how to fix scratches on jeep hardtop
Whats the Best Sanitizer for Your Hot Tub, Bromine or Chlorine? What Are the Different Jeep Wrangler JK Models? While hovering about a half-inch above the body of the vehicle, place the Torxscrews in the holes, then gently finish lowering the hardtop, being mindful of the screws/holes alignment. To prevent a small section of your car from being shinier than the rest of your paint, apply a coat of wax to the whole car. For the washer hose, you will need to gently remove the storage cap, let it dangle (see photo), then slide the hose into the receiving end that's secured to the hardtop wall. Drive the vehicle beneath the hoist where the hard top is secured. Their touch up paint is super effective and will last over time. Four Wheel TrendsC/O RockTide Media, LLC4441 Six Forks Road Ste 106-205Raleigh, NC 27609. By applying wax to the repaired area, youre essentially replacing the worn down clear coat. It can be disappointing to invest a lot of time and money into a DIY project, all to end up having to go to a professional to fix the less than professional job that you did yourself. However, even with an electrical sander, you will have to commit plenty of time and effort to get it right. Scratches or chips that have penetrated your vehicles paint and primer require additional repair including the application of new paint and primer. In the process, the inevitable happened and he dropped it. Jeep Touch Up Paint | Touch Up Paint Guide 2021 - ERA Paints Find Jeep colors and Jeep touch up paint using our industry-leading matching process. Scuffing pads create a rough surface, which is easier for the paint to stick to. You should not use craft paint or house paint on your Jeep Wrangler hardtop, or you will probably not be pleased with the results. Wax the repaired paint chip area with the car wax you normally use. Hardtop scuff repair? | Jeep Gladiator Forum - JeepGladiatorForum.com Hi, I'm Kern! Start by dampening the scratch. Your vehicles exterior is made up of four different layers: the clear coat, paint, primer, and metal body. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. While this may sound strange, toothpaste has the same abrasive properties as a fine sandpaper. First, you should try out a few practice runs on the scrap panel to know possible results. While Jeeps remain our core passion, we two friends use any spare time possible in the outdoors with our families. Did it come undone and leak fluid? How to Remove Scratches from Car PERMANENTLY (EASY) (https://youtu.be/2nYF46P7B2c). We recommend starting with 3000-grit sandpaper. By starting with a small amount and adding more as needed, you ensure you do not remove any more of the vehicles clear coat than is necessary. Spray primer, then paint onto the sanded area, 3. For the best results, you should use a high-quality paint that is specifically for cars. How to Attach a Jeep Hardtop (And Fix Common Install Issues) Today was the big day, and the dealership had a glass company replace my back window. I was actually surprised by the results and the fact that it required no sanding or polishing. How to Repair Scratches on your Car | Save Hundreds of Dollars Did I mention prep work? Be sure to use masking tape and paper to section off the area. Photos might help, but tinted glass has the tint inside the glass, so there shouldn't be a clear scratch showing unless the dealer put tint on the windows after it was delivered. Step 3: Apply some toothpaste. You can take it to a body shop for detailing. Use a good detergent, Id recommend Dawn as it cuts through the grease well, just dont be skimpy. This spray paint kit below on Amazon has everything you need. Step 2: Wax the whole vehicle. We will give you an overview of the costs, prep, and time you can expect to invest in repainting your Jeep hardtop as well as answers to the frequently asked questions about painting a Jeep Wrangler hardtop. The Mopar Hardtop Foam Seal Blocker Kit is actually designed to repair water leaks in 2011-2018 JK/JKU hardtop Freedom Panel surfaces only. Do I Need a Jeep Hardtop Seal Kit? | Quadratec Did I Save My OEM Jeep Carpet Using RIT Color Remover? Amazon.com: Jeep Wrangler Hard Top BLACK Touch Up Paint, OEM Mopar: Automotive Read all posts about this product Thanks again for watching! Step 1: Wax the area. Repairing and painting a hardtop (lotsa pics) - Jeep Enthusiast Forums If you want a unique color for a custom paint job this can also up the price by a few hundred dollars. Be sure to select the correct paint based on your cars paint code, found on the drivers door pillar information label. When cold weather or the rainy season beckons, it's time to put that Jeep hardtop back in place. So dont use house paint or craft paint since the results will be unimpressive. Wax the repaired paint chip area with the car wax you normally use. Step 9: Re-apply clear coat. An electric sander will help in the process by taking some of the strain off of your hands. What Are The Best Years For The Subaru Outback (Avoid This One Year Please! Another aspect to consider is the masking. Toothpaste is naturally abrasive and can be used for polishing. 