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BLOWN AWAY
In 1994, Denny and Dawn Johns picked up a ’55 Chevy two-door sedan. Along with Dale Johns, the couple runs Van Buren, Arkansas’ D&D Specialty Cars (479/414-2654), so it was no huge deal to think they would quickly rebuild the ’55 into something very special; after all, they had sold the car and its rebuild to Ed Johns, Denny’s father.
But about a year later, a major tornado tore through Van Buren, and along with most everything else, it left the ’55 demolished from bumper to bumper. Since the car wasn’t the only thing destroyed in the tornado’s path, it took a back seat as the Johns family rebuilt their homes and their business. Then in 2003, Ed sold the ’55 back to Denny and Dawn, and the couple decided to rebuild the car for themselves. Apparently the original plan was to build a nice driver, but once under way, Denny says, “We couldn’t find a good stopping point.” So they didn’t—stop, that is—until three years later.


539HP 383 On Pump Gas
Time and time again, our advice to those interested in learning about stout-running engines is that it’s the total combination that makes it all happen—considering, of course, that components are prepped, cleaned and assembled as if in a “clean room.”
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Sweet Patina
Preserving and Beautifying the Unique Character of Your Patina Finish
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Scott Killeen
We recently had the opportunity to work on a Levi’s Edition AMC Jeep Renegade—a unique piece of off-road history that has undoubtedly seen its fair share of adventures. The exterior still boasts its original paint, complete with bumps, scrapes, and surface rust that showcase the character that comes with many years of use and enjoyment. Rather than opting for a fresh new repaint, our mission was to preserve its tough, battle-worn patina while adding protection and a nice polished matte finish to show it some love. We wanted to enhance its character, highlighting its scars instead of hiding them, and, with the assistance of Sweet Patina’s products, we accomplished this beautifully. This Jeep didn’t spend its life tucked away in a garage; its paint tells a story, with each scratch, chip, and faded patch serving as a badge of honor. We felt that applying a shiny new paint job would be a disservice to this classic Renegade.
To achieve this, we chose Sweet Patina’s Patina “Sauce” because it strikes the perfect mix of protection and style. Its finish lets the Jeep’s original patina shine, showing off the character and depth of the aged surface without hiding its history. It’s super easy to use—just wipe it on and wipe it off. Once applied, the formula penetrates the metal and hardens, creating a water-resistant layer that also repels moisture. This helps prevent rust and further damage, keeping the patina looking great while protecting the metal underneath. In short, it was the best way to preserve the Jeep’s rugged charm.
Getting Ready: Prep Work Is Key
Before diving into Sweet Patina’s “Trio” kit, we took a good look at the Jeep. Our focus is on preservation, so we started with a clean surface, rinsing off the loose dirt and dust—no soap yet—we let it dry completely. We also looked for any serious rust, ready to handle that too. Fortunately there was only surface rust to contend with.
Step 1: Clean It with “So Fresh and Clean”
First up was Sweet Patina’s “So Fresh and Clean” All-Purpose Cleaner. We sprayed it down generously, especially on the dirtiest parts, and then used 3M Final Stripping Pads to scrub away tougher oxidation and grime. For the more delicate areas, we used 3M Between Coats Finishing Pads. Our aim was to clean it up without making it look new—just setting the stage for what was to come.
Step 2: Apply the Patina “Sauce”
Now came the magic with Patina Sauce. This product, boasting over 20 ingredients, was designed to preserve the Jeep’s finish while keeping the original character front and center. We grabbed a clean cloth and rubbed it in, allowing the Sauce to soak in for about 15-20 minutes. The initial glossy look is just a temporary part of the process. Once it settled, we wiped it down to reveal a beautiful matte finish that kept all the battle scars intact. Plus, Patina Sauce added a water-resistant, tough-as-nails layer to protect the Jeep from the elements while enhancing its rugged charm.
Step 3: Wipe It Down
After the Sauce worked its magic, we grabbed another cloth for a final wipe-down. The gloss we saw earlier was gone, leaving us with a smooth, matte finish that preserved all the character without turning the Jeep into a dust magnet or sticky mess. It remained tough and ready for the trail, but now had a protective layer to ensure it lasts for years to come.
Step 4: Finish with “Happy Ending” Detail Spray
To wrap things up, we finished with the “Happy Ending” Detail Spray. This product is perfect for quick touch-ups after a trail run or a day at the beach. Safe for just about everything—paint, interior, windows—you name it—it helped keep the Jeep looking fresh while enhancing the look of the patina. This new finish will last between 6 months to a year, depending on whether you store the vehicle indoors or outdoors; results may vary.
The Bottom Line: Locking in the Legacy
With a little effort and the right tools, we successfully preserved and enhanced the patina on our Levi’s Edition Jeep. We didn’t erase its history; instead, we preserved it, giving it just enough sheen to stand out while staying true to its roots. Now, it’s time to hit the trails and make new memories.
Want to keep your ride looking just as good? Head over to SweetPatina.com to grab the “Trio” Patina Care Kit used here or any of their top-notch detailing products to keep your classic sharp and protected!
AB Fast Fact:
Linseed oil might seem like a quick fix for enhancing patina, but watch out—it can literally catch fire on its own! Those oily rags can spontaneously combust if left crumpled up, thanks to the heat generated during the drying process. Lay them out flat to dry or toss them in a sealed metal container. Better yet, skip the risk altogether with Sweet Patina’s products. They’ll give you that killer patina finish without the worry of going up in flames!
ARTICLE SOURCES
Sweet Patina
Home of the Original Patina Sauce ®️ - Patina Preserver







