Scratch-A-Phobia

I’ve got a’22 ORP that gets me everywhere I want to go Last weekend I took her up one of my favorite logging roads that now is overgrown with bushes and trees in parts.
When I got back home I could see lots of lines in the paint. The marks would buff out, but now I’m wrestling with taking my new rig up in the hills. I didn’t buy it for display, but I also want to care for my investment.
I’m curious how my fellow 4Runner owners deal with the wear and tear of driving off road? I’d like to hear your perspectives!

 

I bought mine to use. And take it "off road" weekly, .... if not more. I couldn't care less about any out door pinstriping. Couldn't care less. But, that's my rig.

I've seen a billion other runners out there, with 10k worth of shit on them, that I'd bet my house, doesn't even see 4wd in 2 life times. That's their rig. To each their own.

 

I took mine down a very overgrown trail when it was 4 months old and put about 1000 scratches in it. I felt a little sick at first, but this is what I bought it for.

You can wash it, clay bar it, and use a good wax or ceramic product and it will still look good from 20' away.

A friend of mine offered to buff out the scratches after the first season. He got it looking better than new. But, then it looked like a mall crawler. I decided to just take care of it as good as possible and live with the scratches from then on.

 

If you want to spend the money look into Xpel PPF. That stuff is amazing and their are kits made 4Runners. You can wipe warm water down most scratches and they come out. I installed on my front end (bumper, grill, hood and mirrors and paid $1,200).

I read some guys for a whole 4R spending $5-6k which is pricey but may accomplish your goal.

 

Mine is pretty rashed from Manzanita and similar hard brush. Not only don't I care, I am proud of every scrape.

 

I have a 2011 and I’m “meh” about dings/scratches but this guy I met has a 2022 TRD ORP and ordered this stuff.
https://goat-truckarmor.com/

He uses it every time he goes out because scratches make him sick. I think his ORP was almost $60k…

 

An ORP for $60k? That must have a ton mods; for some reason cannot access your link Henry J

 

Here is a pic. Their company makes removable magnet “armor”. It will attach to the body and protect it from scratches.

 

Try this one:

https://goat-truckarmor.com/

It seems like a great product. Prices seem reasonable.

Edit: tried the link from @Henry J and it worked.

 

Yeah, that guy loves his. He opted for a Navy Blue Camo pattern.

 

Ahh it works on phone I was on work of earlier that’s the issue lol

 

So, he removes it between trips? I was curious how it would hold up to being removed and replaced.

 

Yup! He says it’s awesome. It has some scars already and no issues taking it off. Only marks on his rig is headlights and taillights.


It’s like the giant magnetic sticks for “Bob’s construction” on the side of dude new raptor (as an example)

 

Pinstripes are a badge of honor, wear them with pride.

 

There is such a thing as "too much". Took 20 hrs of buffing to get rid of these, on both sides. Bumper to bumper.

 

Stop taking your truck on <50 trails.

 

If I cause the scratch(es) it's not a huge issue, depending on situation. If someone else causes it, well...

 

Yeah, I have that too. Mine is 9 years old with 140k, I really shouldn't care at all.

I just like like having "nice" cars. My dad was one to wash and wax the cars every Saturday morning, so I grew up with the example of taking care of my stuff.

I should look at it as a tool, and use it as such. My mountain bike is all scratched and chipped, I could care less because that's what I bought it for.

The vehicle on the other hand was a much larger investment and is harder to let go of that keep it nice mentality.

 

I know how you feel. My '96 Silverado, 272xxx miles. She's seen 26 Wis winters. Keep 'em clean and they will last.

 

Great looking truck! I love this generation of GM trucks.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for all the feedback! Have a great weekend….

 

FR327?

Actually that looks worse than mine did after going through there.

Where did you do that?

 

That’s funny but true. I,ve put stripes on mine, but so far they are barely noticeable at 10 feet. But if somebody else put a scratch or ding on it, I’d be able to spot it from 50 feet away lol.

I insist on touchless carwashes, but yet Ill drag through a forest

 

I think what it comes down to is that 4runner owners are just control freaks

 

This is also why I regularly park in the furthest possible spot when I go shopping. It's been pretty effective.

My second (and last) dealer service came with two tiny scratches, which bugged me way worse than the other 1,000 I have gotten on trail rides.

I do touchless washes also, but mostly because I'm afraid of the roof basket getting hung up in the equipment.