Keep It Like New

[BaseModelCanadian]

When you say dash protector, are you referring to ppf on the screen and dash?

No, I was actually referring to a protector for the top of the dash. Full length lumber in the 2dr has to sit up there, and it scratched the dash under the windshield. Something like a 70's style dashboard shag rug would've prevented that

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[CBNash]

I'm gonna be a bit contrarian

I love the look of a nice truck. And I don't go out of my way to demolish things. But as soon as I gave up trying to keep everything looking perfect, I started having a lot more fun in my Bronco.

I still wash it and wax it. I still clean all the dust out and vacuum. I haven't stopped doing any of the care that I used to do. I just don't stress out over the dings and scratches any more. Especially on the plastic, since it's so difficult to keep looking new. So long as each imperfection is made worth it on a good memory, I've made my peace and I'm cool with it.

Thank you so much for this! I know I'm over thinking (one of my super awesome traits lol). This is my first custom truly new vehicle, so I'm super excited! But I also know myself and that it too will not stay pristine I'm just trying to help my future self
Thank you so much for your feedback! Super appreciated!

 

[CBNash]

Love your opinion here and I share it. When I was young I worried about every imperfection on my cars. With some age I've learned to maintain them as best as I can similar to you but not be uptight like I was as a kid. If I scratch my bronco wheeling im not gonna get upset. I'll polish and correct the scratch the best I can and move on. If the damage is bad enough I'll get it professionally repaired.

My .02 do what you can to mitigate damage (sills, put some graphene or ceramic on the paint, get a hood protector, etc) and then go out and have an adventure. I just added mud flaps by Mabett and that helps keep rocks from banging my paint after being offroad. The sasquatch tires love to cling to rocks so you're helping yourself and traffic behind you with those. It will throw rocks for 20 minutes after you're back on the pavement.

Go get muddy. Have fun.

Thank you so much! I can't wait to enjoy it!

 

[CBNash]

No, I was actually referring to a protector for the top of the dash. Full length lumber in the 2dr has to sit up there, and it scratched the dash under the windshield. Something like a 70's style dashboard shag rug would've prevented that

I'll add the shag to my list

 

[Jakob1972]

I keep a layer of protective dust/dirt on my Bronco at all times. Other than rock chips the paint still looks new. Just try not to trash it and you will be fine. But sill guards would be a good idea, now that I have warn to the primer on the driver side I might get me a set.

 

[CBNash]

I keep a layer of protective dust/dirt on my Bronco at all times. Other than rock chips the paint still looks new. Just try not to trash it and you will be fine. But sill guards would be a good idea, now that I have warn to the primer on the driver side I might get me a set.

Love this! I'm definitely not good about washing my car glad I'm not alone

 

[EvilJim1971]

Step 1: take it off road and find a huge puddle... And get the anxiety out of the way ASAP.

 

[CBNash]

Step 1: take it off road and find a huge puddle... And get the anxiety out of the way ASAP.

Lol. Totally fair!

 

[Desmolicious]

Thanks so much! You recommend the IAG mudflaps specifically?

Yeah, super easy to fit and no drilling required. I bought some Weathertec ones before I got the IAG because they were a big name I recognized. Weathertec claim no drilling, but, how should I put this? - a complete lie as you need to drill through the fender well liner.
When I complained to them (and returned the product) they had no explanation for why they claimed no drill!
Also, their front ones do not remotely follow the lines of the Bronco. Still a massive gap - they look like you just bought some generic ones from a gas station.

Bottom line - the IAG ones look like they came from Ford. I would buy these again.

 

[Nc211]

I'm gonna be a bit contrarian

I love the look of a nice truck. And I don't go out of my way to demolish things. But as soon as I gave up trying to keep everything looking perfect, I started having a lot more fun in my Bronco.

I still wash it and wax it. I still clean all the dust out and vacuum. I haven't stopped doing any of the care that I used to do. I just don't stress out over the dings and scratches any more. Especially on the plastic, since it's so difficult to keep looking new. So long as each imperfection is made worth it on a good memory, I've made my peace and I'm cool with it.

I know others have replied in support of this post by Brian, and I could not agree more with it and the responses as well!! THIS, is the real appeal and beauty of the Bronco, truly.

I'm 52. The Bronco is my "jeep" like vehicle (my 20th overall). Always went for the shiny luxury stuff. Lexus, Mercedes, several GTI's, etc. Not knocking any of them, they were/are all great and treated me well (I do take care of my stuff). The car my Bronco replaced was a pristine MB 2014 E350 sedan. Many in my life couldn't believe I gave it up for a Ford Bronco.

