1993 Toyota 4runner
V6 4X4
Automatic
Red
77500 miles

Things I would like to improve upon:

Her paint has seen much better days. It is obvious nobody ever gave her the pampering she deserves. I would like to restore her paint to as close to factory as I can.
She has been KEYED!! GRRRRR!! Not while in my possesion of corse but the little shit that had her before obviously made someone angry. I've been reading about how to fix it online but have some concerns.
The stripes on the side are so badly worn and faded I would like to remove them. I realize the problems this may bring up but I have a backup plan. If the paint is horribly different under them I can replace them with new solid black ones.

So.. I already know that on most cars when you want to restore the paint you would "buff it out" and give it a good wax. But with the other factors I think I should deal with the scratch and stripe issues first. Maybe only buff in those areas so I have something to compare? I was going to have a detail shop do the general buffing because the last time I tried to do my whole car myself I got overzealous in spots and it looked funny. The situation was different I know but I do not want to risk it with her! I have some damage in areas which will need body work later on but for now I am going to do what I can with what I have.

I removed my stripes using a blow dryer and a PLASTIC putty knife/paint scraper. Then used a bug/tar/adhesive remover from 3M. Worked out pretty good but then my stripes were relatively new. Urs are 20yrs old so... It may be difficult.

You are so helpful! Yes I had read about the hair dryer trick and plan on trying it when I have time. I usually get home late and it is cold around here! I think I will take a stab at it tonight and see how it goes.

Just saw ur pics... Wow that paint is faded. Hopefully its just the clearcoat and u can use a polishing compound. If not u will probably need a rubbing compound followed by a polishing cmpnd. Then u can wax it. Its alot of labor. As for ur stripes, I don't think they'll come off. Its been too long. On the bright side I see u have some BFGoodrich tires. They're the best so stick with 'em.

They sell a eraser type wheel that you put on your drill and it will take off the sticker without burning through the paint. I personally was going to get one to do the exact thing but havent got around to doing it.

AES Industries 4" Smart Eraser Pad with Drill Adaptor Arbor [Made In USA] : Amazon.com : Automotive

Also as for the paint. I used Mothers ultimate compound, followed by a clay bar and then there carnuba wax on a black altima that I had and it looked amazing when I finished. I bought it all in a paint restoration kit at wal mart for around $25

Yea.... I figured it would be best to post pics. I showed her to the detail shop down the road from where I work and the girl looked frightened! I did try a spot and it shined up nice! I'm easily pleased so anything will make me happy. Like I said there is some body work to be done and I figure when I do that I can get them to do a redo on the paint job if need be. I'm glad she has good tires because I really don't want to have to deal with any more tire issues in my life!

let me help you guys out I have done body work for over 20 years and what I see is a single stage paint you can buff it out but in about 3 mounths it will fade back out single stage has no clear if you want it fixed you need to take it to a body shop and have it done right for about $3500 to $4000 depends on the shop if you are lucky you might find someone to do it cheaper on the side. Clear coat will not fade unless it was put on wrong I would go with a base clear or two stage paint (same thing)as far as the strips if you do it your self you can get plastic razer blades and a cheap heat gun from Harbor freight a hair drier will not get to the temp that it needs to get them off when they as old as the stripes you have hope this helps

Well I figured it was single stage but I would still like to try what I can given that I do not have a few grand to drop on a paint job. Like I said I just want to do what I can with what I have...

I love ur can-do positive attitude!

Thanks! ^_^ I've realized over the last. Year how blessed I am in attitude.. I mean seriously! How often does a woman get so happy about a 20 year old car she squeals??? Haha.. And you know what I was driving before? A 2010 dodge ram fancy dancy fully loaded blah blah truck... No thanks.. I want my girl! BUT! I have better things to spend my money on.. My daughter is turning 10 in 2 months.. Which means its time for her annual spoiling! Priorities dude....

U are so right about priorities... My sons are number 1. Everything else is a distant 2nd.

Sorry I hope I didnt afend you.Just telling you what you would be looking at if you go eather way if you go with a good buff job and keep good wax on it ( something with carnauba wax in it) will shine longer. Most detail shops s charge any where from 100 to 350 for a buff job or you can get a cleaner wax (may not have carnauba wax in it you would have to buy some to put on after the cleaner wax) that will take the oxidized paint off but it is hard work alot of elbow greese. Any brand should work Mothers has a good one 3m has one to if you want I can go and find the one I have and give the part number

NO!!! You didn't offend me at all!! ^_^ I'm hard to offend actually... I'm very happy to have your opinion/experience/knowledge! If I sounded upset it was mainly just an "awww... you mean I dont get to get dirty rubbing up on my car?" kinda thing... But knowing me.. I'm going to do it anyway... I Know I will... I've seen me do it...

but! on this subject... I did find this article... what do you guys think of it?
The Secret to Removing Oxidation and Restoring a Show Car Finish to Antique Single Stage Paints - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

I know its not "antique" single stage.. But I figure it would be approached the same way...

Thankfully I'm not the typical woman and just does whatever without thinking.. I do read read read read and research and whatever... ^_^

Thats a very good write up I'll give you a tip when you do this just do a 1 foot by 1 foot or 2 foot by 2 foot square at a time any bigger and you are just wasting your time you will get it. good luck by the way realy the truck looks good I dont see any rust good luck and have fun