Paint Care Help Please
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Paint Care Help Please
This will sound absolutely absurd to many of you long-time Vette enthusiasts, but here goes:
I'm going to try not to be TOO **** about the new C6 when it arrives, but I am worrying about bugs (I live in an area with an abnormally high "bug count," and the car color is VY). I ordered "Mother's Bug, Bird, & Tar Wipes," a "Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad," and "Mother's California Gold Showtime Instant Detailer" as suggested in an article on the proper cleaning of cars recommended by someone in one of the threads in this forum. I don't want to do a "full" car wash every time I use the car, but I will be a little nervous about leaving the majority of the bumper and mirror bugs for more than a few days. I DON'T WANT A BRA. If I use the bug wipes or pad successfully, should I apply some of the detailer to the cleaned area? Or should I apply wax to those areas? Or something else? My main concern is that those areas that are constantly being cleaned and re-waxed (or detailed), will begin to look different than the rest of the paint on the car. Any paint/body pros out there have any suggestions (other than a bra or washing the car every time I get bugs on it)?
Thanks in advance
I'm going to try not to be TOO **** about the new C6 when it arrives, but I am worrying about bugs (I live in an area with an abnormally high "bug count," and the car color is VY). I ordered "Mother's Bug, Bird, & Tar Wipes," a "Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad," and "Mother's California Gold Showtime Instant Detailer" as suggested in an article on the proper cleaning of cars recommended by someone in one of the threads in this forum. I don't want to do a "full" car wash every time I use the car, but I will be a little nervous about leaving the majority of the bumper and mirror bugs for more than a few days. I DON'T WANT A BRA. If I use the bug wipes or pad successfully, should I apply some of the detailer to the cleaned area? Or should I apply wax to those areas? Or something else? My main concern is that those areas that are constantly being cleaned and re-waxed (or detailed), will begin to look different than the rest of the paint on the car. Any paint/body pros out there have any suggestions (other than a bra or washing the car every time I get bugs on it)?
Thanks in advance
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Santa Monica CA
I have the same thing, in Illinois the Mosquito is our state bird...
What I do is Rejex the heck out of the front clip, hood, windshield and mirrors. Use Dawn to clean and then do a two coat process. Follow the directions and let it cure for 12 hours.
Then just add a coat here and there as you have time, I do it evey couple of weeks.
Then get hooked up with the detail spray from Auto Geek, some detail spray that is safe for the Rejex surface and the bugs wipe right off.
Keep the surface smooth with Rejex and the bugs won't be able to stick, even if you have to leave them on the front for a week. (I travel a lot so sometimes I have to wait until Friday when I get back to clean it off, but it works)
What I do is Rejex the heck out of the front clip, hood, windshield and mirrors. Use Dawn to clean and then do a two coat process. Follow the directions and let it cure for 12 hours.
Then just add a coat here and there as you have time, I do it evey couple of weeks.
Then get hooked up with the detail spray from Auto Geek, some detail spray that is safe for the Rejex surface and the bugs wipe right off.
Keep the surface smooth with Rejex and the bugs won't be able to stick, even if you have to leave them on the front for a week. (I travel a lot so sometimes I have to wait until Friday when I get back to clean it off, but it works)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,709
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '06
I don't know if when saying you don't want a bra you are talking about any bra or just the typical ones. I have a clear bra and it's great. I can Rejex the bra right along with the car and then just wipe off the bugs with a damp rag. If they're baked on I can use some windex or other spray cleaner to get them off without being concerned about damaging the paint. If the bra would ever get damaged, I can always replace that section (I did that already on a small section that I damaged trying to scrape something off which I shouldn't have done...but better the bra than the paint!).
At any rate, the clear bra can take a lot of the hassle and worry out of driving and enjoying your car.
Have a great time with it!!
At any rate, the clear bra can take a lot of the hassle and worry out of driving and enjoying your car.
Have a great time with it!!
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
http://www.autogeek.net/poorboys-bug-squash.html
mix this with your car wash for some extra cleaning power. All consider full strength on stubborn spots. Works well with the Pinnacle Scrubber Pads.
Keeping the wax and sealant up and working on the front is also key to easy removal. A new sealant was just released, and awaiting testing.
http://www.autogeek.net/dibugbl.html
mix this with your car wash for some extra cleaning power. All consider full strength on stubborn spots. Works well with the Pinnacle Scrubber Pads.
Keeping the wax and sealant up and working on the front is also key to easy removal. A new sealant was just released, and awaiting testing.
http://www.autogeek.net/dibugbl.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 2
From: Northern NJ
I keep a bucket of very soapy water, a spray bottle with soapy water and a clean towel handy. If I get home with any of my cars with bugs on the front paint here is what I do.
