Baked on bugs?

[JoseyWales]

After joining this forum and getting my new Denali all shined up, I'm turning to my mother's 02 Infiniti for my next project. It is the champagne color and has alot of tar/bugs on the front bumper that I'm sure are baked on since the car sits in the direct sunlight at her job. What should i use to clean the bumper?

Thanks guys,
Jamie

[wifpd4]

Re: Baked on bugs?

Jamie, just remember whatever you do, you'll need to wax or re-wax the car or at least the area you've worked on. I can't take credit for this, as someone else told me about this...Bounce Dryer Sheets.

I soak the bugs with water or all purpose cleaner, then using a wet Bounce Dryer sheet I rub SOFTLY on the bug(s). If the bugs are stubborn, soak the dryer sheet and lay it on the bug for awhile and then rub gently. DO NOT allow the "soap" made by the dryer sheet to dry on the surface, it is difficult to remove.

Other folks may have had success with commercial products, the one non-Meguiar's product I tried ate the finish off of my license plate frame.

[Innovative Detailing]

Re: Baked on bugs?

I recommend presoaking the area with APC+, let this dwell to soften and loosen up contaminants. Then using a bug sponge lightly wipe contaminated areas to remove them from the surfaces. Rinse freely with clean water. Inspect closely, if bugs have been removed then proceed to wash the vehicle with your car soap. If any bugs still remain, repeat process above, if there is any tar then use Meguiar's Body Solvent to remove. After the vehicle has been washed and dried, you will need to inspect again, then clay the surfaces, especially the front area where the bugs dried up and baked on. Depending on your vehicles condition and how far you want to go, you can either use an AIO product or use a multi step process to finish off for the best results.

I just had the same situation with my wifes Mazda 3, we drove it from California to Lake Havasu AZ, then to Las Vegas. It was riddled with bugs, and I failed to wash it for almost 1 month.







Oh and I forgot to add this to the list......persistance and patience and lots off it!

Good Luck!

[BlackScreaminMachine]

Re: Baked on bugs?

APC+, or Body Solvent should work fine.

The worst is if left on for years and the etching that was left on my Trans Am when I bought it. In the end it ended up getting re painted.

[Murr1525]

Re: Baked on bugs?

Yeah, you kind of have two steps...

1. bug guts... a wet dryer sheet works hreat on the bug guts.

2. etching... these would be like swirls, scratches, water spots, and need treated the same, with Swirlx or Ultimate Compound.