Help with new 4Runner

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04Runner

New member
I’m pretty new to detailing and looking for a little advice. I have an 04 black 4Runner that I’ve had for 1 month. It’s been washed twice and I have put one coat of Meguiars polish and one coat of NXT wax on. The car looks great, but I’m thinking about trying some other products. I plan on waxing every 3 weeks or so (can you wax a car too much?) with either the NXT wax I have now, or maybe trying this P21S carnuba wax. I plan on using a polish (maybe Klasse all-in-one) every 6 weeks or so. I can already tell that this black paint is going to show some light scratches/swirl marks regardless of how well I maintain the paint. Would anyone recommend a more abrasive cleaning once or twice a year? I figured with frequent washing and waxing something like this Klasse all in one would be sufficient in taking care of the scratches without having to go to something more abrasive. Will all-in-one remove any clearcoat? Also, any other considerations I should be taking given that this black SUV is going to basically bake in the summer where I live. High humidity and temps consistently 95-100. Thanks for the help.
 
Welcome aboard and nice vehicle! Get some pics out here for us!



About your questions...I suggest doing a few searches on the different products you mentioned.



AIO, as far as I know, doesn't contain any abrasives (I have heard that debated though). It is a chemical cleaner and should not have a noticeable effect on scratches and swirls. I would suggest searching on swirl remover or swirl polish. There are a number of vendors from 3M, Meguiars, Einszett, Menzerna and on and on. Everyone has their favorites so I would suggest just reading up and trying a few.



About the frequency of polishing, I have heard that once a year is generally safe, but that it depends on the abrsiveness of the polish and the thickness of the clearcoat.



Concerning UV and heat exposure in an Okie summer, I would say that frequent wax or sealant application is the best solution outside of parking in the shade. Also, don't forget to protect your dash and interior.



As a note, check out some of the wash methods that help to minimize scratches. That is the best scratch protection that I can think of.



Oh and after you do some searching and self-educating, feel free to ask at will because Autopia has some true detailing geniuses around here. I feel that I have learner alot.



Max
 
Welcome and congrats on the new 4Runner! Let's see some pictures of it! :D



As far as polsihing goes, doing a cleaning step every 6 weeks seems excessive. If you detail it correctly the first time and keep the paint protected, you'll only need to polish the paint 1-2 times a year. I generally use a mild swirl remover like #9 or 3M's SMR twice a year, three times if necessary.



I strongly suggest you read David's ebook. I think the download version is free somewhere, i think from bimmercarcare.com. I believe it has a schedule in the back as to when you should do what to the car. It's very helpful. :up



Have fun!
 
Thanks for the info. I’ll do some more research. Seems a little overwhelming with the # of different products out there. Glazes, polishes, waxes, cleaners, damn. I’ll chill out with the polish and just go twice a year or so with it. I think I’ve pretty much got the washing/drying method down and have all the correct products to do so. What kind of wax are you using on your Blue 4Runner? Do you have the running boards on yours? Any ideas on how to get those looking good? I guess they are a plastic type material? Seems something like Armor All would make them way too slick to step on (for those who actually step on them). Thanks again.
 
04Runner said:
What kind of wax are you using on your Blue 4Runner? Do you have the running boards on yours? Any ideas on how to get those looking good? I guess they are a plastic type material? Seems something like Armor All would make them way too slick to step on (for those who actually step on them). Thanks again.
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I'm using Zaino on it right now. I have 3 coats of Z5 and 3 coats of Z2 on it. I'm going back to the Z5 because I'm not too happy with the look of Z2.



Yes, I have the black running boards on mine. I've been using a soft bristled brush and a strong solution of car soap and water to get them clean, but a wash mitt will work well. I dress them up with the Einszett Vinyl/Rubber Care, except for the parts that I step on. Basically, don't put anything on the parts that you or a passenger might step on. If you have the Limited model with the silver-painted running boards, clean them like you'd do the rest of the car, you might want to use a different wash mitt here. Then wax the painted parts.



Hope this helps you out! :)
 
If you have the Limited model with the silver-painted running boards, clean them like you'd do the rest of the car, you might want to use a different wash mitt here. Then wax the painted parts.
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If you have a passenger slip-and-fall getting into the truck and they want $100 and some envelopes, you will have to deny membership in autopia.
 
I have been using Zaino Z-5 on my black Infiniti G35. I have also recently bought NXT and Moose Wax that I haven't tried yet. I would recommend trying different combinations until you are happy. That is what autopia is all about. Enjoy the 4runner!
 
2001civicex said:
Too much Carnuba will give the car a yellowish look I know....so make sure you get the old wax off first.
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I don't believe that's true. You'd have to apply a coat of carnauba a day for several months to notice any shift in the color of the vehicle.



Using a paint prep just a couple times a year will prevent any possibility like this from ever occurring.
 
thinksnow said:
If you have a passenger slip-and-fall getting into the truck and they want $100 and some envelopes, you will have to deny membership in autopia.
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The part that a person steps on is not painted, only the part where the light shines out from the sides and the bottom side of them are painted. Because you can't step on a part that's vertical or is blocked by the fenders, waxing these parts (the painted ones) are not a big deal. Like I said before, don't put anything on the part that a person steps on, besides those parts are black plastic and will be stained by most waxes.
 
I was worried that was the case after posting:o Anyway, it covers the dangers of Armor All/303 etc. and it jammed a Friday reference in there:up
 
Thanks for the info. I have the SR5 model. Just read the "Perfect Shine" article. Thinking about giving his method a shot. Klasse AIO, sealant glaze, then wax.
 
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