Car Care Discussion Car Detailing Info, Wax, Wheel Polish, Interior Cleaning Tips for the Corvette

Hard Water Spots

Old 05-29-2007, 02:46 PM
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Two007
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Default Hard Water Spots

I am living in a condo for two years, finishing up my employment with my company in NJ. My coupe has to sit outside, although it kills me to let it do so. I am working on getting the maintenance guy to fix it, but the sprinklers keep hitting my car. NJ has some very hard water, and it leaves deposits on my car. Anyone know of a good product or best method to safely remove them? I have used Adams glass cleaner and detail cleaner, but it seems the only sure way is to completely wash the car over again. Any thoughts?
Old 05-29-2007, 03:03 PM
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crawfish333
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There are a lot of discussion threads on this topic in the "Care Car Products" section of the forum. You may want to go over and make a search.

Some methods I am familiar with are as follows:

Wash the car with a good car wax remover or Dawn dishwashing detergent. After the wax is off the car, use a clay bar to remove water spots and other environmental particles. Be sure and keep the area you are using the clay on lubricated with either detail spray or (more inexpensively) a solution of car wash and water. If you use the car wash solution be sure and keep the area rinsed with clear water. After claying the car, rewash and apply a good wax or polish (like Zaino's) Make sure and dry the car really well after each wash job, or you'll get more water spots.

If the water soots are really bad, I have heard of more severe treatments (using alcohol solutions) but I have never had to go that far so I cannot recommend it. If it is really bad, it might be better to take it to a good detailing shop.

Last edited by crawfish333; 05-29-2007 at 03:05 PM.
Old 05-29-2007, 03:08 PM
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RED2008Z06
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I've read 50/50 vineagar/ water solution.. good luck

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ht=water+spots
Old 05-29-2007, 03:11 PM
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ben dover
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A clay bar should do it unless it has etched the clear coat, then you may have to use a microfinish type polish.
Old 05-29-2007, 03:18 PM
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Die2Win
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[QUOTE=Topless06;1560443005]I've read 50/50 vineagar/ water solution.. good luck


I have been using regular white vineger cut with water, (how much water depends on the spots to be removed) and it won't hurt the paint.

Make sure to use a good top treatment like RejeX or Zano once your car is clean and dry.
Old 05-29-2007, 04:39 PM
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A clay bar has worked well for me.
Old 05-29-2007, 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by mlongo99
A clay bar has worked well for me.
Old 05-29-2007, 05:31 PM
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White vinegar diluted 50/50 if you wish, been using it on high-end cars for 42 years.
Old 05-29-2007, 05:48 PM
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Default medium pressure w clay

I pressed too hard removing water spots from hard water and ended up with swirls from clay, I didnt believe it at first but going to bugmans site it is confirmed. just test a small spot first, if it has been several months of this going on, i doubt vinegar will work, didnt for me
Old 05-29-2007, 05:51 PM
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Wayne O
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While waxing my car the other day I noticed (what appeared to be) extensive small water spots on the hood. I washed the front of my car about 6 times with Dawn attempting to remove the wax. I then clay-barred the front of the car. There weren't a lot of contaminants on the car to begin with but it did remove about 80% of the small spots.
Old 05-29-2007, 06:27 PM
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Steve Germany
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Water and vinegar - and then a car cover!
Old 05-29-2007, 06:32 PM
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http://www.autogeek.net/clinhofianda.html (Forum Sponsor)

OR

http://crspotless.com/
Old 05-29-2007, 07:17 PM
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Try wire wheel cleaner,spray on ,wipe it and wash it of right away.It works better than vinegar or anything else.But should be used as last resource......
Old 05-29-2007, 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Topless06
I've read 50/50 vineagar/ water solution.. good luck

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ht=water+spots
Yes. Vinegar is acidic and will disolved the calcium deposits. I remember this from Chemistry.
Old 05-30-2007, 03:52 PM
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Thanks to everyone for their input. I went home, mixed up some vinegar and water 50/50 into a spray bottle. Misted the spots, wiped them right off with a microfiber towel. Perfect! I knew I could count on you guys. Now "Little Red" is all shiny again!

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