Keeping a Natural White 4Runner clean
 

I need some advice on how to clean up a '96 that has been kind of neglected in the waxing and washing department. I checked it out yesterday (belongs to my bro) and it has some spots on the white paint and it doesn't really shine like it used to.

I've read about using clay to clean the exterior, but I have no idea what kind of supplies to buy. What should I look for?

How do you keep your 10+ year old white Runners sparkling white?

Try the Meguairs brand of polish and wax. Works very well. Try and get your hand on a good orbital polisher.

you should definitely clay your truck... get the blue clay magic... you can use straight water or the stuff they sell either on works... clean truck well before doing this... afterwards you need to High speed buff with a cleaner wax... it is more than likely to far gone to use a low speed orbital.

Back when I had my white 91 PU, This might sound harsh to some I clayed it then I washed it with Comet (powdered) washed it again and waxed it.

goto a body shop and get 3m Rubbing compound...not the $6 bottle that you can get at pepboys it cost like 40 bucks and works awsome with a polisher...that what i did when i got my white runner and it came out looking brand new!

I periodically use Meguiar's Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner on my white 96. It definently makes a difference.

gotta clay that is the best and correct way

Clay, polish, wax, best if you have a porter cable random orbital buffer...

Thanks for the great replies. The random orbital buffer sounds great, especially for a newb like me, but I'm not going to spend that much just yet on a car that my brother could total tomorrow. It used to be my daily driver so I'm kind of partial to it and hate to see it looking so dowdy, but it's useless to put that kind of money into a tool then have the car be wrecked. Then again, I could always use it on my cars too.

I will definitely get some clay and try that. I did read on the Meguiar's page that that cleaner is for dark-colored cars. I wonder if it would harm a white car?

When I had my mustang, and actually cared about keeping the paint perfect, I used to use a clay bar after washing about every 4-5 months and follow with 2 coats of Meguires NXT wax, the entire car came out smoother than anything I have ever felt, and you could see my neighbors house reflection easily on my silver car. The paint on that car was 9-10 years old also. The clay bar removes all the dirt molecules embedded in the surface of the paint/clear coat, thus eliminating swirl marks after waxing. Those swirl marks are really clear coat scratches from the small dirt molecules left over.

Great thread! waht clay do you recomend?
So basicall i need to -
Wash > clay > wax.

water spot remover with clay will get all the bumps out. the a nice wax will help with the up keep. you'll probably have to go over it a few times with clay to get the paint feeling really smooth.

actually its

wash / clay / polish / wax

Yeah, the polishing step is important too. I have never actually done it before, but for any of these guys a clay bar will do wonders. I know of two good clays to use, the McGuires Clay bar, or (maybe Eagle's??) clay magic, they both work excellent. The McGuires kit is more expensive because it comes with a sample of their wax, I would say just get the Clay Magic kit and use your own favorite polish/wax.

what type of poish should i use before i wax? and whats the proper way to polish?

thanks!

I have some light oxidation in some places. i'm i better off using clay or some sort of paint cleaner to removed that?

This is what I use.. Works great.

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/meg-a-2116.html

This site is very helpful.

You might be able to take care of oxidation by wet sanding your clear coat if it is even salvageable. Talk to a paint/body shop before attempting that.

this thread inspired me to do my truck this weekend.... I washed clayed with the red clay(more abrasive than blue) then buffed with a good compund at 2200 rpms, then with a glaze(polish) at about 1200 rpms... then washed again and waxed... my truck has never looked better.. no more water spots or scratches... I did figure out that Toyota black is a single stage paint... meaning clear is mixed in with the black.... this makes it easier to buff out. Also helps for a deeper shine.

Just stocked up up on Meguiars detailing products.

Clay (kit also comes with Cleaner wax)
Deep Crystal System Polish
Deep Crystal System Paint Cleaner

My question is after i use the clay should i use the Cleaner wax or the Paint Cleaner??? And what order if it makes a difference.

Now i just need to wait for all the snow to melt!