1996 Toyota RAV4

[GoZoner]

This next week I'm going to start detailing a '96 RAV4. The paint on the roof has blistered badly. Short of repainting what is the best I can do to deal with the roof - slow down the decay?

Also, this RAV4 has a large plastic-y piece around the entire car. See here 1996 RAV4. What should I use on that plastic? 'Trim Detailer'?

[Andrew C.]

Re: 1996 Toyota RAV4

Use Ultimate Protectant on the Plastic

[Michael Stoops]

Re: 1996 Toyota RAV4

We can only assume that what you're describing on the paint is actually clear coat failure. While some products can make it look pretty good (depending on how far gone the paint is) none of them will keep it looking good for very long at all. And we're talking a matter of days, maybe a week or two, and then it's back to the mess that it actually is.

What's happening is that the clear coat is either breaking up or delaminating from the color coat. Regardless of the type of failure, there is no way to really stop it short of stripping the paint and respraying.

[GoZoner]

Re: 1996 Toyota RAV4

How can I tell the difference? The burgundy color is well gone in the area of the damage. In practice the whole roof would be redone - to get the color matched and to prevent another part of the roof form going?

Also, for the plastic, an earlier reply noted using 'Ultimate Protectant,' which I have now purchased. Is there a value in claying the plastic prior to using UP? Or does claying make no sense on plastic?

[Mr Miyagi]

Re: 1996 Toyota RAV4

[Michael Stoops]

Re: 1996 Toyota RAV4

How can I tell the difference? The burgundy color is well gone in the area of the damage. In practice the whole roof would be redone - to get the color matched and to prevent another part of the roof form going?

From what you described in your first post, and with this follow up, it sure sounds like the paint is long since beyond help. Check out The Clearcoat Failure Photo Archive for a variety of images showing paint that is beyond help.

If any portion of a panel is effected by this the entire panel must be stripped and repainted, if not the entire car. Odds are if it started in one area it's just a matter of time before more areas suffer the same fate.

Also, for the plastic, an earlier reply noted using 'Ultimate Protectant,' which I have now purchased. Is there a value in claying the plastic prior to using UP? Or does claying make no sense on plastic?

You don't want to clay any textured trim. Clean it real well, yes, but claying textured trim would likely be an exercise in frustration as the clay would stick to the trim. You can clay any smooth, shiny, hard surface including glass, chrome, chromed plastic, glossy plastic (headlights, tail lights, hard shiny trim) etc. But anything with a matte or textured finish is best to avoid with clay.

[GoZoner]

Re: 1996 Toyota RAV4

It is a clear coat failure based on your photo archive. Interestingly the archive has at least two RAV4 roofs (the ones with the backward facing antenna mount) and perhaps one hood.

No claying the plastic.

Thanks.

[Skuz]

Re: 1996 Toyota RAV4

As a former '98 RAV4 owner, this plastic cladding was my detailing nightmare. NOTHING I ever tried on it would stay more than a week. Looked forward to try Ultimate Protectant, but sold the SUV before that product crossed the border (still hasn't at this time )