08' fading clear coat

Just picked up a white 2008 Tacoma DCSB. Mechanically it's in great shape for its mileage. I already changed fluids in diffs and transfer, new spark plugs, lubed all points.

The bad part of the truck is that it seems to have a "missing" clear coat. Almost like it saw some harsh cleaners cause its gone from the entire truck except for a small spot on the rear of the bed,both sides, where a sticker was. The clear in that spot looks great.

So I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem with their paint? I'm hoping I don't need to respray the entire truck.

 

pics?

 

Unfortunately using my iPhone I can't get a pic where glare from the lights isn't making it look shiney. I was told by a friend to do a little test, wet my finger and rub the truck. If it gets shiney then there's still clear. If it stays dull/matte or any color rubs off then the clear is gone. Well I tried it and there was a small amount of white paint left on my finger. Clear is def gone

 

You never had clear to begin with. Yours is a single stage super white that can look great for a long time but it takes effort. So what you're experiencing is normal for a truck that is not waxed regularly. Also, clearcoat (on vehicles that have it) doesn't just go away when neglected it bubbles or peels leaving you no choice but to respray. You might be able to bring back the shine on your own but I would recommend taking it to a skilled detailer who can polish it with a buffer.

 

Interesting, so super white is just single stage paint? Were there any other colors just single stage and no clear or was that it?

 

I had a 2006 super white and I experienced the same thing, I eventually had it redone at about 165,000 miles. I had a dent in my roof and hood, then the tops of the fenders started going. My dealer fixed my dents and sprayed it all including the bumper and flares for $800, it looked better than new. A year later I traded it in, I hope the new owner enjoys the shine...LOL.

I don't think that white is the only color, I think it was silver too, but not 100% sure.

 

I have seen several red tacomas faded badly, but my silver 05 still shines great.

 

All of the Non metalic and Non pearl colors are single stage paint.

The silver streak is metalic and has a clearcoat.

 

I've got some spots that are dull starting on my 2011 super white. It's been waxed and is washed regularly.

 

There are some advantages to single stage jobs. You can normally bring back the like new luster with a good polishing. Check the following link for a pretty great comparison

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...en-single-stage-paints-clear-coat-paints.html

 

They painted the entire truck and fixed the dents for $800?? There is a good body shop in my area that quoted me a 2 stage Super White for $2500. Never asked about another single stage paint job though.

 

This is very easy to fix just a little elbow grease with a buffer. Go to any auto parts and buy a deoxidizer or the " heavy cut " Mcguires. Rub the whole truck out with that first, then a polish then a wax and it will look better than new. A single shot paint is actually more workable than a clear coat because once you scratch through a clear coat you are F'd. Single shot paint is much easier to touch up, wet sand and work with a buffer.

 

Well you guys were correct, had the truck professionally buffed and waxed and the shine came back. I'll be waxing it every few months now.

 

Glad everything worked out for you man!

 

Great news! Any before and after pics?