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ALUMINUM EXTERIOR
WAXING / POLISHING
Ensure that the vehicle has been
washed with a warm, soapy water,
and a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse the
aluminum body panels with clean water,
ensuring all soapy water has been
removed. Dry the vehicle with a clean
lint-free cloth. Polishing or automotive
paste wax may be applied. Follow
Manufacturer`s instructions to apply
and remove the wax. Use a quality wax
that does not contain abrasives.
DISCOLORATION REMOVAL
If regular washing and waxing has been
neglected, discoloration or oxidation
on the aluminum painted surface may
occur. Oxidation, left untreated, can
cause pitting in the metal. Discolored
areas are shallow in depth, directly on
the surface. Clean off the discoloration/
oxidation when it appears to extend
the life of your body panels.
The discoloration/oxidation may be
removed using a stronger detergent
formulated for aluminum painted
surfaces. Contact your automotive
supply store for these products.
Discoloration / Oxidation may also be
removed using a fine-cut automotive
rubbing compound formulated for use
on an aluminum painted surface. Follow
Manufacturer`s instructions to apply
and remove the rubbing compound.
Test any cleaner in an inconspicous area to
ensure no adverse effects.
REPAIRING
ALUMINUM EXTERIOR
TO REPAIR SCRATCHES IN
PAINT:
Scratches in the paint may be repaired
by applying a cleaner/degreaser to
the scratched or bare metal surface
area. Clean the area thoroughly using
clean water. Dry the area using a clean
lint-free cloth. Apply primer to the
scratched or bare metal surface only.
When it dries, apply a second coat to
the scratch or bare metal surface, and
allow to dry. Continue adding coats
of paint to the scratched area until
the scratch is filled. Paint the area to
match.
There are alternate repair methods for
scratch repair. Contact your local body
shop for the benefits of each method.
TO REPAIR DENTS OR CUTS:
Aluminum body panel repair for dents
or cuts require differing best practices
than with the repair of alternate body
panel construction. Advantage recom-
mends contacting a qualifed body shop
to complete necessary repairs.
UNDERCOAT/PRIMER
No matter the climate, the underside of
your vehicle needs to be protected. A
primer and undercoat, meeting a 1000
hour salt spray test requirement, has
been applied to the underside of your
vehicle. Undercoat seals components
from dust and moisture, sand, road
salt, among other factors, that may
decay the vehicle`s underside. Regular
washing of the vehicle underside will
help maintain the undercoat protec-
tion, extending component service life
and preventing costly repairs. Regular
inspection of the vehicle underside is
necessary. Apply a primer and under-
coat to any exposed surfaces where
undercoat is missing using a primer
and an undercoat meeting a 1000 hour
salt spray test requirement, such as
Primer - Z SHIELD, offered by Z Tech-
nologies Corporation; or Undercoat
- Pure Asphalt # 76-M, offered by Pure
Asphalt Company.
Follow manufacturer`s instructions for
surface preparation and application of
the primer and undercoat.
09 EXTERIOR
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