spent the better part of yesterday washing/waxing my truck. looks awesome, but wanted to ask the brotherhood what people use for small scratches in clear coat removal? i waxed it and i looks great from far...once you get close, you can see scratches from trees, branches, etc. what product works the best? or is there an insiders trick? thanks for the help...chris

 

if you run your fingernail across it and it catches it prolly wont come out 100% but if you dont really feel it you can wet sand and buff we use 1500 mabey 2000 wet paper and a block or stick sand it out and than a foam pad with heavy compound followed by a less aggressive foam pad a (black one) with a swirl remover there are several levels of compounds and pads . then a good polish and wax might be easier if you know a body shop cause they got all the stuff doesn't cost much once you have it all . you can try some places by hand but a buffer in the right hands can do wonders! what color is paint? how do you like your short shifter?

 

truck is dark blue. i cant feel them with my finger nail. they are almost like swirl marks...i do have a buffer, maybe ill try that. i have buffed many vehicles, just thought there was something easier. lots of work to buff, then clean, the wax.

i love the short shifter. dont really notice it now, but when i first got it the throws are a lot less. still doesnt shift like a sportscar, but better than stock

 

When was the last time you used a clay bar, I recommend a couple times a year it really helps clean up the paint, then as wes said if you want it even better wet sand and polishing compounds.

 

never used a clay bar...anything specific i need to know to use it?
thanks..

 

You can get a couple different kits from walmart or parts houses. They will have instructions. generally just keep the bar "lubed". You'd be surprised how much "crap" you will remove from your surface.

 

thanks a lot...ill try that after vacation...do you need to wax after using the bar?

 

I used Meguiers Scratch X on some scratches from branches on mine. Worked pretty good by hand, with a buffer I believe it would be a breeze.

 

....X2....

 

Yes you do. A clay bar removes everything from the paint including wax.

 

maybe ill wait for you till oktoberfest and you can show me how it works

 

If that's what you wanna do then it's ok by me. I clayed and waxed our 06 dually with service box. Looked mint when I was done.

But that was long ago and it's got a lot more scratches and dings now.

 

I have used Scratch X on Mine with very good results by hand just working on the scratch. I have also used polishing compound and it done a great job on tree limb scratches after the hurricane when all the trees were down and had to drive thru them. Don't use rubbing compound it is to harsh.

 

it will also remove overspray paint off a good finished clear . and rail dust .good stuff

 

im debating using truck bed liner in silver to do the bottom. it is already silver, but many many road chips and tar stains etc, from living in the middle of no where. may try to do something like that...anyone know if you can buy do it yourself SILVER truck liner?
thanks