I started to correct aesthetic elements in my truck

One of the great challenges of having a truck like mine, is that it can be quite complicated to make touch-ups or aesthetic modifications. The Jeep Wagoneer Limited, which is the one I have, is a tribute to the Jeep Wagoneer that we have seen so much out there, what the brand did was to take the Jeep Cherokee XJ model, modify some internal elements and added a strip in the center with the typical wood effect paper that we see in the Wagoneer, but, ultimately, the Wagoneer Limited is actually a Cherokee XJ in at least 95%.

So, in order to maintain the aesthetics and the essence of my Wagoneer Limited, it is essential that the strip with wood effect paper is kept safe and sound, but we know that time and weather are enemies of materials of this type, so sooner or later it is necessary to replace it with the same or at least similar, and well, there is the problem that I am currently dealing with and that, at least in the city where I live, do not sell the original wood effect paper and not even a similar one.

Now, understanding that I will not get the wood effect paper, I have to make decisions based on that, so for the moment I decided that I will correct the problems in the external bodywork (internal rust) and paint the affected areas of the original green color that has the truck, but I will leave the paper that is not deteriorated because otherwise I would have to remove everything and paint the truck in its entirety, which right now I can not do.

Las zonas más afectadas son la compuerta trasera y el panel en donde está la entrada del tanque de gasolina, ésta última tiene muchos problemas de forma y de corrosión que debo corregir para que deje de expandirse, así que en ese sentido raspamos y retiramos el material dañado y por el momento le agregamos fondo acrílico, en los próximos días agregaremos masilla y le daremos la forma correcta para luego pintar.

Another complicated element of this model of trucks is that they have a beige aluminum molding that over time is deteriorating, it was a complete nightmare to remove them as they were very glued, now it's time to sand and paint them to bring them back to life. The truth is that restoring the moldings is a task that I am anxious to finish because it was one of the elements that had more damage and that affected visually.

The other parts of the truck to be restored are the hood and the roof, the clear coat is very sunburned, so we must sand to remove the old clear to paint the corresponding color and add new clear. Fortunately, it is not necessary to add putty or apply acrylic primer, so applying a good sanding will be more than enough to get a good final finish.

At times comes to my mind the idea of removing all the wood effect paper and paint the whole truck green, but budget is not possible, at least for the moment, so I will try to restore what is in my hands with the resources available, so it seems, the result will be positive. In the next few days I will share the progress and of course the final result. It was a pleasure to share my experience. Best regards!