Spots on C6
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Chester (Kent Island) Maryland
Spots on C6
My wife just purchased a 2005 Arctic White convertible with 8k from a dealership. It looked outstanding at the dealershio but upon closer inspection I have seen some tiny "spots" on the paint. It looks like something with a "rust color" definitely got on the hood and trunk lid. I got some of the spots out with the Mequiars NXT Generation Tech liquid wax but there are others that won't come out. Would a Mequiars "cleaner" wax help?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
It might, but go very carefully. Anything you take off can't be put back on, easily. If you're talking about the one step, cleaner and wax together, to my way of thinking that's the next gentlest way to go. Meguiar's also has a FineCut cleaner (no wax or polish in it). That would be the next step after the cleaner/wax. It is soft enough on the finish that again, if you go easy, you can try it out without going the in between step, I'd say.
On second thought, if you have a very good and experienced detail shop, rather than taking a chance, I'd bring the car to them and ask for their advice (first). And if you like what they say, go with it. I think the buffing out bit is (in my mind) the last alternative, but it could be the first one they suggest because it's quick and easy.
For all we know, this could be nothing more than some form of road tar. In that case, I've been counseled to use 3M's Gen. Purpose Adhesive Cleaner (spray) from both paint and detail shops. It is safe for clear coat and I use it for tar and bug removal esp. on rockers.
On second thought, if you have a very good and experienced detail shop, rather than taking a chance, I'd bring the car to them and ask for their advice (first). And if you like what they say, go with it. I think the buffing out bit is (in my mind) the last alternative, but it could be the first one they suggest because it's quick and easy.
For all we know, this could be nothing more than some form of road tar. In that case, I've been counseled to use 3M's Gen. Purpose Adhesive Cleaner (spray) from both paint and detail shops. It is safe for clear coat and I use it for tar and bug removal esp. on rockers.
Last edited by AORoads; Jan 7, 2008 at 11:58 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 66
From: Hurst, TX USA
Probably tiny spots of tar. I have them all over my car too and they are quite difficult to get off because there are so many. A good tar remover (I use the 3M brand) seems to work but it is slow going. One drawback to AW, I guess. Remember a tar remover will also remove the wax so after you get it cleaned off a couple coats of Zaino (or wax of your choice) is needed.
Last edited by BigJoe; Jan 7, 2008 at 12:33 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,734
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern PA
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Chester (Kent Island) Maryland
I don't know anything about clay bars but I assume they are safe for a clear coat finish and I could just treat the area with the remaining spots with the clay bar and follow-up with Meguiars NXT Generation Tech Wax? Would this be the better alternative to the cleaner wax? And last question, where do you get the clay bar?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,617
Likes: 167
Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Pro
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
From: Minnetrista MN
I don't know anything about clay bars but I assume they are safe for a clear coat finish and I could just treat the area with the remaining spots with the clay bar and follow-up with Meguiars NXT Generation Tech Wax? Would this be the better alternative to the cleaner wax? And last question, where do you get the clay bar?
Yep they are clear coat safe. You can get one at any car parts store or Wal-Mart, Target. Yes, I would use the clay bar according to the directions (Meguiars makes one) and follow it up with a coat of NXT. IMO it will work much better than the cleaner wax.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
You can get a mothers claybar or meguiars claybar from autozone and walmart.
They will come with a lubricant to use with the claybar.
I personally use a tropicare claybar that is VERY mild and has worked great for me and never once harmed the paint.
They will come with a lubricant to use with the claybar.
I personally use a tropicare claybar that is VERY mild and has worked great for me and never once harmed the paint.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach VA
sounds like it could be "rail dust" from transport.
See here:
http://www.chemicalguys.com/Medium_D..._p/cly_102.htm
See here:
http://www.chemicalguys.com/Medium_D..._p/cly_102.htm
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,762
Likes: 2
I prefer Sonus SFX claybars (green) or Zaino Z-18 claybars (red) which IMO are both similar in consistency to the Mother's but do not smear near as much. Any of these three I think are safe though. I wouldn't use any of the grey or purple bars as I think they're more abrasive.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 10
From: Wisconsin
I agree, if you just purchased the car, take it back to the dealership and allow them to remove it. They should have done it correctly in the first place.
If that does not work, then do the clay bar.
If that does not work, then do the clay bar.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 75
From: Cleveland, OH
If it's tar, before you clay bar it mix a cup of kerosene in half bucket of water and wet a cotton towel,wring it and wipe. Follow with 3M Imperial Hand Glaze and a good wax. Works for me every time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,064
Likes: 6
From: Pinellas Park Florida
Welcome to the down side of a white car-lots of tiny embedded metal and mineral particles that rust/discolor. White cars don't attract these metal particles any more than any other color, but its' just white cars just show em' better! Hot brake dust is the prime contributer. This is the cause of the rough finish feel. The only way you get this stuff off is with a clay bar and lots of elbow grease. I have had the best luck with the Zanio Clay Bar using the Zanio Detail Spray as the lube. Then a couple coats of Zanio will give fair protection. Good luck
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 22,136
Likes: 23
From: In the woods looking for my thrown putter.
St. Jude Donor '13, '15
Now that you have a WAX on it it needs to be removed before the spot will come out. The wax probably sealed in the spot. Once the wax is off, clay bar, and then re-wax.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 743
Likes: 1
From: Papillion NE
Confuscious say, "Novice with Claybar, make very dangerous paint partner!". If you follow the directions and use plenty of liquid (Meguiars Final Inspection works well) to keep the paint surface wet, you should be OK. Sites like Autopia.org or Carcareonline have some good articles. If the spots are fairly extensive, you are in for an extended "bonding" experience with your car. A good detailer (after you've talked to your dealer) might be needed.