Getting Started - Cleaning up Scratched 2014 4Runner

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TheFridge20

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Hey all -

I have a 2014 4Runner that's spent all its time in the Colorado rockies the last two years. The paint isn't in awful shape, but has a ton of light scratching and a number of deeper scratches. Also, no-touch car washes are very difficult to find in the Denver metro, so as much as it pains me, it's seen a lot of contact car washes. I'm looking to sell the vehicle but first want to clean up the paint. I've had a lot of shiny toys in the past but always did things by hand. I'm looking to purchase a PC 7424XP dual action and everything else I need to go along with it for this project. That much seems like a no brainer.

However, my understanding is Toyota uses a soft clear coat that is also pretty thin, so I'm looking for advice on pads and compounds. Going with one of the packages with the 7424XP plus pads seems like a great way to go as far as price is concerned, but they don't seem to package both compounds and pads all that well.

So, I ask for your guys' advice on both which pads am I going to want, as well as the full range of necessary compounds.

Thanks!

Kyle
 
Toyo's respond well to Microfiber and the black Griot's Garage Ones will work very well on this. Use Meg's Ultimate compound and if necessary bump to M101 but I doubt you'll need to. Finish with a green or white pad and Meg's ultimate polish.

Here's an FJ that was done with the above. I use a Flex 3401 but a PC or like will work, just will take longer.

Here's a before: HEAVY duty rock climbing and off roading abuse took it's toll:




Here's an example after just compounding. Slightly hazy but corrected.




All polished up and ready to seal. The black metallic flake really popped on this one:







I did a yellow one recently too:









^^^ The above yellow one was in prep for selling it. Sold in less than 1 week :)
 
TheFridge20 said:
Wow, that turned out well!

So for pads, start with one of these in combination with Meg's Ultimate Compound:

Griots Garage 6.5 Micro Fiber FAST Finishing Pad


And finish with one of these in combination with Meg's Ultimate Polish:

Meguiars DA Microfiber Finishing Discs, wax pads, finishing pads

....then the wax, and done.

Am I on the right page here?
Click to expand...

I used the Griot's Garage Micro Fiber FAST Cutting Pads. Then move to a Lake Country or Buff and Shine White pad. I also use the Green Hex Logic Pads but some here don't like Chemical Guys Hex Logic pads. I've had great success with them and find them just fine. I like their green pads for all in one products and for final finishing. I let my results speak vs just my opinion and IMO they are great. They clean up easy and have proven extremely durable too.
 
pdqgp said:
I used the Griot's Garage Micro Fiber FAST Cutting Pads. Then move to a Lake Country or Buff and Shine White pad. I also use the Green Hex Logic Pads but some here don't like Chemical Guys Hex Logic pads. I've had great success with them and find them just fine. I like their green pads for all in one products and for final finishing. I let my results speak vs just my opinion and IMO they are great. They clean up easy and have proven extremely durable too.
Click to expand...


I'd say your results speak for themselves just fine. Thanks for your help.


Harpolith said:
But you'll want to use a 5.5" pad on the Porter Cable rather than 6.5".
Click to expand...


The 5.5" will fit on the 6" wheel of the 7424XP?
 
TheFridge20 said:
Am I on the right page here?
Click to expand...

Griots Garage 3.5 inch Micro Fiber FAST Cutting Pad

Griots Garage 5 inch Micro Fiber FAST Cutting Pad

Griots Garage 6 inch Micro Fiber FAST Cutting Pad

griots-garage-5-inch-micro-fiber-fast-cutting-pad-1.gif
 
VISITOR said:
Griots Garage 3.5 inch Micro Fiber FAST Cutting Pad

Griots Garage 5 inch Micro Fiber FAST Cutting Pad

Griots Garage 6 inch Micro Fiber FAST Cutting Pad

griots-garage-5-inch-micro-fiber-fast-cutting-pad-1.gif
Click to expand...
For severe defect removal – swirl marks, scratches, and water spots
Griot’s Garage Micro Fiber FAST Cutting Pads are designed to remove imperfections in your vehicle’s paint that are too severe for foam pads. Designed with a stout 10 mm nap, Griot’s Garage Micro Fiber FAST Cutting Pads amplify the cutting ability of your compound, removing defects faster than you ever thought possible with a dual action polisher. The thin design of the Griot’s Garage Micro Fiber FAST Cutting Pad maximizes the power of your dual action polisher.
 
You do great work. I know the owner of the yellow one...he was telling me about you.
 
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