Detailed the SR5 Today: Stratasphere Mica

[General Lee]

Detailed the SR5 Today: Stratosphere Mica

This is the wifes 4runner we purchased back in Febuary. Back then it received SSR2.5 and Natty's. Well, when I was washing it yesterday I noticed I had no beading or sheeting left. So I figured it was time to give it the works.

Process:
Wash w/ Gold Class Shampoo
Clayed during the wash
Menzerna's Final Poilsh II via PC and a polishing pad. Some area got SSR2.5 and a polishing pad as well.
Rinsed to remove polish dust

Zaino Z2 Pro w/ZFX x 2
Everytime I use Zaino *I* feel its more work than its worth. Its always a PITA to remove. I had about 3/4 oz left out of 2 oz from doing 2 coats so I feel I used it sparingly Anyways thats another subject

More to come...

 

[General Lee]

In this pic I tried to show how much ZXF I had left but the sun drowned it out

 

[General Lee]

One more

 

[sharp4runr]

Nice dude!!!!

I remember when my truck was that shiney and scratchless.

 

[tkr128]

Beautiful! I know you were having some trouble with marring, how did FP work on that? Anyways, I think Z2 Pro looks a whole lot better on dark colors than Z2 did. Good job!

 

[General Lee]

tkr128- FP worked very well to polish out the paint to add depth and wetness. It removed the very slight micro-marring. For the heavier marring I had to use SSR2.5.

As you probably already read Z2pro was a PITA to remove for me but in the end I think it turned out great. Very wet looking in my opinion. Now we shall see for durability.....

 

[jcflys]

I love that color so much that we got an 05 sport in the same color. I just did the first wash and wax on it the other day. It took me two days to fit everything in, but the results were absolutely awesome!! I used all Zaino products and did the following.

1. Dawn wash followed by claybar and then followed that with a Z-7 wash. I used my leaf blower to dry it and that worked great.

2. Next day I started with z-6 and then put on a coat of z-5. They recommend this on their site to help the wax application and removal phase. I then put on another application of z-5 and then followed up with an application of z-8. I stopped to look things over and was a little concerned about the finished look. I wanted more shine, but knew that I still planned on putting a coat of Z-2 pro on.

3. My final application was with the z-2 pro and this is where my astonishment set in. It looked incredible after using the z-2! I followed this with one more coat of z-6 and was very happy in the end.

I was out driving around and got constant looks from other drivers and peds walking in the parking lot. I was stopped by several people and asked some questions about my ride. It is awesome!!!!

My suggestions:

1.Use the z-6 first before applying z-5 or z-2. I had no problems removing any of the coats that I put on.

2. Get your white towels early and wash them several times before use. The dang things like to pill all over the vehicle in the beginning.

3. Dont leave your plastic bucket sitting behind the vehicle where you can back into in!! DOH!!

4. The z-8 is twice as much money as the z-6, but I was initially happier with the cheaper z-6. This might change over a period of more use, but for now my recommendation is to go with the z-6.

I too live in Maryland. Just dont try to steal my thunder with that awesome looking color. I have only seen one other blue 4runner in the last month and it had out of state plates.

Good Luck!
JC

 

[Wah]

What do you guys use for the black plastic parts? (the side mirrors and running boards)

 

[jharris2]

What do you guys use for the black plastic parts? (the side mirrors and running boards)

I use Zaino's on the mirros, too. But I never put anything on the running boards because you don't want them to be slippery.

 

[jcflys]

I use my Zaino Z-6 spray on the boards and have not noticed them being slick. The z-6 will clean them good, but maybe try a test area to see if it makes it too slick.