I think I may have figured out where the psychosis comes from...My dad told me today, that back in the day, he bought a Harley (oh bout late 50's or so)...Every day for like the first month he had it, he would put a coat of Simoniz on it...Guess it's hereditary...

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I use a bottle brush on the inside of the box frame.

Don't forget to polish the BACKS of your headlights.

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I use toothpicks to get the small stuff out of the tire treads.

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I use a pipe cleaner to clean the screw holes for the wind deflector and cargo basket....


My name is Rob, and I am a Xterracoholic.



[This message has been edited by rch (edited 04-22-2001).]

well..seeing as how i got it 2 days ago and have washed it 2X already and have ~200 miles on it and picked it up with ~10..i think you can say i am obssesed.
what is sicker, is it doesn't even have the paint protectant on yet, or the interior smuck and it's already been off road OH MY! ahh well..it's been cleaned and looks brand spanking new..as it should

anyhow...they say wait how long before waxing? ) already been done..whoops

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[This message has been edited by X terrin it up (edited 04-22-2001).]

not necessarily, i wash it almost never and the only rust i have is where i have been stupid and accidently scratched the paint off, like when i slid into that tree on the trail. i beat the snot out of it on the trails, service the mechanical bits WAY more often than nissan recommends, and it has held up beautifully. the way i see it, treating the inards best is way more important than the paint job or any sheet metal.

I'd be questioning how often people get their Xs serviced than washing it. paint can be replaced or touched up much cheaper than have the mechanical bits worked on when not taken care of.

yeah, it's called obsessive compulsion.



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Synchro (aka Kirk)
2000 Alpine Green 4x4 Auto, ARB, Warn XD9000, 32" BFG MTs

As a proud owner of a super black X that looks like I just got it off the showroom floor I have to say. My name is ivan and I am an Xterra holic. I armor all my spare as well, never know when you will have to put it on, as my gear basket on the roof. And let me tell you cleaning that basket is a pain you gotta get in all the little squares.

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'01 Ultra-black XE
Waag front and rear gaurd
Tinted Windows
Souped up system
love it.

I q-tip the driver's key hole. I wipe down inside of doors once a week. I windex my PIAA's I soap the sun roof from the inside of cabin. I tuck rear seat belt recepticles under the cushions for a clean look. I wax the roof rack bars. I clean the top 1/4 inch of each window twice a week so they look clean when partially down. I turtle wax the tires (not the spare though) I soap the wiper blades. OCD anyone?


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xterrainyourface GO BLUE!
'01 Super Black SE V6 automatic 4x4 6-pack in the back

uh ok you win ya big psycho.

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'01 super black XE 4x4
Waag front and rear gaurd
Tinted Windows
Souped up system
love it.

An excellent way to clean and protect the frame and wheelwells is to spray armor-all foam tire dressing. No after rubbing. Looks great!!

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01 Goldrush XE w/3 pack
4x2, Silver WAAG front & back, PIAA 520 & 1400 Lights

hey does that really work or are you just jokin.

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'01 super black XE 4x4
Waag front and rear gaurd
Tinted Windows
Souped up system
love it.

I use Meguiar's Gold Classic Endurance for tires on the tires and then the frame rails ... gives a very flat finish, easy to do and looks terrific ...

That's of course, after doing everything suggested by all the posts above this one ...

I'd do the tire treads, but Maguiars specifically cautions about treads and bicycle seats ... too slippery ...

I still use a toothbrush on my '57 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe when cleaning under the hood ... I find that with proper care, a quality toothbrush will last at least a year ...

How 'bout the bumpers and side rail treads ... are they metal, plastic, plastic covered metal or what ?? ... what would be safe on them ? ... I'm ready to use Turtle Wax Formula 2001 which I know is safe, but would like to 'darken' them a bit ...

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Pepper Kay
"All my X are belong to me"
SWXC #39

The bumper material and other trim pieces like on the step rails are plastic...

I've found that "Back to Black" works best. Normal protectants wash off or leave a white wax-like residue - kinda nasty. B2B is clean, seemingly silicone-based, doesn't wash off easily (even looks good in the rain!) and restores the original luster nicely.

For the interior, I started to use protectant, but decided instead to just wipe it all down with a slightly damp cloth instead and get a sunscreen for the windshield. Looks good, smells like "new car" and doesn't leave films or residues.

I do have Meguiars vinyl protectant though - which is nice, as it's not one of those "pimped out super glossy" types of sprays. It leaves a nice, natural finish.

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01SE 6cyl 5spd SolrYelow

I did the treads on the side rails and the bottom of the mud flaps with the Meguiars ... they look terrific ... now, gonna do the rest of the mud flaps and the body side molding ...

When I rap on the bumper (front), it sure sounds like metal ... if that's so, then it's painted and I best not put anything on it ... I'll try the B2B as suggested and make a comparison with the Meguiars ...

On the inside, I think I'll follow your suggestion and just do a rubdown with a clean cloth ... Armor All and others like it seem to leave a residue on everything after awhile and they feel sticky to me ...

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Pepper Kay
"All my X are belong to me"
SWXC #39

Oh, right - yeah, the bumpers proper are indeed metal, but painted to match the plastic. You can tell which is which.

I use B2B on ALL the trim pieces, bumpers, mirrors, treads, etc. and it works nicely. Go for it and I think you'll agree!

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01SE 6cyl 5spd SolrYelow