Won't a ceramic coating like Gtechniq C4, made for textured black plastic trim, work?

 

I'm going to apply a ceramic coating after I get it cleaned up, but the spots have to be removed before applying the coating.

 

You need an acid to break down the alkaline deposits (scaling), use something MILD, even DI water can break down mild scaling, let it sit (dwell) on the spots for a few minutes, just use caution as a strong acid can mar/degrade plastics, once you have it clean, put some rainX or other hydrophobic agent to prevent future deposits.....

I don't know if this stuff will repel water, but it is fantastic on plastics.... last LONG time...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rejuvena...IPES/206161494

And, rain water is usually NOT the issue, generally speaking does not have significant mineral content....

Makes me wonder about how water is routed through the car in rain/car washing? Think that question has been asked, but still wondering.

 

Which are you going to use? I have had tremendous luck with Gtechniq C4.

 

Anyone try Mckees's yet?

https://www.autogeek.net/rv-water-spot-remover-gel.html

 

I've been using Adam's ceramic coatings lately.

 

Anyone brave enough should try acetone on an inconspicuous area of all else fails.

 

I would use a chemical that dissolves the water solids such as vinegar. You might even try dishwasher Finish Jet Dry. Jet Dry even removed caked on water solids in my dishwasher. Looks like new in there now.

 

^^^
One thing I viewed on the Net, that was logical to try with any potential solvant, is exposure time. The removable plastic tray at the bottom of a refigerator cold water dispenser required soaking time in vinegar to compleetly remove hard water spots.

Perhaps soaking a rag with the potential solvent and leaving it in contact with the surface may help.

 

Water spots are a bitch. I have Ferrari 360 and water spots in the engine bay are a mess to get off. Vinegar does not work. Maybe because it bakes in with the heat of the engine. A light polishing compound is the only thing that I have found that works. Also if you get caught in the rain dry the engine bay as soon as you can.

 

Thanks for the real world experience input. It would be my guess the combination of the collected dirt, then getting wet and the engine cooking it is making for some tough water spots. Now that the Corvette has this issue to deal with, there'll be more demand for a product that can remedy these spots. Someone will come up with a simple solution and make millions solving first world problems.

 

I have used muratic acid from Home depot in engine bays. Dilute 10 parts water to 1 part muratic in spray bottle. Gets off scaling on plastic and metal . But do small test section first.

 

^^
Sounds similar to this dude who shows removing heavy water spots with examples of various products on car finsih. He calls the "stuff" that worked best "acid wheel cleaner" diluted 2:1 with water.

Good video

 

I think he used a dilution ratio of 2 parts water to 1 part acid wheel cleaner. Good video and thanks for posting. I have a C5 that had hard water spots all over the radiator cover and could not find a way to get them out to my satisfaction. They were very noticeable at car show events so I just bit the bullet and installed a new cover and am much more careful now. If somebody finds a way of removing these things I'll be interested.

 

BAD idea....

 

Thanks, fixed the post so folks can follow correctly I just made 2000 so hopefully someone getting their C8 before me can post a good safe solution!

 

Problem there is that you cannot properly inspect the paint before buying the car. Dirt can hide all kinds of stuff. I want to see the paint then if there are some swirls my detailer can easily get them out.

 

They must have some awful hard water in BG if the water test did this. I picked my car up yesterday - same thing but not a big deal. I have-not tried to get rid of them yet but the dealer mentioned there were some on the paint that they worked to get out as well.

 

Yes you can. As I said (prior to completing the purchase):

"That's why new car buyers should tell dealers to leave the plastic wrap on the car, then unwrap it yourself when you arrive at the dealership. And then do your own wash/detail or take it somewhere else."

 

I guess I need to add hose, bucket, soap, microfiber, quick detailer spray, clay, and polish to my luggage for the trip to NH. There goes all my frunk space!