Roof Oxidation

Hello all,
I clayed and waxed my truck today and noticed some oxidation on the roof. Does anyone have any tips or tricks to keep this from spreading? As far as I know this is the only spot on the truck so far. Its a 2008 and it lives outside so I know oxidation is almost inevitable but id like to prevent it getting worse. If there is a similar thread out there point me to it and I will delete this one. Thanks!

 

Frequent waxing.

I have a 2009 and I'm taking the opposite approach: Let things go to hell and do a complete repaint here in about 5 or 6 years at the 20 year mark. The roof and hood look like shit because I'm lazy as hell about washing it.

 

Seems that is where is mine is headed too haha. Waxing is definitely a pain in the ass. Admittedly I have neglected the roof when it comes to waxing so it makes sense that is where the oxidation has started.

 

Put a rattle can of clear coat in hot water to warm it up then spray the living shit out of it

 

Oxidation is UV damaged clearcoat which Ultimately needs to be removed. I would start by wet sanding the effected area followed by compound, polish and protectant of choice. Its a multi step operation but is really the only way to properly remove said oxidation. Considering the age of your paint and the fact you park it outside all the time I'd apply the protectant every three months.

 

@Bradyknight14 curious how things have progressed. What’s the truck look like now.

 

Don't be surprised when it seems to suddenly accelerate. Mine was windburned last summer and now I've got rust and need to get on it before it starts getting pinholes- and the hood had some chips but was still black at the beginning of the summer; since the weather got hot the center of the hood has really oxidized despite clay barring, washing and then heavily waxing the paint that was left on it at the beginning of summer. Toyota's black mica had problems with chipping right after it came out though.

 

Unfortunately, welcome to the club.

 

Your clear coat is failing. This is typical with Tacos starting around 10 years or older. You can try all kinds of things but nothing really works other than a new paint job. Once the clear coat starts failing it’s progressive, it doesn’t stop. Some things may slow the process down, but it’s temporary. Also it usually starts on the roof or hood area where it gets the most sun exposure.
My clear coat started looking like shit at 10 years. After a year of that I got it painted. 4 years later still looks like new.

 

Unfortunately, as others have said it did accelerate shortly after I posted that. On the bright side I no longer care about scratches. Maybe I’ll repaint one day. My hood and tops of doors are most effected.

 

I had mine refinished at a body shop for $250, it was just too far gone.

 

For future knowledge, your rubber weather strips are like a "canary in the coal mine" when it comes to UV degradation. Once you see those turn white and chalky it means everything else on that same "plane" has gone to shit as well. Rubber weather strips should be a rich dark black when kept it good shape.

No idea where OP lives, but location can also matter when it comes to UV damage:

- Higher altitudes, being closer to the sun.. (even if it's cold weather like Colorado Springs)
- Hotter places like Phoenix or Vegas


Always park in shade if possible, garage is ideal. Keep all outer surfaces waxed/coated and avoid going through automatic car washes since those use much stronger soaps that can strip protection.

 

I've got this happening on my 09, mainly on the hood. Yesterday I waxed the truck and noticed my roof is now effected, small spot but that's how it starts

 

My truck has the oxidized finish with a little bit of base coat for color.

 

My 09 went from super white to chalky beige. I quit routine waxing 5 years ago.

 

Wind burn as well; I've got paint missing inside my suicide doors (Access cab) and a couple of other places that don't get much if any sun but apparently the air flows across it. As you said, you need a multi-pronged approach to fighting it since multiple things cause it. The EPA and crappy modern paint definitely hasn't helped; sure Imron was toxic as hell and would destroy your brain and liver if you don't use proper PPE and technique, but it sure lasts.

 

Unfortunately I don't think most vehicle owners realize that cars/trucks of today are nowhere near as durable as the ones from decades ago. Even more sobering is to buy one of these new $80K+ trucks only to realize they use the same thin paint and glass as cheaper entry level vehicles. You literally have to pamper a modern vehicle if you want it to last.

 

My 2013 (silver) lives outside at 7300’ in New Mexico. I’ve resigned myself to the inevitable.

What’s sad is that there is a ‘58 DeSoto on blocks next to an abandoned A-frame cabin back in the woods that had pretty good paint.

 

I'm about to tackle mine. Wolfgang https://wolfgangcarcare.com/ detailing products are outstanding. Multi step process: https://wolfgangcarcare.com/five-steps-to-detailing.html , incredible results.

 

Welcome to the club...