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82 Jeep CJ7 Renegade

Austin

FTF's #1 Knob Polisher
10,350
297
Cumming, GA
Okay, as the story goes, this particular vehicle is making its rounds to the third generation of son in my client's family. It's been stored in a barn for at least 10 years (most likely double that) and needs some serious love. When it's all said and done, I'll have nearly 50 hours of work in, $100 in materials cost, and some very tired arms.

Drop off day: I know for a solid fact that this Jeep has single stage paint (which many of you Gen 6 and older guys may still have), so I performed a test spot to determine the plan of action. My test spots are generally done on the largest horizontal panel - mostly the hood.

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Here's what you need to know about SS paint - it's soft (prone to swirls and scratching), fades easily, and is super fun to restore. This test spot was done by hand. Products used in order - 1.Meguiar's #7, 2. HD Cut, 3. HD Polish.

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I use the Meguiar's #7 first to rehydrate, or 'feed' the paint. This puts essential oils back into the paint, preparing it for polishing. This is an absolutely vital part of restoring SS paint!!! Skipping this step can burn or damage already dry and brittle paint.

All of the painted surfaces that I intend to restore have been cleaned with steam and covered liberally with #7. Allowing the product to sit overnight will bring exceptional results come tomorrow! Think of it as a facial cleansing creme.

Total time thus far: 4 hours

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Austin

FTF's #1 Knob Polisher
10,350
297
Cumming, GA
Did a LOT of buffing today, more still tomorrow. This paint has now been cut, tomorrow is polishing and sealant.

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Did some testing on interior pieces, too. Meguiar's D101 APC at 10:1

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Austin

FTF's #1 Knob Polisher
10,350
297
Cumming, GA
Thanks gentlemen.
 

Austin

FTF's #1 Knob Polisher
10,350
297
Cumming, GA
I'll admit to my goofiness. :D

My lighting doesn't help, but it's actually green. Should have some sun shots tomorrow to really show off the depth and color.
 

Austin

FTF's #1 Knob Polisher
10,350
297
Cumming, GA
With the top down, yes. :rofl:

I've got this bad boy sleeping at my house for the next few days since it's such an intensive project. I'd really love to have a full-size shop to keep these jobs in.
 

taxreliever

Licensed to Represent!
14,695
287
Maine
Nice work Austin. ....I've been following on fb also. ...looks incredible so far.

Sent from my not so smart phone using Forum Runner! :)
 

Austin

FTF's #1 Knob Polisher
10,350
297
Cumming, GA
Thanks Ken!

Got this off of the owner's FB page, very cool to see. Got a call from him today telling me how excited he was to see the progress.

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Austin

FTF's #1 Knob Polisher
10,350
297
Cumming, GA
Tomorrow is the final day of this project! Will update then with many, many pics. Until then, enjoy the rust removal on the wheels.

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Austin

FTF's #1 Knob Polisher
10,350
297
Cumming, GA
I'm stopping with the fine polish, they won't need much more with proper maintenance.
 

taxreliever

Licensed to Represent!
14,695
287
Maine
Dang....you have to put the before and after shots in one pic.....the transformation on this thing is amazing.....it's almost like a brand new restoration and paint job...wow!
 

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