Mini Mania Open House and Lawn Party by Jerry (Siddhartha) Bradbury
What can transform a peaceful sylvan lawn in Gold Country into a carnival overnight? The annual Mini Mania Open House and Lawn Party of course! Those who were there got to see first hand all the eye candy, but for those who were not, the Mini's ranged from an electric Moke to a VTEC powered Classic, to Randy Steven's tricked out CVT to Robert Holt’s Purple Haze convertible to three full on Mini race cars: my sprint car, Jacques Andres' enduro car and Eric and Colin Herricks's rally car, and many in between.
Infineon Raceway, April 11, 2008. by Jerry (Siddhartha) Bradbury
My Mini has a new setup for this race. Speed parts from my sponsor Mini Mania have been added by my sponsor Bay Bridge Motors and USTCC sponsor Nitto has provided four brand new NT 01 tires. This will be my first official race with the US Touring Car Championship and I look forward to hitting the grid with more horsepower and quicker lap times.
The new MINI was launched in 2001, to much acclaim. Although bigger than the original Mini, what it lacked in rear legroom, it made up for in unusual styling and a vast array of personalisation elements, much loved by a local estate agent.
The MINI Clubman has the same raft of options but its main benefit is the extra length, which should make rear passengers happier.
by Matt Weiss of StopTech and James Walker, Jr. of scR motorsports
In order for any brake system to work optimally, the rotors and pads must be properly bedded-in, period. This process can also be called break-in, conditioning, or burnishing, but whatever terminology you choose, getting the brakes properly bedded-in and keeping them that way is critical to the peak performance of the entire brake system.
However, understanding why the rotors and pads need to be bedded-in is just as important as the actual process. If one understands what is happening during the bed-in process, they can tailor the process to specific pads, rotors, and/or driving conditions. For this reason, we present this generic bed-in overview pertaining to all brake systems, but follow with links to application-specific bed-in procedures to fit most every set of circumstances.
What is brake pad “bed-in” anyway?
Simply stated, bed-in is the process of depositing an even layer of brake pad material, or transfer layer, on the rubbing surface of the rotor disc. That's it. End of discussion. Ok, not really, but although bed-in is quite basic in definition, achieving this condition in practice can be quite a challenge, and the ramifications of improper or incomplete bed-in can be quite a-a-n-n-o-o-y-y-i-i-n-n-g-g.
Abrasive friction and adherent friction
There are two basic types of brake pad friction mechanisms: abrasive friction and adherent friction . In general, all pads display a bit of each, with abrasive mechanisms dominating the lower temperature ranges while adherent mechanisms come more into play as pad temperature increases. Both mechanisms allow for friction or the conversion of Kinetic energy to Thermal energy, which is the function of a brake system, by the breaking of molecular bonds in vastly different ways.
The abrasive mechanism generates friction or energy conversion by the mechanical rubbing of the brake pad material directly on the rotor disc. In a crystalline sense, the weaker of the bonds in the two different materials is broken. This obviously results in mechanical wear of both the pad and the rotor. Consequently, both pads and rotors are replaced when they are physically worn to their limit and are too thin to endure further service.
The adherent mechanism is altogether different. In an adherent system, a thin layer of brake pad material actually transfers and sticks (adheres) on to the rotor face. The layer of pad material, once evenly established on the rotor, is what actually rubs on the brake pad. The bonds that are broken, for the conversion of Kinetic to Thermal energy, are formed instantaneously before being broken again. It is this brake pad-on-transferred brake pad material interaction on a molecular level that yields the conversion process.
With the adherent mechanism there is much reduced rotor wear as compared to abrasive mechanism, but it's not a free lunch – pads now become the primary wear element in the braking system. And even though rotors are not mechanically worn down with adherent systems, they still will need to be replaced on a regular basis due to cracking reaching a point of failure if they are exposed to intense, repetitive thermal cycling. This is why race teams throw out rotors that are actually as thick or thicker than when they were brand new. It's due to the an adherent brake pad transfer layer!
The all-important transfer layer
As stated above, the objective of the bed-in process is to deposit an even layer of brake pad material, or transfer layer , on the rubbing surface of the rotor disc. Note the emphasis on the word even, as uneven pad deposits on the rotor face are the number one, and almost exclusive cause of brake judder or vibration.
