Scratches galore on trail-going rig

[kev7706]

Well, after venturing off-highway and onto a narrow trail, my normally pristine 4Runner is now covered in scratches from overgrown brush. I guess I had it coming, but now I deparately need your help. Below are the carnage shots.













(If these don't work, let me know)



Should I even attempt to take these out by hand using ScratchX - I'm asking because I don't have any on hand at the moment. I'm thinking I'll need more aggressive means. Suggestions?

 

[99blackmagic]

my plan of attack would be 3M scratch remover followed by scratchX to get rid of any marring from 3M



matt

 

[imported_themightytimmah]

Nice work chief . ScratchX via terry cloth should do a good job, but my gut sense is that you are going to need a stronger abrasive to knock it out. You could try 3M scratch remover or SSR3 by hand then Scratch-X. Personally, I'd go at it with a rotary and Optimum Hyper Compound, but judging by your post, you don't have machine polishing available to you.

 

[kev7706]

I'm going to give ScratchX a try (least abrasive first, right?). If that doesn't work, I'll move on to 3M, and then onto SSR3 or the like with a PC, which I don't have as of yet.



I guess I have to pay for my mistakes, but no matter. I had some fun and I'll probably end up with a PC, which I've been wanting anyway.



Thanks, guys.

 

[Ben Kenobi]

Oh yes you are going to need to machine polish those out. I don't think working by hand will get them completely out. Nice job by the way!

 

[sumptimwong]

Keep in mind that ScratchX is a diminishing abrasive, so it's most effective when you first start rubbing it in. It will probably take 4-5 passes with ScratchX and lots of pressure to hide those scratches, they look pretty deep.

 

[Black240SX]

If you'll be going off-road again, then just forget about the scratches.

 

[SenojNW]

I agree - it is a 4WD so it is gonna get more... Just treat it like they are'nt there and wash, polish, seal as you normally would. If you try to polish out every scratch you get on a 4WD (providing it is not just a city 4WD) you will end up with NO PAINT!

 

[chrisx]

Next time you might want try the stuff mentioned in this post.



Spray-on Bra

 

[kev7706]

Thanks for all the responses, guys. I've been gone all day so I haven't had a chance to check back.



I shift into 4WD from time to time, but I don't usually end up marring the paint like I did.



Like I said before, I guess now is as good a time as ever to drop some graduation money on a PC.