61K views 4 years ago Matt shows you a quick fix using a Mopar Hard Top Touch Up Paint Pen on the hard top of your 2007-2018 Jeep JK Wranglers or 2018-2020 JL Wrangler. For some Jeep owners, scratches on their vehicles are a source of pride. The Jeep hardtop is constructed from plexiglass over which there is a paint layer. Now that you have decided to renew your prized possession with shiny new paint, you should carefully think about the kind of paint that will work best for you. Not just any paint will do. If you want to have the entire hardtop professionally painted, you should be ready to pay between $2,000 and $3,000. So be cautious with your choice of materials. Once youve covered the area, wipe it cleanwith a microfiber towel. Use painters tape to tape off areas like the headlights that you dont want to be sprayed by the paint. The price for a few touch ups can be as cheap as a $20 can of black paint and some sandpaper. You can enhance the market value of your vehicle with a well-done paint job. Trending Post: Is Costco Auto Program Better Than Truecar? how to repair scratched hardtop | Jeep Enthusiast Forums Are GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado the Same? Avoid Safelite. Here are a few common issues that can arise when replacing the hardtop on your Jeep, and how to fix the issues quickly. Stay with me and read on! Hence, it is much better to get it done by experts if you dont have experience. For a total paint job for the entire hardtop you will want to invest a lot of time in the prep. Fixing my cracked jeep wrangler hard top with fiber glass! Not on a trail o. We can help you decide which is best for you by comparing and contrasting the price and potential pitfalls of DIY painting versus going to a professional body shop for a paint job on your hardtop Jeep Wrangler. Have the Torxscrews that came with the hardtop accessible. The price for a few touch ups can be as cheap as a $20 can of black paint and some sandpaper. Get the microfiber towel wet enough so that it is just damp. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), How to Remove Barely There Car Scratches, 2. Enter your name and email and get the weekly newsletter it's FREE! The eyes are naturally drawn to the windows of the car so you should take special care to mask these areas of the SUV evenly for the best looking paint job. This allows moisture to permeate underneath the paint around the paint chip. If you have never done such a task or you dont have enough practice, then it is strongly advised to go to a body paint shop so that the paint job can be professionally completed. The wax will cover the dull appearance from sanding the paint chip. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You'll know you've sanded enough when the scratch looks like its faded. If you lack experience, there is a strong chance of getting bad results. When you first start the process of repainting the hardtop, you will want to completely clean the Jeep to get a better idea of what damage is done to it and what problem areas there are. You might want to just remove the scratches. The quality of the paint used is important if you are expecting the paint job to last. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. There is one located on each roof panel (for a total of two). Please see our. This can be more cost-effective than going to a shop for a touch-up job. A forum community dedicated to Jeep Wrangler owners and enthusiasts. The paint has held up perfectly, other than where branches have left surface scratches (but not even thru the paint, just roughened it). You should begin to notice the scratch disappear. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. Not only do these look unpleasant, but they can also become sites of corrosion. Be sure to wash and dry the affected area of the vehicle with soap and water. Apply Compound. In several Jeep forums and online social media groups, everyone was raving about Mopars OEM black touch up paint (see below). In the next section we will give you some tips for how to paint your Jeep hardtop yourself. If you drive your car under normal circumstances, its inevitable that youre going to experience a paint scratch or chip at one time or another. But what makes matters worse is that there is a high risk of damaging the coats of paint on your vehicle if you are not completely certain of what you are doing. #1 I backed into what I thought was an open garage . Step 4: Sand the scratch. It must be dry to the touch before you continue. If the scratch covers a large area youll want to use