Agreed. If my wife and I are going somewhere, we just go regardless of the possibility of rain. While I would rather it not rain on my AppleB, when it does, I always think to myself - "Good, now I have an excuse to bathe her." My neighbor, across the street, frequently gives me grief about bathing the AppleB when, in her opinion, the car is already clean.

 

Grwisher, well said.......... and agree you are an emotional basket case.... so Welcome To The Club, you'll fit right in

It is not a chore like you said, but a pleasure. Was doing my bi-annual Leatherique treatment yesterday afternoon (getting ready for c-c-cold winter) and am always impressed with the interior craftsmanship. Some of the most challenging leather work seems to also be the most hidden per se. The back of the steering wheel of course, the transitions at the far corners, the fitting around the lower dash bits... Whilst many of us never use the rear seats, they are incredibly well-crafted and wonderfully comfortable provided you have enough leg room. So indeed it is not a chore. For me, it is a re-discovery of just how incredibly beautiful these automobiles are designed and the immense combination of art, science and human talent it takes to produce each one.

 

It is a little bit early in the day, but I will have what EnjoyTheMusic is having!

Seriously, your display of devotion to the care of your Bentley has inspired me to 'come out of the closet' on a car care issue that has been bugging me for months.

Background: I am a big "keep your wheels clean" freak. With a low pressure power washer, I will frequently only wash the wheels and sometimes some of the lower body and nothing else - I call this a refresh. Most of the time, the wheels are dirty and make the whole car look dirty. Cleanup the wheels and the car looks much nicer.

The Dilemma: I never can get the inside rims of the wheels as clean as I want. I would like to polish and wax them as this will make cleaning them far easier. I bought some Rhino ramps in order to get the car elevated. But when I tried them out, I became nervous about the toque of the Bentley is so great, I was afraid of driving off the front to the ramp. The other option is to take the wheels off of the Bentley. While taking the wheels off of my two mercedes, for me, might be a little frighting, the Bentley would be much more so. Anyone have any words of wisdom regarding taking off the wheels in order to polish and wax the inside of the rims?

 

Just use the key to 'accessory mode' and then get the car in 'jack' mode (pressing both shock and height adjustment buttons at the same time) until the yellow Jack lights up in the driver's center display behind the steering wheel. Then use jacking points, the usual breaker bar to loosen, and torque wrench to tighten to spec. Keep the bolts 'dry' and clean assembly as needed. Frankly, no real wisdom here, just S.O.P. stuff really.

And while you're in there, check the brake pads for wear and measure the rotors for 'meat' remaining. In the fender there are bolts, you could check them and R/R if any are very rusty. Also check the brake lines, suspension bits, various bushings... This could also be a good time to install the ride height lowering links if you wanted to or change brake fluid or.... And since you're already checking the brake fluid may as well check the oil and transmission fluid...

i'm sorry, what was the original question again?

ADDED
PS: Morning? Cafe Do Punto cappuccino and Payard salted caramel macaroon. Try it! i DARE you!!!!

PPS: If you are in France, Fauchon macaroon may be safely substituted.

 

Another classic case of overkill. Thanks!

 

I have a few technical questions to ask Steven also. But now I am kinda scared.

 

Be afraid... be very afraid

FYI: Next chore is to use 1Z Einszett rubber protection Gummi Pflege stick to lube the door, trunk, hood etc seals. Freezing winter rain is a bear so keeping this stuff properly lubed highly reduces the chances of frozen shut doors... plus it keeps the car 'happy'.

C'mon, you know when the B does well during a spirited drive or gets you out of a challenging situation you gently stroke her curvacious top dash and let her how much she is loved and appreciated. Mmm mmmmmm, the way that sumptuously soft and fine leather feels while stroking it.... Hmm, perhaps i have said far too much

 

I love driving my Miss B around in the rain. Why the AWD if I don't get to use it? Haven't tried her in the snow yet. She is lowered. One day for sure though.

 

Well the retentives are out of the closet.

I use a detail spay(Adams) after every trip out of the garage. I want this car perfect. I have drawn a line with the inside of the rims. I do not fool with them. They will be dirty after the first 20 miles so it is futile. If left dusty they seem to "disappear" like a ghost entity. Lazy I know but the wiping as I do is plenty. The Opticoat has been a nice paint treatment for me but I am starting to see a few swirl type marks.

Steven I am afraid i understand the caress. Let us speak no more of objectum sexuality.

 

Go to the top exotic dealers, say RR And LR, in your fair city and ask them who they use. Don't get their inhouse people because they are unlikely to be any good.

Then - and this is essential - go to another dealer (Lambos and Ferraris), and ask them. If they come up with the same guy it's better than winning the lottery.

If not, be prepared for weeks and months of sobbing into your pillow at night. I foolishly got the dealers to do some leatherwork on mine, and it was a prime botch-up. I suggested they use my guy who specializes in Astons and Ferrari interiors, and he was able to fix it so it looks like new.

Stitching on the seats? I don't know about that, but in the right hands anything is possible.

As for fixing other bits on mine, most of it was paintwork. If there's woodwork damage on yours, it will cost a mint - good repairs are very difficult and no-one I know can fix them.

And carpets - I wanted to replace just the driver's mat, so there goes US$1500. I didn't. Amazing how a budget makes things look acceptable after a while.

Good luck with your quest. Keep us in touch!

 

 

Yup. Depending on the type of wheel it's sometimes hard to see further than the spokes in the darkness beyond. But I'm the same - I ignore the inside rims but clean the outside of the wheels each time I use the car simply because of the damage brake dust does to surfaces.

And it also gives me a chance to savor those beautiful lines on possibly the best looking wheels I have ever seen on a car. Whoops, starting to sound like Steven here

 

Totally agree!

 

The front license plate bracket is $168 before it is painted.

 

You can have one built and customize for a lot cheaper. Also any good auto upholstery shop can cut and build you a matt. Just don't bring Miss B there. Bring the carpet only. If they find out its for Miss B, the price just tripled.