Let's say that again, just so there is no misunderstanding. Uneven pad deposits on the rotor face are the number one, and almost exclusive cause of brake judder or vibration.
It only takes a small amount of thickness variation, or TV, in the transfer layer (we're only talking a few ten thousandths of an inch here) to initiate brake vibration. While the impact of an uneven transfer layer is almost imperceptible at first, as the pad starts riding the high and low spots, more and more TV will be naturally generated until the vibration is much more evident. With prolonged exposure, the high spots can become hot spots and can actually change the metallurgy of the rotor in those areas, creating “hard” spots in the rotor face that are virtually impossible to remove.
Bedding fundamentals
In general, bed-in consists of heating a brake system to its adherent temperature to allow the formation of a transfer layer. The brake system is then allowed to cool without coming to rest, resulting in an even transfer layer deposition around the rotor circumference. This procedure is typically repeated two or three times in order to ensure that the entire rotor face is evenly covered with brake pad material. Sounds easy, right? Well, it can be if you have the proper information.
Because the adherent temperature range for brake pads varies widely (typically 100°F-600°F for street pads and 600°F-1400°F for race pads), each bed-in needs to be application-specific. One could try to generate a one-size-fits-all procedure, but too little heat during bed-in keeps the material from transferring to the rotor face while overheating the system can generate uneven pad deposits due to the material breaking down and splotching (that's a technical term) on to the rotor face.
In summary, the key to a successful bed-in is to bring the pads up to their adherent operating temperature in a controlled manner and keep them there long enough to start the pad material transfer process. Different brake system designs, pad types, and driving conditions require different procedures to successfully accomplish the bed-in. The recommended procedures below should provide you with the information you need to select the bed-in procedure appropriate for your application.
When ordering, recognize that some products sold by Mini Mania may not be approved for highway use on public roads. These products are designed for show, off road driving or racing applications only. It is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure that their vehicle meets all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Buyer assumes all liability and risk associated with the use of high performance products and holds Mini Mania, Inc. harmless of any associated liability.
World-Wide Shipping Charges
How can I get a shipping estimate?
Just click "Buy Now" on the product page to add it to your cart. Continue shopping and when ready for the shipping estimate, begin the checkout process. Shipping charges for most items are calculated and displayed during order checkout. You will NOT need to log in or create an account to use the 'shipping quote' button. If you're not ready to order, simply use you browser's "back" button to return to previously viewed pages.
Shipping Methods appropriate for your destination are displayed to you during order checkout. Once you've decided on the items you'd like to order, consider how quickly you would like to receive your shipment(s), evaluate the shipping cost displayed, and choose a shipping method.
What if no shipping charges are displayed?
Shipping charges are calculated at time of shipment based on the actual package weight and dimensions. In some cases, we may not have weights or dimensions in our computer system for one or more of the items you ordered. In this case, shipping is not quoted. The amount you will be billed is the carrier's standard charge. We don not charge any handling fees. The cost of shipping your order will be sent to you in a confirmation email message at the time of shipment. No action is required on your part.
Shipping Address Policy
When you order product using your credit card we initiate a process to check the address information you enter to see if it matches the address that your credit card issuer has on file and matches your billing address. If they do not match then the issuer of the credit card will not approve the transaction 100%. This is because much of credit card fraud occurs by having products shipped to the address of the person who stole the credit card instead of to your address – the billing address. The fraudster steals the credit card, orders products and has those products shipped to the fraudsters’ address and you don't know anything about it until you get your credit card bill.
This works great for those people that have products shipped to their home address and their credit card bill is also mailed to that same address. But some people use a PO Box or their personal credit card to order products for business. In those cases they want the product shipped to their office but the statement (billing address) is still being mailed to their home address or PO Box. This normally would be a rejected transaction because of the two legitimate, but different, addresses.
The way to get around this is with an Alternate Shipping Address. You can add an Alternate Shipping Address to your credit card so that orders will be accepted at both addresses. The alternate shipping address does not have to be your business address but is used here simply as an example.
