Rejuvenating wood trim
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: SC
Rejuvenating wood trim
Hello all, about a month ago I purchased a 1971 Ford F100 Ranger XLT. It has the wood trim on the sides and a big block of it on the tailgate. Well, on the top part of some of the trim and the whole tailgate part, the trim seems to have oxidized and turned white. Only on small areas though, accept for the tailgate. Well, when I took it to the carwash and sprayed it the wood came back to life, only to fade back white again. Is this a result of some sort of wax that may have been applied, or just the sun?? I tried putting some Murphy's oil on it, but it had the same effect as the water. Any help in bringing the trim back to life would be a great help.
Thanks
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
Is this real wood trim?
If so, then take the trim off the truck, sand it with 320 grit sandpaper (use a dry sponge behind the sand paper so it will conform properly to the profile of the wood) until all the white is gone and you have fresh wood. Sand all of the trim, not just the stuff that has turned white. Use something like 150 or 220 grit on the back of the wood pieces that won't be seen when it's re-installed. Once it's all sanded, blow the dust off with air pressure or wipe it off with a tack cloth (about $1.00 at the same place you got the sandpaper) and give it several coats of marine varnish. Thin the first two coats per the directions on the can. Put three coats on altogether, allowing about 24 hrs to dry between each coat.
Don't be surprised if you have to redo it in a couple of years. There is absolutely no clear finish that will stand up to the outdoors for any real length of time.
Later,
If so, then take the trim off the truck, sand it with 320 grit sandpaper (use a dry sponge behind the sand paper so it will conform properly to the profile of the wood) until all the white is gone and you have fresh wood. Sand all of the trim, not just the stuff that has turned white. Use something like 150 or 220 grit on the back of the wood pieces that won't be seen when it's re-installed. Once it's all sanded, blow the dust off with air pressure or wipe it off with a tack cloth (about $1.00 at the same place you got the sandpaper) and give it several coats of marine varnish. Thin the first two coats per the directions on the can. Put three coats on altogether, allowing about 24 hrs to dry between each coat.
Don't be surprised if you have to redo it in a couple of years. There is absolutely no clear finish that will stand up to the outdoors for any real length of time.
Later,
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
Try Dri Wash and Guard (you'll find it on the net under "waterless car wash"). It's great at removing oxidation, and no, that's not real wood on your truck. It's the same material they used on the old Country Squires. If the Dri Wash and Guard doesn't work, then you'll have to replace the material altogether. I believe 3M still makes the material, if not the exact same woodgrain.
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