3963 messages,
Last post on Aug 24, 2009 at 2:18 PM
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Maintenance & Repair Forum.
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Exterior, Auto Body, Paint, Coupe, Convertible, Hatchback, Truck, Sedan, Wagon, SUV, Van
#3924 of 3963 Re: Need Expert Opinion [tallman1]
by tallman1
Mar 11, 2008 (5:29 pm)
I finally got around to posting a couple of pics of my car after washing but before adding the spray-on wax. At the time this was taken, the paint sealant had been on about 10-11 months, I think. There are a couple more pics on my CarSpace page.
See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com">
(Hmm, it shows up for me on preview but not when I view the page. If you can't see the image, you'll have to visit here: Tallman's CarSpace page)
#3925 of 3963 hard water spots
by bretfraz
Mar 12, 2008 (8:56 pm)
Based on your description, it sounds like hard water spots, maybe some sort of calcinated residue. First thing I'd try is vinegar applied with a towel. Vinegar is acidic and will break the bond between the deposits and the surface. Might take a couple applications and/or some soaking, but its plenty safe to use.
The spots could also be polished off mechanically. You'll need a polishing compound and either a buffer or some elbow grease. Apply with a cotton terry or foam applicator and, again, it might need a couple attempts.
I can't recommend a lime remover as I don't know the composition and haven't tested it myself. Read the fine print and try it if you feel it'll be OK for your car.
#3926 of 3963 Re: hard water spots [bretfraz]
by stevenyc
Mar 13, 2008 (7:35 am)
Thanks for the feedback. I'll try the vinegar first and let you know how it works.
Mar 17, 2008 (1:55 pm)
After going through all the trouble to clean, seal and wax my car I would like to hand wash it with something that won't strip the wax off. I know blue Dawn is recommended to strip the old wax off but is there something that will take light road dirt off and leave the wax?
#3928 of 3963 Re: Strippers... [oldfarmer50]
by mcdawgg
Mar 17, 2008 (5:15 pm)
Strippers? Oh, that kind.
I just use Turtle wax car wash soap or any other car wash soap - it will not strip wax. Do not use hot water, and do not use too much soap.
What did you use to seal and wax?
#3929 of 3963 Re: Strippers... [oldfarmer50]
by tallman1
Mar 17, 2008 (9:26 pm)
is there something that will take light road dirt off and leave the wax?
We've all got our favorites.
I'm reluctant to make any suggestions because I don't want to sound like a broken record. I'm very satisfied with what I use. You can search on my past posts to get an idea.
There are many products out there that would do the work. Some cost more than others, of course.
#3930 of 3963 Re: Strippers... [mcdawgg]
by oldfarmer50
Mar 18, 2008 (8:45 am)
"...Oh, that kind..."
LOL I figured that title would get some attention.
I used Mother's 3 step system (see my previous posts). It took a lot of time and I'd like it to last.
Sounds like what you're saying is to just go light on the soap and use cool water. I'll try that. I wouldn't mind giving it another coat of wax but I don't want to seal and wax again so soon.
Thanks
#3931 of 3963 Scratch Under Front Bumper
by tl_2007s
Apr 01, 2008 (11:32 am)
Well, I felt very stupid afterwards, but here it goes.... While trying to park the car at the shopping mall, I came too close to the pavement. That part of the pavement was red. So, now under the front bumper of my TL, I have red paint scratches...about 10 inches long area! It is not visible unless you go down and look at the bottom of the bumper.
I read elsewhere that some polish might remove the paint marks. I guess I should try polish first and then rubbing compound.
Sonus has so many kinds of polish products and someone suggested using Zaino Z5. Any other ideas? What should I do?
Thanks,
#3932 of 3963 Re: Scratch Under Front Bumper [tl_2007s]
by bretfraz
Apr 02, 2008 (4:20 pm)
You'll need a polish with some bite to it. Try something like Meguiars Scratch X or Mothers Scratch Remover, both avail at most auto parts stores. Apply with a terry cloth towel or applicator. Might need to put a little muscle into it and attempt more than one application.
Here's a detailers trick - Before busting out the compound, try some petroleum-type solvents and see if you can't dissolve most of the paint transfer. I used a product called M-1 I get from my detailing products wholesaler. If you have some around, try mineral spirits, naptha, MEK (I'll bet that will do the trick...) or even something like WD-40. A little experimentation with some chemicals you already have around the house might just do the trick.
#3933 of 3963 Re: Scratch Under Front Bumper [tl_2007s]
by oldfarmer50
Apr 02, 2008 (4:54 pm)
"...I have red paint scratches..."
Ouch! I'll tell my little story and see if any of it is helpful to you.
I have an 11 year old Chrysler which still has pretty good paint. Well, one day my knuckle-headed son and his knuckle-head friend built a "potato cannon". I'm sure you've heard of this. As part of the project they used plastic glue to connect various parts of the "barrel". Picture melted PVC plastic and dripping glue.
Now, somewhere in the instructions it must have said to be sure to rest this cannon on the hood of you old man's car to let the glue dry. The result, two 5 inch white plastic rings melted into the paint on my hood (which is dark green). Very pretty.
Fast forward about 6 months and I had just polished and waxed my new car with Mother's 3-step system. As I put everything away I looked at the hood of my old car and wondered if the pre-wax cleaner would do any good on these white rings. I just put some on a rag and wiped it on the melted plastic and BINGO! The white plastic came right off with no damage to the paint underneath.
I would say start off with the mildest polish you can find and work your way up to the more abrasive stuff.