Simply use the toll-free number on the front or back of your card to contact your credit card company and create an Alternate Shipping Address which is simply a note on your account authorizing purchases that are delivered to a destination other than your billing address. With the Alternate Shipping Address feature in place you can have credit card orders shipped to two different addresses but your credit card bill will continue to be mailed to the original billing address.
Add the Alternate Shipping Address to your credit card account before placing your order. After your credit card company has updated your credit card account you can then order products with your credit card and have them shipped to the alternate shipping address you have on file with the credit card issuer.
* Please note that on your initial order items must be sent to the billing Or ‘Alternate’ address as registered with your credit card company. See this Policy for more details or contact our sales staff at 800-946-2642.
World-Wide General Shipping Information
Mini Mania, Inc. primarily uses FedEx, UPS and the US Postal Service to ship orders world-wide, each of which may be available only in certain areas. Truck freight items may be shipped using our choice of a variety of motor freight carriers. The customer pays shipping costs unless stated otherwise.
When choosing a shipping method, remember that carriers charge considerably more for expedited delivery. Expedited delivery also generally requires the package be signed for at the time of delivery. Check with your selected carrier locally if you or your authorized representative may not be available to sign for the package at the time of delivery.
For some destinations, we offer the choice of Mail (USPS). While often less expensive, remember that items shipped via Priority Mail, while insured, are not always reliably delivered and cannot be tracked. By choosing Priority Mail, you accept responsibility for your order once it leaves our facility.
Customers outside the domestic United States should exercise particular care when selecting a carrier or expedited shipping methods. If in doubt, consult with your potential carrier for information about shipments to your country. Import duties, local taxes, customs charges, etc. are the responsibility of the customer. If Mini Mania is invoiced by any carrier for import duties, local taxes, customs charges, or similar fees, the customer's credit card on file will be charged immediately for these fees, and an invoice explaining the charges will be sent to the customer.
Shipping Schedule
Most orders phoned in to Mini Mania before 12 noon Pacific Time are shipped the same day; orders received later usually ship the next day. If you must receive your order by a specific date, please make this clear when placing your order.
Most Internet orders are processed the next business day and are shipped within 1-2 days.
If there is more than one item in your order, we will ship your items as they become available.
Depending on availability, your order may be sent in more than one shipment. You will be charged shipping for each shipment.
You may choose to contact us by phone or e-mail before placing your order in order to ascertain availability.
When Will I Get My Order?
For Ground shipments, see the maps below for approximate delivery times. For expedited shipping choices, please see your chosen carrier’s web site for details, terms and conditions. Note that in all cases, shipping times do not include the day the order ships, weekends or holidays.
UPS Ground Delivery Transit time Map for Domestic Customers
FedEx Ground Service Delivery Map
Entering APO & FPO Addresses Correctly
Having trouble entering an APO or FPO address on our order form? Following these steps should help:
Enter the recipient's full name and address in the relevant fields.
Enter "APO" or "FPO" in the City field.
Enter "AE" in the State/Province/Region field if the recipient is stationed in Europe, Canada, Africa, or the Middle East. Enter "AA" if the recipient is stationed in the Americas. Enter "AP" if the recipient is stationed in Asia or the Pacific.
Regardless of where the recipient is stationed, select "United States" from the Country drop-down menu.
Following these steps will ensure that you're charged the correct shipping amount and that your order will be delivered in a timely fashion. All shipments to APO/FPO addresses are sent via U.S. Priority or First Class Mail. We estimate 5 to 7 business days for delivery once the order has been shipped; however, some destinations may take up to 21 days.
Backorders
We endeavor to stock most of the items we sell. The automatic shipment notification email you receive will identify backordered items and indicate the approximate date we expect to receive the item at our warehouse. Be sure to contact us if you wish to cancel your backorder to avoid unnecessary shipping and restocking charges once your backordered items are shipped.
Product Use Notice:
When ordering, recognize that some products sold by Mini Mania may not be approved for highway use on public roads. These products are designed for show, off road driving or racing applications only. It is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure that their vehicle meets all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Buyer assumes all liability and risk associated with the use of high performance products and holds Mini Mania, Inc. harmless of any associated liability.