sandpaper. The job will be harder if the scratches are deep. Hence, scratched areas can be exposed to accelerated rusting. Youre aiming for 1,200 rpm. Step 4: Tape off the headlights. Deep blemishes, if left untreated, will be more prone to rust and should be dealt with in a timely fashion. This will blend the freshly-waxed, repaired spot so it doesnt stand out. 2) Repaint the entire hardtop This is an entirely other type of project when it comes to painting the Jeep hardtop. The answer is yes. However, if the scratches are deep and cause the plexiglass to be scratched or bent, you may still be able to see the indentation of the scratch under the paint. Thanks again for being here and don't be a stranger! I wanted to know how I could repair the scratches and if I could paint my Jeep hardtop. *Amazon and Automotivetouchup links are affiliate links. These are easily removable without tools, and can be stored safely inside the Jeep if you have a . Expecting that scratches will happen, many companies sell what are called touch up kits, which allow the user to repair scratches using the vehicles original car color. I love all the attention my 2015 Jeep Wrangler gets me and the opportunity I get to dig for answers I just dont have right away. The Fix: Make sure the rear electrical assembly was reattached after positioning the hardtop. Aug 23, 2009 I have a scratch on my black hard top. Tell us in the comments below why you love cruising with the top off and where your adventures have taken you. Wash it might help. Use just enough paint to create a layer of paint that touches all edges of the chip. Red Jeep memes have been making rounds on the internet after a Grand Jeep Cherokee was found stranded on the beach engulfed by huge waves as Hurricane Dorian wrought havoc on the Hi, my name is Mark and I am into my Jeep and frankly anything that has to do with Jeeps! This will help to make the surface of the plexiglass more even. The best time to treat a paint scratch is as soon as you discover it. This must be done gently if you are not redoing the entire hardtop, only enough to even out the surface where the plexiglass or paint has bent outwards. Red 2Door Rubicon , Turbo, Black Hard Top, Towing & Cold Weather . The masking process is super important when it comes to getting clean lines. Simply gather your tools and get to work. If you know what you are doing and have the right tools, there is no reason why painting your Jeep hardtop yourself should be a bad idea. Think about how many times a day you catch your own reflection. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. If one pass isnt enough, go ahead and give the scratch a second or third pass. even the piece by the tailgate that looks like it's missing can be re-formed and made to look like it was always there with some filing and sanding. Its still possible to remove the scratch yourself. Most people do not have the right tools necessary for sanding out the entire hardtop evenly. I am an Amazon Associate. Jeep Wrangler JL/JK Quick Fix: Mopar Hard Top Touch Up Paint Pen So if you want to paint the Jeep hardtop yourself, you should remember to devote plenty of time to proper preparation. Four Wheel Trends | 4441 Six Forks Road, Suite 106-205, Raleigh NC 27609 | (919) 526-0419 Polish until the area matches the rest of the car. Here are three scenarios you might find yourself: By far touching up scratches on a Jeep hardtop are the most common question I get. Jeep Touch Up Paint | Touch Up Paint Guide 2021 - ERA Paints Good luck on your projects! 'scratches' left from removing/installing hard top Drive the vehicle beneath the hoist where the hard top is secured. Do not be tempted to use knock off paints or cheap paint to repaint your hardtop unless you want to have to repaint it a couple months down the line. link to 11 Must-Have Essentials Before Going Off-Roading in Your Jeep. Let the primer dry overnight before adding paint. JavaScript is disabled. The Fix: Double check the washer hose. This task takes time and effort, and several options A major part of the automotive repair industry involves autobody repairs. You can transform the look of your Jeep and boost its aesthetic appeal by applying paint of a different hue to its hardtop. Look up to find two large, round recessed areas on the ceiling near the speakers and interior cabin light. Step 7: Dab the touch-up paint onto the paint chip. Rubbing compound works in much the same way as fine sandpaper or toothpaste, smoothing the surface of your vehicle. I get asked about my Jeep all the time. We recommend our users to update the browser. Be exact as the lines are what make all the difference in the appearance of your paint job. Then it's just a few screws, latches and plugs to secure the roof portions of your sport utility vehicle. I just wouldnt try to get a body smooth finish on my own. Assume those links