Newbie

fitinvancouver · #1 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 05:32 PM

I guess you can still be a Fit newbie at 53

Been a Honda owner my whole life. Traded in my LX Civic Coupe for the Silver AT Sport Fit last night. I was never really into cars, kept mine clean and well-maintained, but I used to go through an automatic car wash all the time. Don't want to do that with the Fit.

I had my Civic detailed a few months ago by a pro. WOW!!!

So, what are the basic recommendations for keeping the car nice and clean. I have no idea what claying is, what kind of wax to use etc.

Also, whats a JDM console?

Juliane · #2 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 05:54 PM

I'm 51 and proudly sport a Fitfreak.net sticker on my rear window - just got my BBP Fit earlier this month!

There is a whole forum given over to the care of your Fit - just go to the list of forums and pick out "Fit Care." You will find numerous threads about claying. I have no idea when this stuff was discovered/invented, but it's brilliant for cleaning!! It is what the pros use. Everyone here seems to respect Meguiar's line of products, but others use Turtle Wax Ice, Black Magic, and other brands.

If you are worried about taking your Fit through an auto carwash, that makes you a Fit FREAK!!

I never gave a rip about how I washed my car. Until this one. Now it's like having a new baby - WHAT DO I DO??? I have a panic attack when anyone parks next to me! And if I know I have to go to a parking lot that doesn't have a "safe spot," (blocked on at least one side, preferably both) I take son's '95 Camry!

Welcome and we always demand photos ASAP!!

Fat Ping Cat · #3 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 06:18 PM

welcome to the site! JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, basically means the part was made in Japan, and a lot of us pride ourselves in getting JDM parts for their quality and overall better aesthetics

the console that they speak of pertains to the lack of a center armrest. depending on the 07-08 or 09 the consoles are different.

this is the 07-08 JDM console/armrest (the entire thing is replaced)

this is the 09 console, i'm pretty sure it's made in japan too.. this is just the armrest and it has some storage too, that just bolts right in

fitinvancouver · #4 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 06:41 PM

Taken with my iPhone, not in the greatest light.

Juliane · #5 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 07:42 PM

Very nice! Even in the dim light with an iPhone - SSM rocks! Congrats on the new car and welcome to the forum!!

fitinvancouver · #6 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 07:49 PM

Thanks, that center console is very cool, but I don't think it will fit in the 09, the space seems quite narrow.

Juliane · #7 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 08:26 PM

Don't you already have an armrest on the driver's seat?

fitinvancouver · #8 (**permalink**) 09-19-2008, 08:40 PM

Yes, I do, its quite narrow, and it seems to be in the way when driving Standard. I put it up when driving in the city. This is on a 2009 Sport

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juliane

Don't you already have an armrest on the driver's seat?

Fitlurker · #9 (**permalink**) 09-20-2008, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fitinvancouver

Yes, I do, its quite narrow, and it seems to be in the way when driving Standard. I put it up when driving in the city. This is on a 2009 Sport

Thought you have an AT Sport? Is it still in the way of the automatic shifter?

fitinvancouver · #10 (**permalink**) 09-20-2008, 12:23 PM

No, MT Sport. I can see where the JDM Console would be a good idea, but it will have to wait for now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fitlurker

Thought you have an AT Sport? Is it still in the way of the automatic shifter?

bdrake · #11 (**permalink**) 09-20-2008, 01:29 PM

My previous car (02 Saturn L300) had a center console. When I first got my Fit, I really missed having that console there, and I considered buying a JDM or thirdparty version. Now that I've had the car for a few months, I'm used to it not being there, and I don't miss it any more. I just keep my crap in the glove box instead. Give it some time and save your money.

--Barry, 08 FS MT BBP

Cat · #12 (**permalink**) 09-20-2008, 09:37 PM

Hey welcome to the forum and to the Fit family. I am 52 and never planned to mod out my car but have had a blast putting on parts that come from Japan! Your car is really nice! This forum will help you a lot and give you great information about your car. As for taking care of your car some must do's. Also wash when the car is cool to touch, not hot, wash in the shade if you can. Use two buckets one with the soap and water and one with just clear water. Rinse out your hand mit (use genuie lambs wool or microfiber) if you pick up grim. Start at the top and wash down. Don't use the same mit used on the lower body of the car anywhere else. Use a good auto soap i.e. Meguiers or the new Ice is good. You'll want to clay bar your car when you rub your hand on the paint and it drags or you can feel rough areas in the paint. Meguiers has some great clay baring products and wax. Always wax after clay barring. Check out Meguiers web site for on line video's of how to take care of your paint.

Hope to hear more from you as you enjoy your car.

Cat :x

fitinvancouver · #13 (**permalink**) 09-22-2008, 02:45 PM

Thanks. I know someone here in Vancouver that has been detailing his cars for years, so he has offered to help me out. His first suggestion was to wash, dry and seal the paint for the winter which we will do next week. He also suggested getting the Cold Air Intake, no rush there (pun intended) Suggested using only synthetic oil.