Love it! Brings back good memories... I took an 1800 mile detour from NorCal thru the deserts of SoCal with mine. No better way to break 'em in if ya ask me!
As for car washes, if you have a full service near you, they'll usually do a whole hand wash instead of the conveyor, for a nominal fee. Mine charges $5 extra, and I end up with twice the job. Just gotta ask 'em.
Gratz!