I bought some pads that have microfiber cloth on the outside and foam on the inside-- palm sized. I used enough Showroom New that it didn't run, but wasn't drying out. I waited about a hour between coats. Each coat was as streaky as the last. I shook it thoroughly in the bottle and mixed it up again in a glass jar. Applied it in 70 degree weather out of the sun. Basically, I followed all of the advice I've seen. I absolutely believe it had previously been treated. I really can't blame the product. Maybe I should have wiped it down with acetone prior to applying it, but the manufacturer's instructions said soap & water (used purple power), rinsed it and let it dry. I'm not upset, Line-X is a better solution anyway.
ALSO>>> I applied some to the step on the back bumper of my 2000 Rodeo and it looks flawless.
Yeah the Line-X will look great!
I think it may have been much better if you let each coat dry more like 6+ hrs or more (despite what bottle says). I found it looked significantly different from one hour drying time vs. 6 - 24 hr drying. Don't know why, but the streaks definitely went away.
I've noticed the streaking on other VX's I've seen in person too, but it does seem to vary from truck to truck, probably depending on what was done in the past as you suggest. Good luck with the Line-X, I can't recall anyone here ever being unhappy with the result so I'm sure you'll be happy. Be sure to post pics!!!
Just got the Vx Line-X'ed today. did the cladding and the hood insert (with a hood scoop). OMG. OMG. Best $600 you can ever spend. Ride on maypops but get your cladding Line-X'ed. Pics to follow when the sun comes up.
I have a new project VX and was thinking of doing the Line-X on the cladding too. Spoke with a racer buddy who sprays it, told me it would not stick. So I am definitely interested in how it holds up for you.
PS: Look for a new build thread coming soon......
I did a lot of research on it. The info about it not sticking is old. They've had products and techniques to shoot it on to plastic cladding for a number of years.
Has anyone else tried Marlin's application method? I am all for the easy method. I am have currently applied a couple of test spots. If there is a second to Marlins method that is the one I will use.
Armour All came out with a new item that makes your cladding look like new. Very easy. Wipe on , let sit a bit then wipe off. I put two coats on my V and it looks great.
Show room new does not need to be wiped off, touched up or redone. I did mine a few years ago, still looks black. Maybe Billy will jump on here and attest to it. His VX has faded grey cladding, mine still looks black and new compared to it. I even did the gas cap cover since I had a bit of overlap, its still on there...lol
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
Thomas Jefferson
agree with Chris on the look, the one I have at his house is almost gray, the other one I did looks the same as Chris's dark black and never been touched since I did it almost 2 years ago.
My cladding is being done right NOW!!
Apparently the trick is to rough it up/chemcal clean/etch/prime...
...then fully envelope the cladding inside and out.
The line-X bonds to itself (obviously!)..and by enveloping the cladding
this helps avoid peel away at edges.
Cost at Line-X San Diego for this treatment .........$600.
Jo
VX.info...PLEASE SUPPORT THIS SITE WITH YOUR VOLUNTARY $20 DONATION...
Absolutely the best $20 you'll spend per year on your VX.
~ ~ > OFF ROAD WHORE <~ ~
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
And those dealers that don't understand that, don't want to do it. Talking to my guy, if they do understand it, they'll generally give you the lifetime warranty. 600 seems to be the magic number.
Last edited by ssignature : 04/08/2013 at 04:49 PM Reason: addition
Yup....
My guy says some dealers are just P/Up bed guys...and dont want to venture into anything else....
........so quote CRAZY prices to deter people.
Luckily my guy is excited...he loves doing strange stuff.
His warranty....lifetime...and if I badly scratch the cladding...just take off the piece
and he'll re-shoot it before any chance of it starting to peel......
Seems like a great deal to me.
I'm getting "satin" finish, medium texture...with UV protection.
Jo
That sounds like exactly what we got. My guy says the same thing, he's excited to try new things. And since he's owned 3 Troopers, he loved seeing (and test driving) the Vx. When we were in getting some stuff touched up, he was showing off the Vx, telling someone, "This is the VehiCross I told you about!" Love it.