I spray the bugs really wetting them down with the soapy water. I then lay the soapy wet towel over the buggy area for a few minutes. This kinda wets everything down and loosens everything. Then I use a clean sponge and wash off the bugs. Rinse the front only. Dry and then use detail spray on the front bumper.
It takes about 10-15 minutes(depending on how many bugs), I don't have to wash the entire car again, and the front is clean.
During bug season, I keep the nose of all my cars heavily waxed. Keeps the paint slippery and makes it easy to get the bugs off. I wash my cars weekly and during the summer months if I don't wax it, then after I wash it I use a detail spray to put a quickie coat on the paint.
I spray the bugs really wetting them down with the soapy water. I then lay the soapy wet towel over the buggy area for a few minutes. This kinda wets everything down and loosens everything. Then I use a clean sponge and wash off the bugs. Rinse the front only. Dry and then use detail spray on the front bumper.
It takes about 10-15 minutes(depending on how many bugs), I don't have to wash the entire car again, and the front is clean.
During bug season, I keep the nose of all my cars heavily waxed. Keeps the paint slippery and makes it easy to get the bugs off. I wash my cars weekly and during the summer months if I don't wax it, then after I wash it I use a detail spray to put a quickie coat on the paint.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 804
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco Ca.
Something that I have not read here. But, this is my experience. When I was stationed in Louisiana, I used WD-40 to clean off the love bugs ,that was always attracted to the front of my truck and car. Sprayed it on waited a minute or 2, and wiped off. Now I am back in Ca., I am now using a spray cleaner and polish, for motorcycles. Granted I have never seen love bugs here.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Hallandale Beach, FL
St. Jude Donor '06 / '15
Originally Posted by steveo242
I have the same thing, in Illinois the Mosquito is our state bird...
What I do is Rejex the heck out of the front clip, hood, windshield and mirrors. Use Dawn to clean and then do a two coat process. Follow the directions and let it cure for 12 hours.
Then just add a coat here and there as you have time, I do it evey couple of weeks.
Then get hooked up with the detail spray from Auto Geek, some detail spray that is safe for the Rejex surface and the bugs wipe right off.
Keep the surface smooth with Rejex and the bugs won't be able to stick, even if you have to leave them on the front for a week. (I travel a lot so sometimes I have to wait until Friday when I get back to clean it off, but it works)
What I do is Rejex the heck out of the front clip, hood, windshield and mirrors. Use Dawn to clean and then do a two coat process. Follow the directions and let it cure for 12 hours.
Then just add a coat here and there as you have time, I do it evey couple of weeks.
Then get hooked up with the detail spray from Auto Geek, some detail spray that is safe for the Rejex surface and the bugs wipe right off.
Keep the surface smooth with Rejex and the bugs won't be able to stick, even if you have to leave them on the front for a week. (I travel a lot so sometimes I have to wait until Friday when I get back to clean it off, but it works)
I live in FL and have had my share of ruined paint jobs from love bugs. I rejex the heck out of the front of the Vette. When I get home I wipe the bugs off with a wet microfiber towel. They don't always slide off - if the bake in long enough then I have to work a little. But so far no stains or damage to the paint. I think the Rejex is the reason.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,326
Likes: 5
From: louisville "derby city" kentucky
i highly reccomend x-pel by 3m. find a installer near you on their web site. i had them install it on the front end, behind each wheel opening, and on the front of the mirrors. it's not cheap, but boy does it protect, not only from bugs, but rocks etc. it is guarnteed to not yellow, crack or peel for five years. i've had it on my vr vert for a year and no problems whatsoever.......... crancky
crancky
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Unanswered so far...
Bra and protectors answered, but not this:
If I use the bug wipes or pad successfully, should I apply some of the detailer to the cleaned area? Or should I apply wax to those areas? Or something else? My main concern is that those areas that are constantly being cleaned and re-waxed (or detailed), will begin to look different than the rest of the paint on the car. Any paint/body pros out there have any suggestions (other than a bra or washing the car every time I get bugs on it)?
Thanks in advance
If I use the bug wipes or pad successfully, should I apply some of the detailer to the cleaned area? Or should I apply wax to those areas? Or something else? My main concern is that those areas that are constantly being cleaned and re-waxed (or detailed), will begin to look different than the rest of the paint on the car. Any paint/body pros out there have any suggestions (other than a bra or washing the car every time I get bugs on it)?
Thanks in advance