Ensure that you choose the paint color carefully. I wanted to know how I could repair the scratches and if I could paint my Jeep hardtop. 11 Must-Have Essentials Before Going Off-Roading in Your Jeep. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These are easily removable without tools, and can be stored safely inside the Jeep if you have a . Objects can get kicked up into the air by vehicles driving in front of your car, or even by your own vehicle. It works great for me. Try using a fine point black sharpie to fill in the scratch. This entails covering all windows and sides adjacent to the hardtop with masking tape. Be sure to remove all the dirt, wax, silicone, grease, armor-all, whatever else might be on it. Needless to say, there are numerous paint options in the market. And that's it! When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Repainting the hardtop either to original stock or to color match your Jeep takes commitment and the willingness either to hire someone to do the job for you, or a ton of patience prep, prep, and prep some more, unless you want the hardtop to look like crap.
Unlike a soft-top jeep, there are several reasons why you would want to paint your Jeep hardtop. After the appropriate prep work is done to the Jeep Wrangler, you can begin the masking process. Now that you know how to paint a Jeep hardtop remember a DIY paint job has its fair share of risks. We'd love to learn more about your Jeep. Next, sand it down with your sandpaper. How to Get Your Ride Prepared. Why Is My Jeep Wrangler Beeping (And How Do I Make It Stop)?
Jeep Wrangler JL/JK Quick Fix: Mopar Hard Top Touch Up Paint Pen It went all the way down to the white so i have a big white scratch. Even More Woodgrain for Jeep Grand Wagoneers, 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: The Ultimate SUV with Unmatched Interior Space, 615 Badass Jeep Gladiator Names: Find Unique Jeep Names and Find Nicknames with These Creative Jeep Name Ideas. To prevent a small section of your car from being shinier than the rest of your paint, apply a coat of wax to the whole car. The price of painting your Jeep hardtop will depend on a few different factors. Painting the entire hardtop is even more labor-intensive. The quality of the paint used is important if you are expecting the paint job to last. Then use a screwdriver or a Torx ratcheting socket wrench set that can be stowed in the rear cargo area to finish securing the connections. Sand the Car Paint Scratch. Here is a list of tips for painting your Jeep Wrangler hardtop. :rant: it's a lot easier than you think. TIA For the best results, it may be best to leave the painting up to a professional. A well-waxed car should repel water, beading on the surface of the car. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. For deep scratches, in particular, bear in mind that you cannot remove them completely. Not on a trail or off-road adventure but, from backing into my garage door when it was not fully open! You can enhance the market value of your vehicle with a well-done paint job.
Fixing my cracked jeep wrangler hard top with fiber glass! For a full paint job you are best off going to a shop, but it will cost you several thousand dollars. However, if it does not come out how you wanted, you may regret not spending the extra money to get a professional paint job. Rub the scuff pad along the path of the scratch back and forth until the surface feels rough to the touch. Rust will form on steel surfaces and a much more extensive repair will be required to restore the area to its original condition. For some Jeep owners, scratches on their vehicles are a source of pride. The job will be harder if the scratches are deep.
This must be done gently if you are not redoing the entire hardtop, only enough to even out the surface where the plexiglass or paint has bent outwards. You will also need plenty of skill to make sure that sanding is done consistently. It can be caused by a number of factors including: Paint blemishes, if they are left unrepaired, can not only make your car appear worn and old but can rust, corrode, or spread. For larger paint repairs, a Jeep Hard Top spray paint can will deliver best results. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), How to Remove Barely There Car Scratches, 2. The number of latches depends on your model of vehicle, so consult your owner's manual if you're unsure where they are located or how many you have. It makes more sense to go straight to the experts to do the job professionally. You might want to just remove the scratches. While this may sound strange, toothpaste has the same abrasive properties as a fine sandpaper. You should only use car paint that matches the color of your hardtop to cover up scratches. But its not all about looks. Jeep Wrangler Hemi Conversion Cost: How Much for the Swap? Photos might help, but tinted glass has the tint inside the glass, so there shouldn't be a clear scratch showing unless the dealer put tint on the windows after it was delivered. Expecting that scratches will happen, many companies sell what are called touch up kits, which allow the user to repair scratches using the vehicles original car color. Replacing the axle is a Get a fair & transparent quote instantly before booking. This is where you will install the fastener knobs, which screw in clockwise by hand tightening. Step 3: Rub in the compound. It must be dry to the touch before you continue. Step 2: Apply the rubbing compound. I took off the hard top for the first time this week. However, even with an electrical sander, you will have to commit plenty of time and effort to get it right. Tint is installed inside the vehicle, so if you run your finger over the tint and its scratched you'll feel the scratch on the inside of the vehicle. A little mistake in preparation can result in defects. It's cable. If you have a lot of time and patience to invest you may choose to sand out the top by yourself, but make sure that you are using a high-quality sandpaper. Hence, scratched areas can be exposed to accelerated rusting. They refer to these scratches as scars. If you are planning on doing it yourself, or paying a body shop, this article can help by giving you an overview of what to expect in terms of price, materials, and labor time and costs. Touchup paint can be found at auto parts stores and your car dealerships parts department. If you are seeking to change the color of the hardtop, the process will be more intensive and expensive. We can help you decide which is best for you by comparing and contrasting the price and potential pitfalls of DIY painting versus going to a professional body shop for a paint job on your hardtop Jeep Wrangler. find a way to cover them. My Wrangler was damaged around 2006 when backing out of my garage. One buddy of mine told me the prep work including masking took about 6 hours. Not only do these look unpleasant, but they can also become sites of corrosion. Paint chips are usually no larger than the size of an eraser on a pencil.