are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. Remember that there are several methods for removing scratches; however, they are not all effective. Then use a screwdriver or a Torx ratcheting socket wrench set that can be stowed in the rear cargo area to finish securing the connections. If there is a slight mismatch between colors, the repainted patches might look obvious. Although this is an arduous task, it is strongly recommended since it makes the surface smoother, due to which the paint will look better. However, if you would rather not have scratches all over your black hardtop, there is an easy way to fix it. This is a good question that many Jeep owners keep asking. Factory glass tint and hardtop "deep tint" is incorporated into the glass. For slightly larger Jeep Hard Top scratches and chips, a brush bottle is best. This necessitates visiting the experts to remediate the flaw. Properly masking a car for a paint job is very hard and takes a lot of patience. This is an entirely other type of project when it comes to painting the Jeep hardtop. Any kind of sandpaper will remove the fiberglass material. 2. Make sure that you have the right tools and hardware for consistent sanding. It is important to make sure that you are working with a clean surface. Scratched bumper - Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) Proceed with caution. If that's the case, a tint shop should be able to pull the tint off and replace it with new tint. Now that you know how to paint a Jeep hardtop remember a DIY paint job has its fair share of risks. Start with about a quarter-sized dollop of the rubbing compound. The process of buffing out the original layer of paint alone could take an entire day or multiple days if done by one person by hand. If the balls are roughly 3/8th inch in diameter, they come from the CV joint at the end of the axle. Do not over tighten, or you may strip the screws. Purchase the right type of paint. I was really careful taking it off and placing it on towels in the garage to store. Automotive Spray Paint for Jeep Wrangler Jet Black. But it's not all about looks. One buddy of mine told me the prep work including masking took about 6 hours. For anyone that has had scratches, how did you fix it? Family Handyman. As an avid 4x4 enthusiast, I often mention and link to various products and gear I use. As long as youre willing to put in some elbow grease, you can still get it out. Next, sand it down with your sandpaper. How Long Does It Take to Drive the Rubicon Trail? If you want to paint the whole top, then obviously more effort will be required on your part. Paint chips are usually no larger than the size of an eraser on a pencil. With the Jeep JK models, there are several remarkable differences between the factory hard tops available throughout the line. Ask yourself why you want to paint the Jeep hardtop, is your Jeep the Rubicon (body finished hardtop) or the Sahara or Unlimited edition. A well-waxed car should repel water, beading on the surface of the car. Such arduous and demanding work is best left to professionals. It's not huge or overly noticeable but it bothers me because I've only had this Jeep for 4 weeks. The labor costs are what are so expensive because it takes a long time to complete the entire process. Even More Woodgrain for Jeep Grand Wagoneers, 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: The Ultimate SUV with Unmatched Interior Space, 615 Badass Jeep Gladiator Names: Find Unique Jeep Names and Find Nicknames with These Creative Jeep Name Ideas. Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. The windows are where the eyes naturally travel. In this section of the article we will give you some of our expert tips on painting your Jeep hardtop. Questions like can you wax a Jeep Wrangler hardtop, will your Jeep tow a boat, how is your Jeep on the snow and ice, and so on. If the scratch goes all the way down to the metal, dont fret. JavaScript is disabled. How Much Does It Cost to Wrap a Jeep Wrangler? It is affordable and is the best on the line for Jeep hardtops. The Fix: Inspect the spongy hardtop weather-stripping seals around the perimeter of the removable panels. It's cable. Off-road driving will inevitably lead to scratches on the vehicles body. Its also something Ive done myself successfully. 5 Essential Things to Know About Applying and Removing Car Decals, How to Buy a Good Quality Camshaft Position Sensor, How to Minimize Pollution When Painting a Car, Car has front differential leakage,front cover reseal leakage,rack and pinion leakage and oil cooler leaking is fixing worth it, Can you recommend a place for 4 wheel alignment? It makes more sense to go straight to the experts to do the job professionally. Repeat this step with the driver's side roof panel. I took off the hard top for the first time this week. Pretty simple. 