Starting a Full Detail/Mini Restore, here's the wheels

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MilesTeg

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I have a '03 Explorer that's been my daily driver for 11 years. It's seen better days, but is still in decent shape, and only 85,000 miles (I telecommute) and has been reasonably well cared for mechanically.

Should probably trade it in, but don't have the heart, and nothing on the market these days seems capable of replacing it for my needs (unlike most, my explorer actually sees utility work like like towing/offroading/hauling/etc.).

So, instead I am going to put a bit of "passion behind the pad" and some $$ into her. Some bodywork is needed, but mostly it just needs some TLC.

Started with the wheels, which haven't been cleaned in about a year:

Used:
* Meguiars Wheel/Tire wash (purple bottle /w foaming action)
* Cheap micfo "brush" and glove for the tiny parts
* Klasse AOI as a final polish/seal on wheels.
* Armor All Gel (yeah, I know)

Probably could have done better, but I think it's not too shabby so far:

Before:

kdpuvo.jpg

2ywwqs0.jpg


After

29puveu.jpg

2r606bs.jpg
 
Next Steps:

* Full Prep Trim + Solution Brand Restorer (will probably take a couple weekends -- there's a ton of trim!)

* Glass buff/polish (water spots mostly)

* Buff out the paint and hit it with an acrylic sealant. I'm sure there are a ton of swirls but the paint color (medium metallic gray) hides them like a champ.

* Needs a fender repair which is scheduled for Oct (body shops have been real busy in these parts with hail). Want to get the buffing done before the fender repair so they can do the blend against best possible looking paint.

* Tons of chips on the hood that I need to fix.

* Need to replace door seals

* Engine Detail (has never been done)

* Have friction wear to the paint around all the door seals, so will need to find a way to keep that from spreading

* Should get the roof repainted, but it's probably not worth it (I've had estimates from $1000-$2200) so I will be doing a DIY solution to prevent rust or other problems from what is currently just a cosmetic problem (paint peel and chipping, especially around the roof drainage rails).

* Going to look at the under carriage and deal with any rust or other problems there.
 
Nice, now keep going and you'll have the nicest one around
 
85 thousand miles, needs a little TLC.......hmmmm......wow...
First off I wanna say smart/excellent move keeping a family member if he/she has been good to you this long, and you been the same in return its a perfect combo as for your wheel cleaning
A amazing job well done, it boost the overall appearance even if the paintwork isn't washed,thought I hope you will post pictures after you wash or do any work on the paintwork to see how you brought that back to life tooo....happy detailing
 
jamesboyy said:
85 thousand miles, needs a little TLC.......hmmmm......wow...
First off I wanna say smart/excellent move keeping a family member if he/she has been good to you this long, and you been the same in return its a perfect combo as for your wheel cleaning
A amazing job well done, it boost the overall appearance even if the paintwork isn't washed,thought I hope you will post pictures after you wash or do any work on the paintwork to see how you brought that back to life tooo....happy detailing
Click to expand...

I'll definitely be updating. Today I started figuring out a process for polishing the glass. Using Dp Glass restorer. Went pretty well, though ironically the product seemed to work better/faster by hand with a terry towel instead of by machine. Will have pics tomorrow. Got to late to get decent shots today.

Very glad I've been keeping care of this lady, as a real compact utility vehicle is a dying breed. Even ford has jumped the shark with its current Explorer. It's a complete waste (unibody construction, FRONT wheel drive, built on a Taurus frame, only decent power train is the twin turbo V6, which will last about 1/2 the time of a decent NA engine). Finally and truly we have arrived at station wagons that are called utility vehicles.
 
MilesTeg said:
I'll definitely be updating. Today I started figuring out a process for polishing the glass. Using Dp Glass restorer. Went pretty well, though ironically the product seemed to work better/faster by hand with a terry towel instead of by machine. Will have pics tomorrow. Got to late to get decent shots today.

Very glad I've been keeping care of this lady, as a real compact utility vehicle is a dying breed. Even ford has jumped the shark with its current Explorer. It's a complete waste (unibody construction, FRONT wheel drive, built on a Taurus frame, only decent power train is the twin turbo V6, which will last about 1/2 the time of a decent NA engine). Finally and truly we have arrived at station wagons that are called utility vehicles.
Click to expand...


Sounds great she must be a happy girl now that she will get some much earned pampering though ford is something else its ashamed how they unbodied the Explorer, it was definitely better as a compact utility vehicle and not a over grown Taurus
 
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