Important Note:
Products distributed by Mini Mania, but manufactured by others, are subject to their respective manufacturer's warranty. Contact that manufacture directly for warranty support. If results are less than satisfactory, we want to know! Contact us and we will be pleased to intervene on your behalf.
Maximum Performance with Mini-mum Stress Warranty backed performance
Mini Mania™ Limited Warranty The Mini Mania limited warranty is in effect for at least the remaining portion of your original new car limited warranty, often longer since it extends also for one year or 12,000 miles after you purchase the Mini Mania part or component. This means more miles, more coverage, more assurance that your MINI stays at peak performance miles beyond anyone else in the industry. Mini Mania stands behind its warranty. We have been in business since 1974. Mini Mania's customer service extends beyond the sale of the product. Our product warranty offers our customers the peace of mind that only product warranties can offer. Our intent is to back our products in a manner that protects you against product defects and damage caused by failure of a Mini Mania component. The Mini Mania warranty is intended to cover Mini Mania and/or ULTRIK manufactured products when they are used in the manner for which they were originally designed. Most Mini Mania parts and components will not impact your new car warranty. The warranty does not cover products subjected to improper installation, modification, misuse or customer neglect.
For MINIs covered under the Original Manufacturer's New Car Limited Warranty
If your MINI is currently covered by the new car limited warranty issued when the car was originally purchased, Mini Mania will warranty its Mini Mania and/or ULTRIK branded performance upgrades for the remaining term of the new car limited warranty up to 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Mini Mania warranties are transferable to subsequent owners of the car providing that the car falls within the original manufacturer's new car limited warranty criteria. To obtain service under the warranty, the vehicle must be transported to an authorized Mini Mania dealership or MINI dealership who will obtain authorization from Mini Mania to make the requested repairs. The facility will, with- out charge to the customer, either repair or replace the defective Mini Mania and/or ULTRIK branded part and/or the original vehicle manufacturer's part at the sole discretion of Mini Mania if it is determined that the Mini Mania and/or ULTRIK branded part caused the failure of the original vehicle manufacturer's part. Parts replaced by Mini Mania become the property of Mini Mania and/or the original vehicle manufacturer. In all cases, customers understand that a reasonable time period must be allowed to initiate and make warranted repairs to the vehicle.
For MINIs no longer covered by the Original Manufacturer's New Car Warranty
The Mini Mania limited warranty covers Mini Mania and/or ULTRIK branded products for two years, or 24,000 miles, from the date of the purchase, whichever is greater. Mini Mania's limited warranty is transferable to subsequent owners providing proof of original purchase can be presented. Mini Mania does not cover products subjected to improper installation, modification, misuse or customer neglect. In the event of a warranted claim, Mini Mania will, at its sole discretion, either replace or repair the failed component upon receipt of the Mini Mania and/or ULTRIK branded part. Labor charges associated with repair or replacement of a Mini Mania component will be reimbursed at the Mini Mania authorized standard rate based upon Mini Mania's schedule of flat rate labor costs. Mini Mania will not be responsible for consequential effects or damage to other components or systems. The defective Mini Mania part must be presented to Mini Mania or Mini Mania representative to verify defect and authorize repair or replacement.
Mini Mania's Limited Warranty Exclusions:
• Any vehicle operated in any competitive event; • brake rotor warp; • custom-designed competition parts; • damage attributable to negligence, improper installation, improper treatment or treatment contrary to the instructions in the owner's manual from the original vehicle manufacturer or Mini Mania's product instructions; • damage due to the failure to perform maintenance services at the specified intervals or in accordance with the instructions in the owner's manual from the original vehicle manufacturer or Mini Mania's product instructions; • damage occurring through corrosion resulting from weak or improper coolant; • damage resulting from environmental influences, flood, accident, fire damage, or road salt corrosion; • damage resulting from the unauthorized modification of a Mini Mania part or assembly; • damage resulting from the use of improper or contaminated fuel; • damage resulting from the use of other manufacturer's products in conjunction with Mini Mania products or systems; • damage to a component or assembly due to the installation of replacement parts with specifications that differ in any material respect from the original vehicle manufacturer's or Mini Mania parts; • damage to a Mini Mania component as a result of a collision or improper collision damage repairs; • damage to the clutch due to power shifting or abuse; • drive-belts; • engine damage resulting from altered boost pressure beyond that provided by Mini Mania products; • friction materials; • incidental and/or consequential damages, including loss of time, inconvenience or loss of the use of the vehicle; • light bulbs; • maintenance services and parts when replaced during maintenance such as spark plugs, lubricants, fluids, engine tune-up parts, replacement of filters, coolant and refrigerant; • mechanical adjustments or repairs which result from normal wear and tear; • towing charges; • return shipping charges. This warranty shall be null and void if the vehicle identification number has been altered or cannot be read; if the odometer has been replaced or altered and the true mileage cannot be determined; if the vehicle has been declared a total loss or sold for salvage purposes; or if the vehicle has been used in any competitive event.
