It is really satisfying to buy a junked Willys Jeep, buy a collection of CJ2A parts, and restore the classic offroad vehicle to new condition. While some people like to keep their vehicles looking rugged, particularly those who are going to use it for actual offroading, others want to make their vehicles look at good as possible.
Start With a Good Wash
Restoring Willys Jeep body parts starts with cleaning the dirt and grime. To give yourself a good surface, you will be cleaning more harshly than you will ever clean your Jeep again. One inexpensive cleaning agent is liquid dish soap. Some people might be shocked at the idea of using dish soap on Willy Jeep body parts, but this is the only time you'll use cleaners this harsh on your vehicle.
Buy a couple of long-handled nylon bristle brushes and a hand scrubber to get after the sidewalls of the Willys Jeep tires. Get only plastic brushes with no metal parts that could scratch up the parts. The final thing you need is just elbow grease. Rinse the Jeep frequently during washing so you can get all of the dirt off and not just spread it around.
The Pre-Wax Process Gives a Good Base
The pre-wax step does a couple of things that will give you a better final finish. It cleans some of the contaminants that soap and water can't such as oxidation or tar. It also fills in minor scratches on Willys Jeep body parts to give a smoother surface for the wax.
For this step you need buffing cloths that are 100% cotton - artificial fibers can scratch the paint. You can save a little money on this step by using inexpensive rags, also 100% cotton, for the cleaner but for the buff and wax you must use buffing cloths.
Start with a completely dry surface and do the job out of direct sunlight such as in your garage. Apply the pre-wax to painted Willys Jeep parts with a circular motion. Remember this is a cleaner so your rag will get dirty. Keep switching to clean parts of the rag. After applying, buff off the excess with a buffing cloth.
Protect Your Jeep's Paint with Wax
With a clean surface and a coat of pre-wax, your Willys Jeep body parts are ready for an armor coating of wax that will protect all your hard work from rain, sun and oxidation. The wax goes on the same way as the pre-wax, in circular motions and switching to clean parts of the cloth. When the first coat of wax is finished, let it dry thoroughly then apply a second coat for the best look and maximum protection.
This process takes a long time but it will be worth it. Your Willys Jeep body parts will shine like new, with that liquid look that you see on new cars in the showroom.
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