hard top scratches | Jeep Wrangler Forum After you scuff up your hardtop with the scotchbrite pad, wash the hard top again with detergent. This is easy enough to do yourself, so you can save some money versus going to a shop for a total paint job by touching up the scratches. General Jeep Discussions; If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. Buying Gas At Costco: Everything You EVER Wanted To Know! Hi, I'm Kern! But dont worry. Heres How Fast Can You Drive In 44 High? The price of painting your Jeep hardtop will depend on a few different factors. Do not over tighten, or you may strip the screws. Apply a quarter-sized amount of toothpaste to a dampened microfiber towel. **Note** Some of the comments su. So before you try out anything on your Jeep, make sure that you do it first on the scrap panel to find out what impact it has. Close the header panel latches. A much safer option is to visit professionals to get the job done. Or you might want to change the look of your hardtop or renew it. Also, you should make sure that you do it gently. Using small, circular strokes, rub the sandpaper around the affected area, wiping occasionally with a clean cloth to remove any flecks of paint or primer that been removed. For small Hard Top scratches, the paint pen works well. Rubbing compound works in much the same way as fine sandpaper or toothpaste, smoothing the surface of your vehicle. Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, trail riding, gear, suspension, tires, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, for all JL, JT, JK, TJ, YJ, and CJ models! fiberglass surface of the Jeep Wrangler hardtop will be coated with an existing This will help to make the surface of the plexiglass more even. Being able to determine the depth of a scratch is extremely important because the the depth will affect both the difficulty and cost of the repair. However, to repaint the entire Jeep Wrangler hardtop at a shop, you can be looking at several thousand dollars. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, trail riding, gear, suspension, tires, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, for all JL, JT, JK, TJ, YJ, and CJ models! Red Jeep memes have been making rounds on the internet after a Grand Jeep Cherokee was found stranded on the beach engulfed by huge waves as Hurricane Dorian wrought havoc on the Hi, my name is Mark and I am into my Jeep and frankly anything that has to do with Jeeps! Four Wheel Trends | 4441 Six Forks Road, Suite 106-205, Raleigh NC 27609 | (919) 526-0419 However, thats mostly because I know the scratches are there. Let it dry and spend the time with a quality primer.
Jeep Touch Up Paint | Touch Up Paint Guide 2021 - ERA Paints It is affordable and is the best on the line for Jeep hardtops. The CV joint may be broken which would explain why the car won't move. Of course, a single small mistake can end up costing you a lot of money for repairs. Step 3: Scuff the surface. 2. But if its a deep scratch, bets to call your local bodyshop. In this time, the paint is releasing vapor which may get trapped underneath the wax, expanding and causing unsightly bumps. Step 4: Tape off the headlights. Apr 21, 2012 The Mopar Hardtop Touchup paint is made for that. If you are just looking to touch up some scratches or scars on your hard top acquired through your off-road adventures, we can recommend some of the best touch-up paints. Im a guy with a lifelong passion for four-wheel drive vehicles.