General
The duration of any implied warranties, including the implied warranty of merchantability, is limited to the duration of the express warranties herein. Mini Mania, Inc. hereby excludes incidental and consequential damages, including loss of time, inconvenience, or loss of the use of the vehicle, for any breach of any express or implied warranty, including the implied warranty of merchantability, applicable to the product. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty applies to all Mini Mania and/or ULTRIK branded products purchased on or after July 1, 2004. Mini Mania, Inc. reserves the right to modify this warranty at its discretion and without notice. Mini Mania™ and the Mini Mania logo are trademarks of Mini Mania, Inc. ULTRIK and the ULTRIK logo are pending trademarks of Mini Mania, Inc.
Rev. 20041028A
Our Guarantee: Mini Mania will match the published price of any supplier in the USA! If you find an item advertised at a lower price from another US supplier, call us! We'll TRY to match that supplier's price -- see details below.
Quality, Service & Price Mini Mania, Inc. has been supplying parts and accessories Mini owners for over 30 years and we are proud to continue to offer you the best guarantee in the market.QualityProducts sold or designed by Mini Mania are chosen for the quality of performance, looks and price. If for ANY reason you are not 100% satisfied we gladly accept the product back within 15 days of purchase for a full refund. Please see our full Return Policybelow for details.ServiceOur 12,000 sq ft warehouse, a staff of 25 experts in their field, 12,000 parts number kept on hand, and $1,000,000 worth of inventory assures you of the utmost in service.
Prices & Price Matching We offer the best product at the best price available on every item in our store. All prices are listed in U.S. dollars. We do not have a currency converter in our store, but several Web sites provide this service. Orders placed at minimania.com will be charged in U.S. dollars. If you live outside the U.S., this charge is converted by your bank into your local currency and should appear on your credit card statement in that currency.
We will match the published price of any US supplier* -- even their current sales prices! If you find an item advertised at a lower price, make a notation in your online order, call or email us your price match request (see terms and details below). We'll sell you the SAME item at the SAME price! If you've already purchased the item from us, we'll even price match (for store credit only) as long as you contact us with your request within 10 days of placing your order.
This offer is restricted to identical items offered for sale in writing or on the web. When making your price match request, you must provide us with a link to the competitor's Internet URL for the item, a copy of the written ad or written quotation, which must include suppliers part number, description and price.
Price Match Terms and Fine Print
We may choose not to price match in some cases; here are some reasons why:
The competitor's product is not an exact match (identical manufacturer & model) with ours.
The competitor with the lower price does not have the item in stock at their warehouse.
The competitor's total price (including shipping, handling, rebates, taxes, etc.) is higher.
The competitor's product is used, refurbished, reconditioned, or a display model.
The competitor is not selling in US dollars.
The product is a clearance or closeout item.
The item is not found within the first 10 items listed on major search engine results.
The competitor is not manufacturer authorized or has advertised below the manufacturers minimum allowed price for the item.
* Qualified U.S. Suppliers are established businesses that routinely and regularly sell the item to be matched from an established physical storefront or warehouse.
While we endeavor to maintain the accuracy of item availability, descriptions and availability, we reserve the right to correct errors. We reserve the right to choose not to honor this offer.
How to Request a Price Match
Place an order on-line and leave a comment at checkout. Provide the competitor's name, part number, item description, URL link to the exact item and the competitor's price anlong with your request to price match. If we agree to match the price, your order will be processed at that adjusted price. In the event we cannot match the price, we will notify you by email. We will hold you order for 3 business days.
