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What did you do to your Ranger today?

WolfgangVTS

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Installed some Lund SX series fender flares and a stubby antenna.

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Your truck looks great.

Any fitment issues with the side marker lights with your new flares?
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XL GT

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Your truck looks great.

Any fitment issues with the side marker lights with your new flares?

Thanks. And no, the lights fit pretty well. The driver's side was a little loose, but no issues with it. The rubber trim that was with it was worthless. Too small and too much of a pain to install, so I ordered some bigger rubber trim off Amazon. Worked out much better.
 

Glocker

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Woo hoo!
It's not perfect but I'm still happy with it (and that's unusual!). Starting two days ago, I sanded down and washed the fender flares that @OFC Ranger gifted to me (that I've been modifying to fit around my snorkel and front bumper). Last night I wiped them down with acetone, tacked them off, and then hit them with some adhesion promoter.

This morning I had to get up at 0500 to take my wife to the airport (?) so when I got home at 0640, I tacked them off again and got 'em with two coats of Raptor Liner.

Again, it's not perfect. My "body work" on where I bonded the plastic together leaves a little to be desired. I'm actually a little surprised that the Raptor liner actually accentuates my shoddy work rather than covering it. But I'm still happy with it.
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BS67

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Woo hoo!
It's not perfect but I'm still happy with it (and that's unusual!). Starting two days ago, I sanded down and washed the fender flares that @OFC Ranger gifted to me (that I've been modifying to fit around my snorkel and front bumper). Last night I wiped them down with acetone, tacked them off, and then hit them with some adhesion promoter.

This morning I had to get up at 0500 to take my wife to the airport (?) so when I got home at 0640, I tacked them off again and got 'em with two coats of Raptor Liner.

Again, it's not perfect. My "body work" on where I bonded the plastic together leaves a little to be desired. I'm actually a little surprised that the Raptor liner actually accentuates my shoddy work rather than covering it. But I'm still happy with it.
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Lookin good, John!
 

subquark

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Wash day...
Started about 6:30 am this morning and done before the sun hit so no water marks. I like to wash by hand using the 2-bucket method to get in some extra exercise. Use Mr. Pink car wash and it works well. Water not beading up much this wash so will Wax this afternoon with Meguiar's nXt Gen. Tech Wax 2

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It looks great! I love Mr. Pink and the two-bucket method always gets better results. But I'm pretty lazy - some times I only soap cannon and rinse! =O

Last time I was a little more motivated but only a single bucket with grate and a mitt-on-a-stick.

But that does miss spots that I tend to then do with a small microfiber. It would probably be less work if I just did your two-bucket way!

Anyway ... your truck looks great! Plus it's a SuperCab, so ... you know ... it always looks better anyway! ;)
 

OrangeStreak

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Waxed the truck yesterday...

I used Meguiar's NXT gen Tech Wax 2.0 because it had some of the highest overall review ratings. Besides I've had good experiences with previous Meguiar products. Wasn't happy with the other wax I was using.

Pros:
1. Easy to extract the exact amount needed out of the container without spillage.
2. Easy to apply evenly directly out of the container without having to dilute it by dampening the applicator pad.
3. Doesn't dry and haze over too quickly after applying it. Was able to apply the wax to the whole truck before buffing.
4. Easy to wipe off.
5. Deep wet look. Nice shine. Expand the pics and it will show.

Cons:
None yet. Waiting to see if it will hold up for a reasonable amount of time in our hot high desert climate.

Took about 2 hours and 1 cup of coffee to finish. Took my time and made sure the whole paint surface was covered evenly and properly with wax.

I did miss several spots that needed clay-bar and no problem to go back and fix that.

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Meguiar's NXT Gen Tech Wax 2.0.jpg
 
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OrangeStreak

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Discovered (Yesterday) I indeed need an engine cover... Thanks ford.
oIJIOu9.webp

Wet harnness
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And of course, water seeping into the spark plug well.
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I got an engine cover and hoping it will keep moisture out of the plug wells ?

After (best).jpg
 

subquark

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Waxed the truck yesterday...

I used Meguiar's NXT gen Tech Wax 2.0 because it had some of the highest overall review ratings. Besides I've had good experiences with previous Meguiar products. Wasn't happy with the previous wax I was using.

Pros:
1. Easy to extract the exact amount wanted out of the container without spillage.
2. Easy to apply evenly without having to dilute it by dampening the applicator pad.
3. Doesn't dry and haze over too quickly after applying it. Was able to apply the wax to the whole truck before buffing.
4. Easy to wipe off.
5. Deep wet look. Nice shine. Expand the pics and it will show.

Cons:
None yet. Waiting to see if it will hold up for a reasonable amount of time in our hot high desert climate.

Took about 2 hours and 1 cup of coffee to finish. Took my time and made sure the whole paint surface was covered evenly and properly with wax.

I did miss several spots that needed clay-bar and no problem to go back and fix that.

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Thanks for the details and sharing your experience. I've only used 303 Graphene (because @AzScorpion!). =p

The last wax I ever used was in the '80 and it was Turtle Wax in a metal can! =D

I love how easy graphene is to use and buff off and it has plenty of shine for me. BUT ... I don't know any different.

I watch videos but I always suspect some level of promotion, so reading about your use if far more appreciated (and believed!).

Thanks, your truck really looks fantastic! =)

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RedDakooter05

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I got an engine cover and hoping it will keep moisture out of the plug wells ?

After (best).jpg
I'm debating if I should waste my time with the phone call battle with dealerships trying to get a cover for free, or if I should just look at that aftermarket unit. It seems cheaper than trying to find an OEM in stock.

For now I ordered a u-shape style seal to shove over the cowl edge. See how that goes.
Don't want to out-right seal the two edges cause the water will need to go somewhere otherwise it'll just rust out my cowl area.
 

subquark

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I'm debating if I should waste my time with the phone call battle with dealerships trying to get a cover for free, or if I should just look at that aftermarket unit. It seems cheaper than trying to find an OEM in stock.

For now I ordered a u-shape style seal to shove over the cowl edge. See how that goes.
Don't want to out-right seal the two edges cause the water will need to go somewhere otherwise it'll just rust out my cowl area.
I've never looked to see if I have plug water. I have the cover, more out of want than need, and also to make a nice mouse home!

But what I do is open the hood from time to time and blow out the engine at 90 psi and try to get under the cover to blast away nut shells and maybe water. Although it's kind of deep on that back plug and I doubt the air reaches it too well.

Of course, I then follow up with liberal squirts of peppermint oil, so if water's not pooling there, the peppermint probably is!

Say hello to little Speedy!
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Glocker

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Ohhhhhh noooooooo! I was so excited! All of the hardware I need to install the fender flares will be arriving today, and I figured I'd install them this evening and just drive my wife's car around while the Raptor liner cured.

But you can't let it get wet for three days, and it's raining every day for the next week! Booooooooo!

Oh well, the Raptor dried enough that I was able to move the flares to the other side of the garage and clean everything up and uncover my Mustang. They look good!
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