Product Review Meguires Scratch X

[Romer]

First let me state that no one should wheel their rig if they are worried about scratches in the paint. If you can't live with the scratches, keep it off the trail.

However, just because you get scratches doesn't mean you should live with them if you don't have to.

I did a search here and found several recommended solutions to remove scratches from the paint. I decided to try Meguires Scratch X and found it at WalMart.

The majority of my scratches were from the brush at Moab and were not deep in the surface of my paint. The Meguires X took this out with a little elbow grease.

First you wash and dry the truck real well and then add the Meguires X Scratch like wax. Wipining on, letting it dry and wiping it off.

I had one scratch down the side of my rig that was deeper then others. I seem to remember saying very loud to ROD (Romers other daughter), "go left left left!!!" when it ocurred.

I gave this one scratch an extra application with more elbow grease and I would say about 85% of it came out. You have to look at it just right in the light to see it. Before you could see it from 10 feet away at any angle.

I then waxed the truck with Meguires Wax. I recommend this. You could take it to a professional and for between $100-$300 have your truck buffed and they can usually get them out unless they are really deep. But for less than $6, this did the job almost as well.

I recommend it.

A before and after shot of the worst scratch. You can see it faintly in the second. The second shot is all complete after waxing as well about an hour later.

 

[Romer]

This picture is actually from half way through the job and is one from a slightly different angle where you can see the scratch the best. It's still there and it is the angle of the light that helps it show up so well. I then applied the second coat and waxed it and you can still see it, but you almost have to know it;s there.

The one above was after the second coat and then after waxing. The light is different in the garage so it is hard to get a before and all done after shot thats apples to apples.

Again, this was the worst scratch. The others appear to be gone.

 

[PromontoryCruiser80]

I have used Meguiars Scratch X before also, it is a good product and I keep one in the rear storage compartments along with all my other poser cleaning solutions and wipes. My 80 is white and I have lots of fingernail scratches under the door handles, it works great for thoses also. I have tried all sorts of waxes and cleaners, I only use Mothers or Meguairs. I also try to keep a thick coat of wax on my rig, I think its a mental thing, if I know there is good coat of wax then the sound of a stout branch rubbing down the side of my rig isnt quite as bad. Another good thing to do is if the scratches are too loud, just turn up the radio! I also recomend this product.

 

[NMuzj100]

Quality review.

For Detailing info I like http://www.autopia.org/

The site's detailing book is free to download and I highly recommend it.

I just used a clay bar on my truck for the first time and it took off all the sap and tar that had withstood repeated washings. You shouldn't be ashamed of wanting good paint on your truck at home any more than a soldier should be ashamed of well-shined boots in garrison.

 

[rusty_tlc]

I've never used Scratch x but I use Meguires leather conditioner on Grand Marquise interior.
Sounds like all their products are great!

 

[DSRTRDR]

Sounds like all their products are great!

X2 for clearing up plastic windows on softtops

 

[tabraha]

+1 on Meguiars. I use alot of their different products too with good results. I like to use the quick detailer in the door jambs to help get the mud of of the sills and jamb areas on my Tacoma.

I like to put on a fresh coat of wax before trails too. I swear it helps. A couple of times I've hardly buffed it off and nearly left the paste on when I was going to the trail that day. If only wax could help with the dents........

 

[honk]

You shouldn't be ashamed of wanting good paint on your truck at home any more than a soldier should be ashamed of well-shined boots in garrison.

In garrison?? In garrison every soldier knew to take care of his horse before shining his boots.

 

[loeky]

not to hijack, but what do you guys use for the dash? does Maguire's make a vynil conditioner? i'd like to keep the dash and other trim from cracking in my 60.

i'll be picking up some of the other stuff mentioned here soon. good tips.

 

[desertdude]

Thanks for the review - Interesting that you would post this now - I just researched the art of removing scratches and buffing out the paint - if you don't mind I found some info on the process - HERE


:::

 

[Front Range 4x4]

First let me state that no one should wheel their rig if they are worried about scratches in the paint. If you can't live with the scratches, keep it off the trail.

However, just because you get scratches doesn't mean you should live with them if you don't have to.
I recommend it.

Thanks for the info Romer. I have been thinking about doing this real soon since I have a whole lot of new scratches. It looks like I ran through the old briar patch.

I'll be spending some serious time on this and appreciate having a product that should work!

 

[Romer]

Thanks for the info Romer. I have been thinking about doing this real soon since I have a whole lot of new scratches. It looks like I ran through the old briar patch.

I'll be spending some serious time on this and appreciate having a product that should work!

Sounds like Kane Creek, or at least what it was like in 2005

 

[Clutchee]

Sounds like Kane Creek, or at least what it was like in 2005

My wifes still gets asked about the pin stripes from last year:whoops:

 

[dogboy2]

not to hijack, but what do you guys use for the dash? does Maguire's make a vynil conditioner? i'd like to keep the dash and other trim from cracking in my 60.

i'll be picking up some of the other stuff mentioned here soon. good tips.

For more serious vinyl and rubber care, I really like Meguiar's Professional Series Vinyl & Rubber Conditioner #10 (IIRC). Cleans as it conditions and contains a UV protectant.

Also try Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailing Spray. This stuff is really great. Cleans, conditions, and shines. That's for the fast and easy interior.

If you want to save some elbow grease and serious time when waxing, polishing, or buffing out your rig, this tool has proved to be a HUGE asset:
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-pc7424.html
It really is as simple and idiot proof as described above and makes getting those surface scratches out oh so easy...

-dogboy- '87 FJ60

 

[dogboy2]

whoops....Desertdude beat me to the 7424....
-db-

 

[Tools R Us]

If you have air, Meguiars makes a foam pad setup that screws onto a D/A sander, works great for light buffing and fast waxing. A bunch lighter and less expensive than the Porter Cable D/A.

I like their professional line called Mirror Glaze in the tan bottles, for light scratches and overall shining their Swirl Remover #9 works very well and for wax their Hi-Tech Yellow Wax #26 is the best I have found.

 

[Tools R Us]

They have some detailing info on their forum too.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/

 

[Brentbba]

Timely post Ken - Durabak is going on the roof and flares this weekend then I planned on a good claying of the beast before laying down a couple layers of Zaino. May give the old lady a dose of this stuff first. She's due.

 

[REZARF]

Looks good Ken, thanks for sharing!

Rezarf <><

 

[Gumby]

I think we should move this thread over to the Hardcore corner.

Those guys NEVER wax their trucks, let alone buff out the scratches.


My 80 is too far gone, unless that stuff can buff out crumpled sheet metal.