have a scratch on my hard top. how can i fix it. - Jeep Enthusiast Forums No matter how hard you try, you can just make them less obvious at most. Were trying to repair one scratch, not add more. Then, apply a quarter-sized amount of the toothpaste to the towel, or a little more or less depending on the size of the scratch. Using an electric sander can help with this stage because sanding the entire surface of the hardtop is a very labor-intensive process. This can be more cost-effective than going to a shop for a touch-up job. This necessitates visiting the experts to remediate the flaw. If the scratch goes all the way down to the metal, dont fret. Wash it might help. If you drive your car under normal circumstances, its inevitable that youre going to experience a paint scratch or chip at one time or another. Just an order of Mopar Jeep Wrangler hard top black touchup paint (if your hardtop is black like mine and some prep and color within the scratches. Step 2: Prepare the surface. If you are having a leak from the rear glass, this isn't going to helpbut luckily those seals are also available. There are a few ways to try and fix them, but I would just do a pad on them. Think about how many times a day you catch your own reflection. If this is not done correctly, then the paint job will not look good since the paint lines will not be straight. Look up to find two large, round recessed areas on the ceiling near the speakers and interior cabin light. What are you guys using to repaint bad scratches? With the Jeep JK models, there are several remarkable differences between the factory hard tops available throughout the line. Reconnect the washer hose and electrical wiring harness assembly, located together on the inside of the hardtop's driver's side rear wall. Thanks again for being here and don't be a stranger! Note:painting a vehicle requires skill, effort, and patience. The paint on your car has multiple layers as seen in the illustration below: Unfortunately, it is a harsh environment that cars drive in. Be very careful when masking the vehicle. Between $2,000 and $3,000 is about what you can expect to be quoted for a total hardtop repaint at most shops. If you are wondering how to paint your Jeep Wrangler hardtop, this article can help. How Can Moisture Get Into an Ignition System? An example of one of those questions I recently got was can you paint a Jeep hardtop? So, I did just as you are doing, and I turned to the internet to find help. Have matching touchup paint on hand in the event you need to use it. too much heat could cause warping. Some people have recommended using a sharpie to cover up marks in a black hardtop and we would like to confirm that this does not in fact work. Next, sand it down with your sandpaper. It went through the back above the glass luckily and split where you have it around the door. A clean workspace will ensure that dirt and dust dont cause any further abrasions to your vehicle's exterior. If you want to have the entire hardtop professionally painted, you should be ready to pay between $2,000 and $3,000. Whether you are just touching up some scratches from the trail, or trying to refurbish that new look, painting can be an option. It is not just black touchup, but touchup made for the hard top specifically. If it's a superficial scratch, go after it with rubbing compound. Some people enjoy undertaking difficult DIY projects, and repainting a hardtop certainly is not for the lighthearted. In this section of the article we will give you some of our expert tips on painting your Jeep hardtop. You may try to save money by doing the labor yourself, but be advised that an incorrect paint job will make your Jeep Wrangler look shabby. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. Step 5: Wash the vehicle again. I get asked about my Jeep all the time. Using a dish soap such as dawn is effective at cutting through grease, no expensive car soaps or car washes required. Is Costco Auto Program Better Than Truecar? That means more costly repairs that must be done by specialized body shops. After washing your car, sand down the area around the scratch until you can see the metal. Perfectly straight lines are hard to achieve and a professional body shop will ensure that the job gets done right so that you are not driving around in a shabby paint job. Can I paint the stock Jeep fenders? Start with about a quarter-sized dollop of the rubbing compound. Hand-tighten the Torxscrews (there may be four to six, depending on the model of Jeep). Their touch up paint is super effective and will last over time.
Jeep Hard Top Paint Repair using the Color N Drive Touch Up Paint For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I was thinking some black bumper paint or something. You dont want to go through so much trouble only to end up with a terrible-looking paint job. You may be able to obtain such a piece from a junkyard. Dabbing a small amount of toothpaste onto a cotton swab or clean cloth and rubbing it in a circular motion on the affected area with smooth the scratch and ready it for new paint. Tip: For scratches on non-metallic parts of the car, especially plastic bumpers, you can purchase matching automotive spray paint to fix the scratch. For scratches that take up a larger area, youll want to use sandpaper. The paint should exactly match the color of your Jeep.
So, what I share in this article specifically applies to my Jeep Wrangler hardtop.
