Q: Full repaint of roof... DIY?

[Grimes]

Having sat in the Texas sun for 10 years now, and a bit neglected since its the dang roof, my truck's roof is extremely oxidized. I cringe every time I see it. I am worried though that it may spread to the edges, making it visible.

1. Would it be a reasonable project for myself, with 0 automotive painting experience, to strip, sand, repaint, and reclear it? Any alternatives?

2. How do y'all maintain your truck's roof? No way am I waxing it as frequently as I do the rest of the body.

 

[NathanJax]

1. Would it be a reasonable project for myself, with 0 automotive painting experience, to strip, sand, repaint, and reclear it? Any alternatives?

You can vinyl over it, but to acutally paint it I'd leave it to a professional. IF it's that bad it needs to be sanded/stripped or whatever so it doesn't eventually just come through the new paint.

2. How do y'all maintain your truck's roof? No way am I waxing it as frequently as I do the rest of the body.

Unfortunately, it's paint just like the rest of your vehicle and needs the same attention (wash/wax/etc)

 

[Grimes]

How do you wax the roof? I'm tall, but I can't reach the middle unless I get on top. Can the roof handle some weight? I guess if I straddled the rack...didn't think of that.

Will see about getting a pic sometime.

 

[NathanJax]

Most detailers and others (including myself and a bunch of people on here) have this (or something just like it)

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-3...-16-in-Aluminum-Work-Platform-AP-20/100662616

 

[Warrior14]

Most detailers and others (including myself and a bunch of people on here) have this (or something just like it)

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Werner-3...-16-in-Aluminum-Work-Platform-AP-20/100662616

X2 I've got one and it makes life much easier. I use it more than I ever thought I would. But I'm 190lbs and I wouldn't hesitate to get on my roof. I cleaned it before that way. Getting up there isn't the problem, getting down is.

 

[Grimes]

Roof as it sits. Suggestions?

 

[NathanJax]

Roof as it sits. Suggestions?

If it was mine and I was keeping it for a while, repaint. If I was getting rid of it within a year, I might try to wet sand it and see how bad it is...

 

[Grimes]

If it was mine and I was keeping it for a while, repaint. If I was getting rid of it within a year, I might try to wet sand it and see how bad it is...

Guess I'll start looking into quotes.

Only preventative measure for this is just wax, correct? My guess is it started to happen when the truck shifted to me and thus the washing was by hand, not by car wash, and so the roof received less attention. If this roof can hold my weight (150) I'll happily get up there.

 

[yates ™]

Guess I'll start looking into quotes.

Only preventative measure for this is just wax, correct? My guess is it started to happen when the truck shifted to me and thus the washing was by hand, not by car wash, and so the roof received less attention. If this roof can hold my weight (150) I'll happily get up there.

I have (had, long story if youd don't know) a 12" lifted truck and can wax the roof and also wash and dry it everytime.

Buy a nice one of these. I haven't noticed any damage but I wouldn't use a hard brushed one.


Use a ladder. I use a small step ladder I picked up on sale.


Or buy a car that is not so hard to wash the roof. You are really making this a bigger deal than it is. Nathan is 5'2" and still washes his.

 

[NathanJax]

Nathan is 5'2" and still washes his.