointment to learn I have two more weeks to wait, but I was originally expecting my build to be sometime in August with delivery in September, so I'm still ahead of that schedule.

Now, I just have to decide if I'm going to have it shipped back to Arizona or maybe fly out and drive it back! Lots of posters on NAM are saying that's what I should do and it IS tempting!

Well, it's official!

I just checked the MINI Owner's Lounge, yea, that's right - OWNER'S LOUNGE (grin) to see the status of my car. My MA got the changes in on time and it's showing that I have a Sparkling Silver Clubman on order.

I still need to confirm if my build week is still week 28 - but my main goal has been achieved - change the color of the car and add the other options.

This weekend, I'll make my first post on www.NorthAmericanMotoring.com as a new MINI owner. There's some really good pics on their of Sparkling Silver MINIs. In fact, there a few of them located in Arizona.

GOT MY PRODUCTION NUMBER!!!!

I called MINI in the Hamptons today and talked with Jerry. I told him that I had some changes to make to my order - he said, "No problem." He gave me my production number (so excited to log online to see the status of the car). Then he said he'd look up my production week to be able to determine about when the car will arrive in the US. He got quiet and said, "This can't be right!"

He said, "Your production week is 28." I wondered what's wrong with that... well production week 28 is THIS WEEK!!! Turns out they placed my order on July 5th and for whatever reason, they've scheduled my car for creation this week!

NOW - the problem is, Do I still have time for my changes? I hurried an email to him saying that I wanted the following:

1 - add exterior chrome package
2 - add interior chrome package
3 - change dash trim to brushed alloy
4 - YES - change the color to Sparkling Silver body / Top and black rear posts

He said he thought they could get the changes in, but would know tomorrow.

I'm guessing if they can't make the changes, I'll just opt for a later build maybe?

Anyway, I'll be posting the status changes that the MINI will go thru - and it's time to start deciding on a name! Any suggestions?

Too many choices

My friend Vik and I went to the Mini North Scottsdale dealer today to see if I could resolve some questions about certain options:

1. do I want the checkered black cloth interior or upgrade to the Tuscan beige leather (a $1,500 option)?
2. are there seat fabric / leather options I might like?
3. make a decision on the external and internal chrome package
4. determine if the brushed alloy dash trim is what I want

Living in Phoenix, Arizona - we're always aware of heat, the sun and where the closest shade is. This is the primary reason I've chosen the pepper white body and top - trying to keep it cool. As nice as the other colors are with the black top, that's just asking for higher temps inside the car!

While at the dealership, I did (pretty much) decide:

1. the Tuscan beige leather is really nice, HOWEVER, they use a Cream White color line on the inside/door arm rest and I don't like the color difference and there aren't any others that look good. So, it's black checkered cloth for me. I did see several MINIs in the dealership with this and it appears that it will wear well and will breath and not be as hot as black leatherette or leather.
2. The problem is, there's only ONE light colored interior for the Clubman series. Looks like I need to start looking for some seat covers?
3. The internal chrome package is definately for me - looks very good for the cost. I'm not 100% decided on the external chrome package. Other than getting chrome side mirrors, there's not much to it.
4. I didn't get to see the brushed allow dash trim - none were available in the dealership, but the sales person said it was real metal and had a slight texture. Compared to standard checkered trim, the liquid silver and piano black that I saw today, I'm sticking with the brushed alloy.

Now - what I didn't intend on happening when going to the dealership was to start considering ANOTHER COLOR! I know, I know - I was so sold on the Pepper White body and top, but I've been eyeing the Sparkling Silver color in the configurator for a while. I got to see a MINI today in this color and it's a blend between silver and a sage - a really nice color! The problem is if I choose this color, my roof options are Sparkling Silver, Black and Pure Silver. The Pure Silver top, in my opinion, doesn't look good - so it's either black or same as the body. You know how I feel about a black top, so it would have to be same top and body color with the Black rear trim color. The Sparkling Silver is a metalic paint, so it's extra.

Decisions - Decisions - I think I'll sleep on it.

While at the dealership, the MA wanted to show us a customer's car that hadn't been picked up (so we could see the Tuscan leather). At first, he was going to drive us there in the golf cart, but couldn't find the key - SO - he decide to drive us there in a Clubman S! I chose to sit in the back seat so I could get a first had experience of the space. It wasn't bad actually! Even with the front seats all the way back, there was room. Mind you, I wouldn't want to ride back there for hours!

On the way to see the Tuscan leather vehicle, we saw a MINI that had been crashed. Not sure what it hit (or hit it) but it was almost a dead center head on. It was amazing how the front of the car crumpled so completely - yet the doors were still intact and operable and no broken glass! The windshield was cracked, but it appeared that was from the rear view mirror breaking off and hitting the windshield. The driver's airbag had deployed, but no others. It was very clear that the crumple engineering worked just as planned.

Well, I'm off to play with the configurator - I might post the two color options here on the site later just for comparison.

MINI Configuration (7/3/08)

Here's how my MINI is currently configured. I still have some time to make up my mind on a couple of items:

• MINI Clubman S, Pepper White body, top and mirrors, black rear trim
• White turn signals
• Premium Package
  includes: Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof, Auto AC w/active carbon air filter, MINI HiFi Sound System
• Sport Package
  includes: Sport Suspension, Xeon Headlamps w/Powerwashers, 17" Alloy Web-Spoke Wheels
• Cold Weather Package
  includes: Heated Power Folding Mirrors, Heated washer jets, Heated front seats
• Convenience Package
  includes: Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror, Auto Rain Sensor, Auto Headlamps, Universal Garage Door Opener, Keyless Go Comfort Access, Center Arm Rest, Comfort Bluetooth and USB/iPod Adaptor, Multi-function Sport Leather Steering Wheel
• 6-Speed Manual Transmission
• Rear fog lamp
• Parking Distance control
• Mud flaps

Now, I know everyone is wondering, "Why are you including the cold weather package when you live in Phoenix, AZ?" Frankly, I like the thought of the power folding mirrors and the package would be nice for the eventual resale value.

I am planning a trip to the MINI dealer in Scottsdale this weekend to look over the internal and external chrome packages - I just might trade them for the cold weather or add to the list - not sure yet.

Also, I had orginally intended on getting the leather (Gravity Tuscan) interior but decided against it for the standard cloth interior. Again, I'll look at that particular interior this weekend to make a final decision.

I'll be adding LoJack with early warning add-on when the vehicle arrives in Phoenix.

Stay tuned....

A MINI is Conceived! Well, sort of...

I just got off the phone with Jerry Hollran of Mini Of The Hamptons in New York! After giving him my deposit, my MINI Cooper Clubman S has been conceived. He'll be getting back to me later today with additional information on the purchase. For one, I'm really looking forward to getting my production number from him. This will allow me to follow the progress of my MINI during it's gestation and birth.

Stay tuned!