Hard top fix? | Off Roading Forums Once youve covered the area, wipe it cleanwith a microfiber towel. There are several varieties of touch-up paint you might come across for your vehicle, which are presented in the table below: Step 6: Shake the touch-up paint well. However, if you are simply looking to touch up the scratches or scars on your Jeep Wrangler, you can use a high-quality touch-up paint at home. #1 I backed into what I thought was an open garage . Mar 22, 2010 I scratched up my hard top trying to move it under my deck. To paint the entire Jeep hardtop the surface will first need to be buffed out with sandpaper or an electric sander. Lift it to the top of the Jeep and position the panel so the front (possibly marked with a locating pin) rests on the windshield frame without overhanging and lies flush with the body. It just doesnt make sense to me unless you are a DIY type of person. From making cosmetic changes to removing unsightly scratches, there are numerous reasons why Jeep owners will be interested in painting the hardtop of this versatile vehicle. Are GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado the Same? This is an entirely other type of project when it comes to painting the Jeep hardtop. Assume those links are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. The process of buffing out the original layer of paint alone could take an entire day or multiple days if done by one person by hand. Note: Most car waxes come with an applicator (usually a foam pad). Be aware, however, it will only work on the shallowest of scratches. No. You can complete the preparation by using a degreaser to clean the surface thoroughly. If you want to effectively cover up scratches in a Jeep Wrangler hardtop you will need to properly prep the surface by buffing out any scratches. You want your paint to last as long as possible and not peel. Such arduous and demanding work is best left to professionals. If the scratch is small, you may be able to use toothpaste. If the scratches are not too deep, it might be possible to make them less apparent by using an electrical buff pad on which a small amount of scratch removal product has been applied. The good news is that you can get rid of scratches and avoid subsequent corrosion by painting over the scratched parts using the right technique. What are ways I can make me Jeep hardtop look new? Apply a quarter-sized amount onto a polishing pad or microfiber cloth and work it into the car. The answer is yes. To check the depth of the scratch, run your fingernail across it. If you want to paint the whole top, then obviously more effort will be required on your part. Here are three scenarios you might find yourself: By far touching up scratches on a Jeep hardtop are the most common question I get. For the washer hose, you will need to gently remove the storage cap, let it dangle (see photo), then slide the hose into the receiving end that's secured to the hardtop wall. If there are any deep scratches, you will want to buff these out and layer of paint. Now that you have decided to renew your prized possession with shiny new paint, you should carefully think about the kind of paint that will work best for you. Drive the vehicle beneath the hoist where the hard top is secured. Not on a trail o. Remember that there are several methods for removing scratches; however, they are not all effective. Equipment Needed Just an order of Mopar Jeep Wrangler hard top black touchup paint (if your hardtop is black like mine and some prep and color within the scratches. Note:This guide is specific to a Jeep with two front panels and one rear continuous hardtop piece, including the two-door Jeep Wrangler JK manufactured in 2008. Scratches or chips that have penetrated your vehicles paint and primer require additional repair including the application of new paint and primer. Buffing the scratched parts is necessary for preparing them, so make sure that you do this step as carefully as possible. This task takes time and effort, and several options A major part of the automotive repair industry involves autobody repairs. If youre unsure about the color, check with the manufacturer. Have the Torxscrews that came with the hardtop accessible. How Long Does It Take to Drive the Rubicon Trail? Be sure to use masking tape and paper to section off the area. If a smooth finish body look is what you are after, start sanding now. After washing the affected area, you will want to sand the area surrounding the scratch. Push the L-shaped lock latches into place while sitting in the driver or passenger seats so they overlap the roof panels. Mopar is a top-rated company that makes accessories and products for the customization of Jeeps and other vehicles. Jeep Touch Up Paint | Touch Up Paint Guide 2021 - ERA Paints Find Jeep colors and Jeep touch up paint using our industry-leading matching process. Some Jeep models have locating pins on the side bars to help with hardtop alignment. I've been going off-roading in Jeeps for as long as I can remember. Step 3: Apply some toothpaste. So dont use house paint or craft paint since the results will be unimpressive. If you cant find that, give the toothpaste method a try. So first, use a detergent to clean debris and any dirt from the hardtop. Apply Compound. But it's not all about looks.
