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B-4. Protecting the Finished Surface
B-4.1 Waxing the Vehicle
Wax makes the painted surfaces easier to clean and dry. Waxes produce a durable, high gloss finish that fills and
minimizes minor surface scratches. Wax should be reapplied when water no longer beads up on the surface.
Recommended products are: “Wax, 3M Perfect-It Show Car Wax – P/N 39021” and “Polish, 3M One Step Cleaner
Wax – P/N 39006”. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for application and removal.
• Paint finish may be hand waxed 90 days after delivery with a non-abrasive wax, applied lightly, and softly buffed.
Do not wax any of the Goldstar, gold leaf, or other vinyl. Wax around it!
• Never wax in direct sunlight, as the surface temperature may be too hot.
• Properly wash vehicle first.
• Bright metals may be polished using a non-abrasive polish.
• Polish can be used in the event that surface contaminants remain on the surface after washing and waxing or
if there are minor scratches in the painted surface that have reduced the gloss.
B-4.2 Preventing Dissimilar Metal Corrosion
Rapid corrosion can occur when two different types of metals are in contact with each other. This occurs when the
two metals are subject to moisture. Electrons will begin to pass from the least corrosion-resistant metal to the other,
similar to the way a dry-cell battery works. This leads to rapid corrosion known as galvanic corrosion. Even a small
scratch on a painted surface can be enough to create galvanic corrosion.
The more dissimilar the metals (i.e. aluminum and stainless steel), the more rapid the corrosion rate. However,
similar metals can still lead to galvanic corrosion.
When mounting equipment or accessories such as after market equipment to the vehicle, follow these
recommendations:
• Select metals (both equipment and fasteners) that are as similar as possible to minimize galvanic corrosion.
• Avoid all contact between the metals using a corrosion-inhibiting material(s) such as tape, paste, washers, or
compounds conforming with MIL-C-0083993A. Completely protect screws and fasteners including threads and
head, and completely protect the two mounting surfaces from coming in contact with each other.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any products used to prevent galvanic corrosion.
• Visually inspect the areas on a frequent basis to catch and correct any signs of corrosion before they get worse.
Avoid hand waxing Goldstar and vinyl surfaces. Wax solutions frequently consist of small abrasive
materials. These materials will scratch and dull the vinyl surface. Hand wax around these products to
avoid abrasion.
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