2023 Four Wheel Trends. Next, sand it down with your sandpaper. If you dont have an applicator, a microfiber towel can be used as a substitute. It took us a few months to get this site off the ground (pardon the pun) but we hope that the information we have collated is useful to other off-roaders. Many small and shallow scratches (ones that have gone through the clear coat only) can be repaired by using a combination of rubbing compound and wax. Step 3: Rub in the compound. Matt shows you a quick fix using a Mopar Hard Top Touch Up Paint Pen on the hard top of your 2007-2018 Jeep JK Wranglers or 2018-2020 JL Wrangler.Purchase Product Here:https://www.cjponyparts.com/mopar-hard-top-touch-up-paint-pen-jeep-wrangler-jk-2007-2018-jl-2018/p/68060405AB/It can be challenging to keep your rig looking fresh when you regularly take it out on the trails, but this touch-up paint pen is a great tool for hiding blemishes, scratches, and chips from your factory original hard top.Using this high-quality PXF black acrylic lacquer pen is very easy, and with its quick-dry formula, its a fast process too. And that requires a lot of effort and patience. Just an order of Mopar Jeep Wrangler hard top black touchup paint (if your hardtop is black like mine and some prep and color within the scratches. Youll know youve sanded enough when the scratch looks like its faded. However, the look of his JKU hardtop is simply perfect. Why Is My Jeep Wrangler Beeping (And How Do I Make It Stop)? Let it dry and spend the time with a quality primer. Jeep Wrangler JK vs. JKU: Just Whats the Difference? To obtain optimal results, make sure that you are using premium quality paint. Clean the hardtop really well. Only scratched areas need to be treated. Open the rear window and swing the tailgate open to gain access to the rear interior of the vehicle. You may try to save money by doing the labor yourself, but be advised that an incorrect paint job will make your Jeep Wrangler look shabby. This is a whole different process to reach perfection and I suggest consulting with Maaco who might do that job for $300-$400. You may have better luck using a professional electrical sander instead of doing it by hand. No. General Jeep Discussions; If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. Any Fixes for Scratched Tinted Glass? | Jeep Wrangler Forum Tips and Advice for Painting a Jeep Hardtop - Driver Illustrated But if they are deep, scratch remover will not be able to remove them. It should get harder to see the scratch each time, so keep going until youre satisfied. Using an electric sander can help with this stage because sanding the entire surface of the hardtop is a very labor-intensive process. Ensure that you choose the paint color carefully. There are various scenarios where you may want to paint the whole top. too much heat could cause warping. The hardtop will already be made out of plexiglass and have a layer of paint over that. Youll achieve the best uniform results by applying a full coat of wax to your entire car. A body paint shop will charge relatively high rates for the job. The paint on your car has multiple layers as seen in the illustration below: Unfortunately, it is a harsh environment that cars drive in. This will entail painting the entire hardtop and thus more work. After the original layer of paint and any scratches have been completely sanded down, the next step is to properly clean the surface of the Jeep with a degreaser. You will also need plenty of skill to make sure that sanding is done consistently. Perfectly straight lines are hard to achieve and a professional body shop will ensure that the job gets done right so that you are not driving around in a shabby paint job. If you are planning on doing it yourself, or paying a body shop, this article can help by giving you an overview of what to expect in terms of price, materials, and labor time and costs. Our certified mobile mechanics perform over 600 services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools. Scratches remove protective paint and coating that is necessary for preventing corrosion. This video we fiberglassed my cracks in my hardtop! Wipe the area clean with a microfiber towel. Not on a trail or off-road adventure but, from backing into my garage door when it was not fully open! Between $2,000 and $3,000 is about what you can expect to be . If you are wondering what the best paint is for Jeeps, we suggest using Mopar brand touch-up paint. In the early days, we spent a lot of time searching for information on how to prep our Jeeps for off-roading and struggled to find one central resource. I know there's a touch up pen available for these tops but these are more scuffs than scratches down to fiberglass. Touch Up Paint for Jeep Hard Top. Rough the area up add a layer of epoxy add metal support then cover and paint.
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