'scratches' left from removing/installing hard top Any Fixes for Scratched Tinted Glass? | Jeep Wrangler Forum When the scratch is completely gone, you can move on to waxing. Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Apply automotive primer and wait for it to dry. If you mess up, you may need to spend some more money to buy additional supplies or to pay a shop to fix it, but it is all in the journey. Be warned that it will require a lot of strenuous effort since it is a painstaking process. If you pick the wrong type, the whole plan could backfire badly. For the best results you should only use top-rated car paint that is recommended by the professionals. I love all the attention my 2015 Jeep Wrangler gets me and the opportunity I get to dig for answers I just dont have right away. Dropbox - Jeep Manuals - Simplify your life, Repairing cracked hardtop - JeepForum.com, Repairing and painting a hardtop (lotsa pics) - JeepForum.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRir0OdJBvU, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7M-mxAgAgI, https://www.google.com/search?ei=Ci131i20i264k1j0i131k1j0i20i264k1.0.Ybph2rHJyr4, Hard Top Repair - JKowners.com : Jeep Wrangler JK Forum. Shake the paint for a minimum of 30 seconds to ensure that the paint will leave an even color deposit. Ceiling-mounted Jeep hardtop hoist or lift (or a helper), Jeep rear fastener knobs (to replace missing parts), Step-by-step guide to attaching a Jeep hardtop, How to Attach a Jeep Hardtop (And Troubleshoot Common Install Issues), How to Replace a Rusted or Broken Door Hinge, How to Use a Clay Bar to Return Your Vehicle's Paint to Showroom Condition, How to Replace a Hatchback, Trunk, or Hood Prop, Weather stripping seals (to replace damaged parts), replacethese essential moisture barriers, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. There are stones, dirt, gravel, and other debris that litter the roadway. However, media blasting with walnut shells could be an alternative to consider. Be sure to wash and dry the affected area of the vehicle with soap and water. Did I Save My OEM Jeep Carpet Using RIT Color Remover? If you lack experience, there is a strong chance of getting bad results. To further break down the affected area and prepare it for new paint, use a scuffing pad. Yes. Scuffing pads create a rough surface, which is easier for the paint to stick to. What To Look For In A Used Jeep Wrangler? When it looks hazy, youve run it enough. 3- Sanding- There are two ways of sanding. By applying wax to the repaired area, youre essentially replacing the worn down clear coat. This spray paint kit below on Amazon has everything you need. Only scratched areas need to be treated. If so, you could try using toothpaste with a clean wet rag. Spray primer, then paint onto the sanded area, 3. Step 5: Apply primer. Tell us in the comments below why you love cruising with the top off and where your adventures have taken you. Then it's just a few screws, latches and plugs to secure the roof portions of your sport utility vehicle. Properly masking a car for a paint job is very hard and takes a lot of patience. However, to repaint the entire Jeep Wrangler hardtop at a shop, you can be looking at several thousand dollars. You'll know you've sanded enough when the scratch looks like its faded. Its still possible to remove the scratch yourself. Simply gather your tools and get to work. To avoid such disappointment, you should honestly assess your experience in applying paint to vehicles. Start by dampening the scratch. How Many Miles Can a Jeep Wrangler Last: Are They Reliable? However, if you would rather not have scratches all over your black hardtop, there is an easy way to fix it. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Again, be prepared for prep work. In several Jeep forums and online social media groups, everyone was raving about Mopars OEM black touch up paint (see below). The passenger roof panel must be installed before the driver's side roof panel to ensure a secure, water-tight seal. [YJ, TJ, LJ, JK, JL], What Are the Best Years for the Lexus RX350? I love my Jeep and will share my years of knowledge with you here!
Scratches on the hard top | Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU We recommend our users to update the browser. You should not use craft paint or house paint on your Jeep Wrangler hardtop, or you will probably not be pleased with the results. How Much Does it Cost to Install a 2 Inch Leveling Kit.
Hardtop Repair | Jeep Wrangler Forum The Fix: Double check the washer hose. Amazon.com: Jeep Wrangler Hard Top BLACK Touch Up Paint, OEM Mopar: Automotive Read all posts about this product Start at page 126 of theJeep owner's manualfor additional guidance. This is what you need to do if you want to change the look of your Jeep with a new paint color. A body paint shop will charge relatively high rates for the job. Red 2Door Rubicon , Turbo, Black Hard Top, Towing & Cold Weather . Hence, you should be ready to commit a fair amount of time if you wish to paint the whole hardtop on your own. If you go this route, make sure that you are using good quality sandpaper. Most people do not have the right tools necessary for sanding out the entire hardtop evenly. And that requires a lot of effort and patience. Many people are proud of the scratches on their Jeep hardtop acquired through off-roading, referring to them affectionately as scars. When the scratches are light, you can try a scratch remover. Then you need to-clean the scratching area; use a scratch repair kit; apply rubbing compound; cover it with touch up paint