Alternately, you may call us with your request. We'd love to talk with you. We will generally respond to price match requests within one business day.
SHIPMENT PROBLEMS?
Product shipped by Mini Mania is properly packaged and protected; therefore, damage in transit is the responsibility of the carrier. If a package appears damaged when you receive it, indicate the condition of the package on your receipt from the carrier. If damage is discovered upon opening the package, notify the carrier and Mini Mania immediately. Damage claims are handled through the carrier. Be sure to retain packing materials for carrier inspection.
Claims for missing items or error in shipment must be reported within 5 days of order receipt .
BACKORDERS
We endeavor to stock most of the items we sell. For Classic Minis, parts are frequently in limited supply and are difficult to keep on hand. the automatic shipment notification email you receive will identify backordered items and indicate the approximate date we expect to receive the item at our warehouse.
Shipment of items backordered is dependent upon our obtaining them from our various suppliers, many of which are overseas. Consolidated air freight shipments are made to us bi-monthly from the UK, which means obtaining the parts you order may take up to two shipment cycles (4-6 weeks). After 60 days has elapsed we may notify you that an item cannot be obtained and has been removed from your order. Please contact us if you would like us to re-order, as some items can become available again later.
Be sure to contact us if you wish to cancel your backorder to avoid unnecessary shipping and restocking charges once the item(s) you’ve ordered is shipped.
SPECIAL ORDERS
Some items are made available on a Special Order basis. These are typically items with very low demand that we choose not to keep in inventory, or items that are custom built or built to order. These items are ordered from their suppliers solely to fulfill your order. As such, these items require a 100% non-refundable deposit at the time the order is placed (power-unit orders require a $1,000 deposit before work begins). Because of the nature of Special Order items, your order cannot be cancelled once your order is accepted and deposit taken, nor can returns be accepted once the item has shipped.
Mini Mania Product Return Policy
PRODUCT RETURNSWe at Mini Mania value your satisfaction. We back up every sale with our Satisfaction Guarantee: If you're not fully satisfied with our products or service, we'll refund the purchase price.Please follow the instructions below carefully to ensure your return is accepted and processed promptly:1.Returned items must be in original condition,in original packaging, unused, uninstalled, unmarked and re-salable, with all documentation and packaging intact to be eligible for refund or credit.Electrical Components, VHS Tapes, DVDs, Software or Software Devices,Books and Special Order or Custom Built Items are not accepted for return.2.Call Mini Mania right away for a Return Authorization Number (RA#), with invoice in hand. Mini Mania will refuse unauthorized returns.If possible, speak with the Sales Tech who took your original order. A return authorization number will be provided for eligible returns.3.Include a copy of the original invoice in the box, including the completed return form included with the shipment. Write the RA# on the return form, and on the shipping label. Do not include the name of the Sales Tech who provided the RA# unless instructed to do so, or return processing may be unnecessarily delayed.4.Mini Mania must receive returned items within 15 days of your original receipt of the product to be eligible for a full refund. Items received between 15 and 45 days from date of receipt, or received without a copy of an Invoice, Return form and RA# are subject to a 15% re-stocking fee, and are eligible for store credit only. Returned items are subject to inspection prior to issuance of refund or credit. Credits or exchanges cannot be issued for used or incomplete returns. Items determined as ineligible for credit can be shipped back to the customer upon request, at customer’s expense. Unclaimed ineligible return items will be disposed of after 30 days.5.Send your package pre-paid, insured and traceable to:Mini Mania, Inc.Attn: Returns Dept.
870 Gold Flat Rd., Suite A
Nevada City, CA 95959Package your return merchandise carefully. Credit will not be given for returned merchandise damage incurred in transit. No UPS Call Tags will be issued. With the exception of returns caused by our error, shipping costs for returned items are the buyer's sole responsibility. We do not accept returns shipped to us "COD Freight", nor do we pay outgoing freight charges.Please allow up to 3 weeks for your return to be processed and credit applied or refund issued. Credit may take up to 2 billing cycles to appear on your Credit Card statement.Refused shipments returned to Mini Mania do not automatically qualify for credit.
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