scratch protection

[dalkill]

Having my first expidition into the bush this weekend, to find some light scrathes on the sides.
nothing hectic, and trail was very mild compared to what you guys normally get up to.

so i contacted a place or two about the plastic wrap type protection stuff... R8500 ex vat
eish, is there another option? Someone once told me he just pust on three layers of rally wax before trip. Could this work?

[Stef]

Wax will minimize the impact but I doubt if it will prevent it

[CasKru]

Generally speaking the scratches are just in the clear coat of the paint so you should be able to buff them out quite easily with some elbow grease and polish.

But to protect before you go into the bush... only those plastic wraps I am aware of.

PS: Nice video on how to repair small to deep scratches on your van....

[ChrisF]

You will quickly learn the difference between a "twig", "branch", "schrub", or even a small "tree" ...

Twigs hardly ever scratch

small branches are normally okay.

Also check the angle of the branch !! If you are driving "into" it, then it will provide extra pressure to the paint ... now the scratch risk drastically increases ! If the light branch is in the same direction that you are travelling the scratch risk is a lot less.

Thorn trees are NOT nice !! drastically increased scratch risk !!


Schrubs are strange critters ... not that easy to spot stiffer branches that could possibly cause scratches.


"trees" ... rather drive around !!


Next stop - nursery :)

pruning shears for the larger twigs ...

fold away saw for the small branches ....


these two tools got thee most work of all the tools in my recovery kit !!


Now you have "reduced" the number of bush-pin-stripes .... Next you book the truck in at Dino of Burnco for a nice buff and polish. Think it is about R800, might be higher by now. Look NEW after he did his magic. :)



Dont under-estimate the effect of the scratches and knocks to the underside of your vehicle !! Once a year pull it onto ramps and touch up as much as you can.


on the once a year cycle - IF you did water crossing - check the wheelbearings, and change the diffs oils ....


take care of your wagon and she will take good care of you.

[ChrisF]

and while you are it, keep track of the trails and trips - if it is very dusty, and you follow other vehicles, the air filter takes a beating .... clean it, blow it out with compressed air, and replace it sooner when you can see the filter has done it duty.

really a cheap enough item.

[3 Blind Monkeys]

Where will I be able to do the scratch protection in Cape Town?