Hands down, no debate about it, after 2 years and nearly 25k miles, my Bronco is 100% my all-time favorite vehicle I have ever owned. It is the most enjoyable, the most entertaining, and I simply adore the hell out of it. Not necessarily because of what it is, but because of what it is NOT, and what that freedom of it NOT being a rattle-free ultra fast super smooth luxury sedan. It rattles. It jiggles. It wiggles. The front mud flap is broken from an ice mound I went over this past winter. The stereo (even with the upgraded B&O system) sometimes sounds like it came out of an 80's F-150. I LOVE all of that! Just today, after a week of driving with the rear windows out, I took the electric leaf blower and blew out the dust from the dash board. I told my wife that I LOVE a vehicle that is meant to have as much dust/pollen in it, as on it!

That being said - I do take care of my things. And mine still looks brand new (except the broken mud flap). Here is what I did/do:

1) Clay bar detail it right away. I used some home DIY "ceramic" coating called "Black Ice" two years ago. The paint is still smooth as silk, nothing really sticks to it.

2) Get the front hood bug guard that has the lip/hump in it. Will help deflect bug hits via changing the aerodynamics over the hood.

3) Mud flaps for sure. Whatever kind you want, just want something to take the debris hit that will come off the tires instead of it being sent up the side of your car. I have 0% scratches / dings on mine. I would recommend the rear flaps too. While no real damage prevention with them, but does help to keep rocks from being flung towards the cars behind you a bit.

4) If you're a soft top - a bottle of the Meguires plastic/vinyl cleaner/polish will keep the soft top windows looking new and perfectly clear. Also great for the front grill and headlights. Maybe two, three times a year. Takes 10 minutes.


On the interior:

1) I do use the bottle of leather/vinyl cleaner from Ford. I've found that it works well and doesn't leave a sheen. I also use the 303 protectant on the dash and top of the doors. I've found it really helps to bring out the deep color (roast interior) and doesn't leave a greasy film. The plastics like it, brings out the darkness of the blacks without looking like a can of ArmorAll exploded in the car.

2) Just have one of those yellow microfiber rags from Costco in the glove box. Very handy to wipe it down with.

3) Window haze (especially the inside of the windshield) - a bottle of isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle with that yellow rag in the glove box, will keep the glass 100% clear and streak free. Also great to wipe the infotainment screen with and the gauge cluster screen. DON'T soak it, be smart with it, certainly not meant for the leathers/vinyls. Just the glass.

Otherwise, enjoy!!!

 

[CBNash]

Yeah, super easy to fit and no drilling required. I bought some Weathertec ones before I got the IAG because they were a big name I recognized. Weathertec claim no drilling, but, how should I put this? - a complete lie as you need to drill through the fender well liner.
When I complained to them (and returned the product) they had no explanation for why they claimed no drill!
Also, their front ones do not remotely follow the lines of the Bronco. Still a massive gap - they look like you just bought some generic ones from a gas station.

Bottom line - the IAG ones look like they came from Ford. I would buy these again.

Perfect! Thank you for the laugh and the rec

 

[EvilJim1971]

Lol. Totally fair!

This is my 23 Heritage Edition 2 door.
Waited 1205 days from reservation to it being delivered.
My wife and I cut short our vacation in Maine and drove back home to pick it up.
This photo was about 3 weeks after we got it.
We take great care of it, somewhat like a child at home.
When I wash it, it usually take at least 2 hours.
Anything I think it may need, it gets.
But it gets used,
Yes mud, but rocks, trails, road trips, commuting, dog hauler.
Love it and care for it, just make sure you enjoy it.

 

[Scott R Nelson]

New Bronco comes in soon (in theory). I want to keep it pristine for as long as possible.

You're doing it wrong.

I drove mine up a rough muddy hill the day I bought it, just to clarify that I bought it to be driven off road in dirty, muddy conditions. Then I had to figure out how to get the mud back out of the fender wells, etc.

This is it, the same day I bought it:

 

[Kevin Scarbel]

Do you do this yourself? Or have it professionally done? How often?

I do it myself. My cousin had an obsession with detailing. We both grew up in the dealer world as well, he cars and me commercial trucks. I watched the high-end products enter the scene in the early 1980s. We tried everything. A lot of fun.
Anyway, if you need any advise, glade to help.
How often, I use German Menzerna sealant, which lasts about 6 months. I have chemicals for cleaning tires, and then the professional tire dressing. None of this is sold in stores.
I enjoy doing it myself. If you stay on top of it, it's not much work at all.

 

[CBNash]

I do it myself. My cousin had an obsession with detailing. We both grew up in the dealer world as well, he cars and me commercial trucks. I watched the high-end products enter the scene in the early 1980s. We tried everything. A lot of fun.
Anyway, if you need any advise, glade to help.
How often, I use German Menzerna sealant, which lasts about 6 months. I have chemicals for cleaning tires, and then the professional tire dressing. None of this is sold in stores.
I enjoy doing it myself. If you stay on top of it, it's not much work at all.

If the products you use aren't in stores, where do you get them?
I have no idea how to detail a car, so I'd gladly take literally any guidance you have!

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