graphite painted tube steps

[jason74]

I bought a new 2006 toyota 4runner and was wondering if meguiars makes a product that is safe for graphite painted tube steps. not only to clean, but to protect. I use the next generation wax and didn't know if i can use this on the tube steps. thanks for the help!

[GTBrad]

Re: graphite painted tube steps

as long as they have a clear coat, these can be protected.

Im assuming these are paint-matched to the rest of the car?

[jason74]

Re: graphite painted tube steps

I don't believe theres clear coat on the tube steps and there not the same color of the car. the cars silver and the tube steps are dark gray. I think the dealership waxed the vehicle before i picked it up and whatever they used stained the tube steps a little. i guess im looking for a cleaner, besides soap, that would remove the stains without damaging anything.

[Murr1525]

Re: graphite painted tube steps

They arent that textured black/grey plastic stuff are they?

[jason74]

Re: graphite painted tube steps

yes, I think they are. What do I do?

[Murr1525]

Re: graphite painted tube steps

Hmm.. after browsing the Toyota site, (which had a Car Crazy link btw, ), it actualy does say painted graphite.

If it is painted, clear coat or not, you can treat it like paint. And can do the usualy wash, clay, clean, polish, wax.

If it is the bare plastic stuff, like the black/gray trim on car bumpers, etc?, you can use any of the exterior dressings. All Season Dressing is great for plastics, and so is the Trim Detailer if you only need a small amout.

However, since I havent seen this, or a good pic, it is hard for me to say which it is. We'll have to wait for someone with it to chime in, or let you take a closer look. It could even be a bit of both?

[jason74]

Re: graphite painted tube steps

Thanks for your help. I can't tell if its all plastic or not. If you get any more info please pass it along. thanks again!

[davera]

Re: graphite painted tube steps

I have the same model 4Runner. The step tubes are metal and painted but they have a roughened "texture". The rest of the truck gets NXT but I just wash the tubes and do not wax them because I don't know how the textured surface will look and I'm not so sure you want to make the step tubes slick or anything.
BTW the luggage rack tubes are the same material and coating.

[jason74]

Re: graphite painted tube steps

thanks for your reply
your right...i dont want to make the tube steps slick, i just want to find a cleaner that will wash off the wax ( i think ) that stained them.

[davera]

Re: graphite painted tube steps

According to lots of commentary, you can use dawn dishwashing liquid on your car to remove wax, it ought to work on your step tubes too.

[Murr1525]

Re: graphite painted tube steps

Dawn could be something to use.. I try to keep it away from my car, but if you just wash it on the rails, and see what happens.