Limited Flares Fading and Clay Bar Question

[Clemsonfan15]

Hey guys. I want to clay my 4Runner before school starts back, but was wondering if it would be ok to clay the painted plastic Limited flares. I figured since I'm doing the rest of the vehicle I might as well do those.

I've also noticed that the top portion of the flares are fading a little. Any tips to bring the color back or stop the fading?

 

[Dous]

They should be fine to clay bar, considering it is not abrasive, it shouldn't damage them at all.

 

[scoobydann]

absolutely it is ok to clay the flares.. what color is ur runner, at a glance it looks tan. if you want to bring back the color a good OTC (over the counter) stuff would be Meguiars ultimate compound to take the dullness and slight scratches out and follow that up with the ultimate polish to really make it shine..top that off with your favorite wax and it should be good for a month or so before u need more wax

If you do it by hand it will take some good ol elbow grease but it will come out nice. If you have, or know someone that does, a dual action polisher it will come out even better.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Thanks for confirming my thoughts about the flares guys.

It's Desert Dune. So kind of a mix between silver and tan. Negative on the dual action. I wouldn't have to wax it every month or two would I? That would get old. Ha.

 

[ryankmasuda]

How much of an improvement is taking a clay bar to the paint before waxing it? My sunfire red runner is in need of a good wax. I was thinking of doing some rubbing compound to the fine scratch marks then carnuba wax the rest. Any recommendations?

 

[Loyal Toyota]

How much of an improvement is taking a clay bar to the paint before waxing it? My sunfire red runner is in need of a good wax. I was thinking of doing some rubbing compound to the fine scratch marks then carnuba wax the rest. Any recommendations?

Clay barring preps the paint by cleaning the surface well so that the wax adheres better and gives a better result. Everything is in the prep work. It doesn't matter if you use high end boutique waxes and glaze or the over the counter stuff, but if you don't prep well, you won't get the results you want.

That said, I use Autoglym, Meguiar's #26 high tech yellow wax, Meguiar's # 21 synthetic sealant, and Meguiar's #7 Show Car Glaze.

Meguiar's just release a new line of products, the Ultimate Polish and Ultimate Liquid Wax I've been wanting to try.

To the original poster, clay barring the fender flares WILL NOT hurt or damage them.

 

[ryankmasuda]

Clay barring preps the paint by cleaning the surface well so that the wax adheres better and gives a better result. Everything is in the prep work. It doesn't matter if you use high end boutique waxes and glaze or the over the counter stuff, but if you don't prep well, you won't get the results you want.

That said, I use Autoglym, Meguiar's #26 high tech yellow wax, Meguiar's # 21 synthetic sealant, and Meguiar's #7 Show Car Glaze.

Meguiar's just release a new line of products, the Ultimate Polish and Ultimate Liquid Wax I've been wanting to try.

To the original poster, clay barring the fender flares WILL NOT hurt or damage them.

I'll have to give that a try, I'm guessing you use them in that order?

 

[LittleCaesar]

Use the clay bar after washing, then #7, then #21, then #26 or the Autoglym (if the latter is the carnuba, good stuff).

 

[Loyal Toyota]

Use the clay bar after washing, then #7, then #21, then #26 or the Autoglym (if the latter is the carnuba, good stuff).

+1 ^^What he said haha.

 

[ALBPM]

Clemsonfan15, what color is your Runner and flares if different????

If it is a metallic color you better be careful with the kind rubbing compound used or you will be breaking through the clear coat.

For the Series 3 - Black, White and Red do not have clear coat. All the metallic colors do have clear coat.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Clemsonfan15, what color is your Runner and flares if different????

If it is a metallic color you better be careful with the kind rubbing compound used or you will be breaking through the clear coat.

For the Series 3 - Black, White and Red do not have clear coat. All the metallic colors do have clear coat.

The main color is definitely Desert Dune. I don't know if the flares are Pearl or Silver Metallic. My paint code is 1A5, so according to this website they would be pearl.

Toyota 4Runner Paint Codes and Galleries, Brochure and Commercial Archives

 

[ALBPM]

3M Finesse-It II is the only rubbing compound I use on clearcoat.

Amazon.com: 3M Finesse-It II Machine Polish: Automotive

With any other compound test in a small area and be carefull. If the clear coat is oxidized it will need to be carefully polished. I'm not sure if they put clearcoat on the fenders or if they are only painted.

 

[LittleCaesar]

There is clearcoat on my 99 Limited flares. I did not clay them but did put on a polish and sealer in April. Seem to be doing just fine.

After applying clay, and before applying sealant or wax or both, use a good polish. I have been using Meguiars 205 polish with good results and then sealing it with either Collinite 845 or Meguiars NXT 2.0.

 

[ALBPM]

There is clearcoat on my 99 Limited flares. I did not clay them but did put on a polish and sealer in April. Seem to be doing just fine.

After applying clay, and before applying sealant or wax or both, use a good polish. I have been using Meguiars 205 polish with good results and then sealing it with either Collinite 845 or Meguiars NXT 2.0.

Cool!!! I've been using Zaino's. The elevation/high UV in New Mexico eats up paint quickly.

So, I use Zaino's for the UV protection plus it's polymer base.. The UV also destroys Carnuba quickly down here.

 

[96743runner]

I clay mine once a year and I do all the painted surfaces, including the flares. Like others have said, make sure you apply wax at least later, since you are removing all of the existing wax and protectants off of your clear coat. If you are OCD about your paint (like me) then I would follow the clay bar with a polish (I like Meguiar's #7 glaze), a carnauba wax, and a synthetic wax/sealant, such as Meguiar's NXT 2.0. It's a lot of work to do, but the shine and peace of mind in the end is well worth the effort in my opinion.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Do you need a orbital to apply the polish or can you do it by hand? Is it worth doing on a Desert Dune? Can you tell a difference?

I don't mind spending a whole day on this. It's the last time for a few months that I will have to really wash/wax the 4Runner.

 

[ALBPM]

I have only used my Porter Cable Random Orbital with foam pads for the "3M Finesse-It II " rubbing compound to take out the swirl marks and fine scratches.
I've only applied Polish by hand on mine.
There was a guy on Autopia that used a random Orbital with Zaino's Z5 Swirl mark filler polish with really good results.

Use a micro fiber covered applicator and towels so you don't add more swirl marks during the process.



Here's an old thread of mine at Yotatech...

4Runner Polishing Convention - YotaTech Forums

 

[LittleCaesar]

Orbital DA (Porter Cable 7424XP) is the way to go with some Lake Country pads. But it can get pricey quick. It does produce great results though.

If by hand, the aforementioned Meguiars #7 or #205 will work well and can be found at auto parts stores. Sealants such as Meguiars Nxt 2.0 or Collinite Insulator Wax (845) work well, with the latter being found at Advanced Auto for $15.

Zaino is great, but can only be bought through their website and is not too cheap. But if you want to go that route, check out their AIO for a good all in one cleaner sealer.

See ya at Death Valley this fall, possibly.

 

[96743runner]

Do you need a orbital to apply the polish or can you do it by hand? Is it worth doing on a Desert Dune? Can you tell a difference?

I don't mind spending a whole day on this. It's the last time for a few months that I will have to really wash/wax the 4Runner.

I never used an orbital and do it all by hand with microfiber towels. I honestly think that it's worth it since the polish makes the paint appear to be even more glossy.

 

[ryankmasuda]

My 99' has some fine scuff marks and scratches from most likely my little kids rubbing the car with dust or pollen on the paint. What would you recommend to remove/cover up the scratches? rubbing compound?