Sprucing up my "new" 2001 4Runner, need advice

[cfranck1]

Hi cfranck1,

Finally had success when I called O'Reilly's yesterday. They didn't have the 3M stuff in the store but could get it from their warehouse. Husband needed to pick up our other car close by yesterday afternoon and picked it up on the way home. It works like a charm - the seals look great - only got one side done yesterday evening before it got dark. I'm glad you mentioned the other product, because I saw that one this weekend, but it didn't say "wet type" on it so I wasn't sure if it was the right one.

Over the weekend we spent some (ok, a long) time on the 4Runner to get it cleaned up. We used the Mother's clay bar kit (couldn't find any of the other brands locally) and it worked really well. We used black magic wax - husband found it a bit hard to buff off, we'll use something else the next time. But I have to say it looks so much better now. I've been working on the inside (it was pretty grimy) and it also is looking much improved - not bad for an almost 10 year old car. Too bad it's black and will sit outside, but our other cars trump this one re: being in the garage - the 4Runner is for our daughter. Husband said he will definitely use the clay bar on our Toyota FJ cruiser.

Here's another question re: the dash - the clear plastic areas (over the clock and the speedometer) are a bit dull. Is there something that will easily clean them up? It's not a big deal, but I'm just taking one thing at a time.

Getting the windshield replaced this week (crack across it when we bought it) and will pick up the tranny shifter "button cover" thingy and the missing front door clip and we'll be good to go.

Thanks to all for your comments and help with products.

That's good to hear that pretty much everything worked out, your welcome of all the info too. Since it's the first time you did the seals,I would do them in a few weeks. I'm sure the first coat was sucked right in to those dry seals.

As for the plastic lenses, you can try this stuff. Meguiar's PlastX. The best way to do it it take the piece you want polished out of car so you can get to the whole thing and not make a mess inside car. But thats too much work so you can just put a little on microfiber towel and polish away with your hand..
Be careful and don't use to much product at once.

Next time you wax, try only doing a panel at a time. Don't do the whole car and then try to wipe it all off. Use a microfiber towel too. Makes the job a lot easier.
You want a wax you should try these wax's. Collinite Wax Products* :: Choice of the Pros :: Auto, Marine and Industrial

I only ever use # 476s or 845. These are harder to find local then regular stuff off the shelf. If you use these you want to pre clean the paint first with some polish then wax it. Remember Polish is what makes it shine, Wax is only protection. These wax need to be done one panel at a time. It's wax on - wax off with this wax.

 

[Maritimer]

As for tire shine. What ever you like to use, just no Armour all.

I got some Meguiars #40 Vinyl & Rubber Conditioner. Is this ammonia free and better than Armor All?