Reccomened protection steps for New FJ Cruiser

[JIMENG]

I purchased a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser recently and want to start off from the beginning treaty this car with 100% care.

My questions is what products should I use to get the paint protected and keep it that way on a weekly, monthly basis. It has zero scratches, and to date I have hand washed with Meg products and MF towels, and used only QD.

Thanks for your help..

[MaximusZTS]

Ithink a great place to start is here.

The 5-Step Paint Care Cycle.

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

Step 1 Wash

Step 2 Clean

Step 3 Polish

Step 4 Protect

Step 5 Maintain

[matt colvin]

Hello, and to MOL!!!

Here is the List O' Links , look at the second post. These are very helpful when first becoming acclimated with Meguiar's host of products.

[JIMENG]

With a Black FJ with white top what would be the best polish. I took a really close look at it tonight and really don't see any scratches anyhere.

So after claying I was wondering the best polish to use in this scenerio "Color X" ???

[Murr1525]

Well, it depends what you want to do. As Maximus points out, a 'full' detail will usualy give the best results, and could look like this if working by hand:

1. Wash - Nxt or Gold Class wash. 2-bucket system and quality towels / sponges ,etc.

2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit. Remember, you can clay Paint -> Glass -> Trim--> Wheels--> Mufflers/Pipes, in that order.

3. Clean - Deep Crystal #1

4. Polish - DC #2 is a good polish, as is #7 Show Car Glaze.

5. Wax - #21 is my favorite, but Nxt abd Gold Class are also good choices.

6. Wax - Remember, 2 thin coats is best.

7. Trim - I really like All Season Dressing on the exterior black/gray plastic.

On the other hand, you could use ColorX as part of a 'Quick' detail. The results may not be quite as good, but there is time savings. And bulive me, it still looks really really good.

1. Wash - as above

2. Clay - as needed

3. ColorX

4. Wax - a coat of #21, or other favorite wax is a good way to top ColorX.

5. Trim - as above

Hope that helps, or ask some more.

[JIMENG]

Great info.

On my older honda crv I did the following.

wash
clay
80 applied at 4.5, buffed at 5.0
NXT liquid applied at 3 buffed at 5.0
21 sealant applied at 3 buffed at 5.0

dressed the tires, trim accordingly


How does that look for items, speeds, and order.???

[Murr1525]

Didn't realize you had a PC.

ColorX can be used by PC, but #80 and 2 coats of #21 is just as good on a new car as on an old one.

[JIMENG]

Originally posted by Murr1525
Didn't realize you had a PC.

ColorX can be used by PC, but #80 and 2 coats of #21 is just as good on a new car as on an old one.

Should I put the NXT wax on before or after the 21???

[Murr1525]

I would probably do Nxt first, #21 second.

[JIMENG]

Originally posted by Murr1525
I would probably do Nxt first, #21 second.

Great, oh another rookie question. Bought a few MeG products in the gallon size, along with associated spray bottles.

Where it shows on the bottle a line and say 4:1 to you fill with product to the line and then fill balance with water or fill to the line with water and the rest product??? Like the all purpose cleaner ???

[Murr1525]

4:1, 10:1, etc means parts water : parts of concentrated product.

While 4 parts concentrate to 1 part water would be a dilution, it would still be way to strong.

What you want to do is fill up to the 4:1, 10:1, etc line with water, then fill up to the seam (ridge at the bottom of the neck above the sticker) with product.

[JIMENG]

Thanks Murr for all your help