Help removing STUBBORN bugs?

[MattN03]

I am trying to remove what I *think* is bug guts --> & has the color of tree sap almost<-- from my Azure Blue Mach 1 Mustang. I can feel the worst splatter (pretty big) with my finger and it looks like bug gu, but that sucker won't come off. The rest are smaller spots-the size of a pencil eraser & can't be felt. So far, I've used Meguiar's Bug & Tar remover, Meguiar's clay bar, #80 Speed Glaze with a PC set on anything from 4-6, and even a little #7 wax. None of these appeared to even touch the problem. This car is a weekend toy, and I usually wipe off the front with QD after every drive but have been slacking off the last couple drives. Now I'm paying for it. Can anyone help me with this problem. I'm beginning to freak out since this is my baby!!

[Mike Phillips]

See if the technique on this page will help...

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7932&perpage=10&pagenumber=2

[MattN03]

Thanks Mike. I'll give that a try tomorrow. I hate to sound pessimistic, but I don't really think I'll have much success with this. How wise is to use a heavier cut cleaner to remove something like this?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by MattN03
Thanks Mike. I'll give that a try tomorrow. I hate to sound pessimistic, but I don't really think I'll have much success with this. How wise is to use a heavier cut cleaner to remove something like this?

Well it will probably remove the problem but it will leave scratches behind. Of course you could then remove these scratches by hand with ScratchX or by machine with a cleaner/polish.

[MattN03]

Ok. I'll try soaking the spots first, and then post the results. Thanks for the tips!

[Jbirk]

Take a Terry Cloth and soak a section of it with The Bug and Tar Remover and leave that over the bugs for about 5 to 10 minutes. This is what I did and it worked for me without harming the paint. I think the instructions say 30 seconds to 1 minute though I don't want to read them right now.

Try water or Car Was soaking first though. If that doesn't work, you can soften the bugs with the bug and tar remover, but it does take time to work.

[oldmodman]

I just had a friend of mine drive from Missouri to Los Angeles and her minivan was covered with bug innards. After she had tried regular car wash, bug & tar remover, and "some kind of polish" with absolutely no success, I used a clay bar on it. The white clay bar didn't do anything, but the red, Clay Magic, medium aggresiveness clay bar removed all the bug bits instantly. And contrary to rumor, it did not marr the clearcoat at all. I used Meguiar's Quick Detail as the lubricant.

[MattN03]

I'm not completely convinced it bugs either, it just appears to be by a "splatter like" appearance on the bigger spot. I'm concerned its a chemical that got slung onto the car, etc. Where can I find this "red clay" oldmodman? I didn't know there was anything besides Meguiar's white clay.

[RamAirV1]

Maybe you should try the Meguairs Detailing Clay (Mike can give you the link) the red (more aggressive version). IIRC it is from the Detailer Line. Can you feel the contamination, is it an above the surface defect?

I have also had good luck with Clay Magic (blue version). It is easy to find, most auto parts stores carry it.

If it is an above-surface defect, I am really surprised the clay did not remove it.

The Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover works very well on bad tar. I have not tried it on bugs though. I'll bet it works very well.

RamAirV1

[oldmodman]

Originally posted by MattN03
Where can I find this "red clay" oldmodman? I didn't know there was anything besides Meguiar's white clay.

I buy it at my local Automotive paint store, but here is a place to get it online.

http://www.premiumautocare.com/claymagredgr.html

[MattN03]

Originally posted by RamAirV1
Can you feel the contamination, is it an above the surface defect?

Yes, I can feel the surface defect. Since all those products didn't remove it, that is why I'm nervous about the spot. I've never had anything stick to paint like these spots have done. I'll keep everyone posted as I plan to try soaking the spot with MEguiar's Bug & Tar Remover shortly.

[Aurora40]

Yeah, you can really let the GC Bug & Tar Remover sit. It seems to be very gentle on paint, so I've never been worried. Put a huge glob of it on there, and let it just sit and sit. You might even add a bit more as it dries out. Then spray some fresh on there or on the towel when you go to wipe it off since it will be pretty dry.

Also with clay, sometimes you need to change your approach. Clay across it at different angles and such. The clay may start to break away at it bit by bit this way. You'll almost definitely mar the finish and need to polish it with a light abrasive afterwards, but if it works when nothing else does...

Can you take a picture of it?

[MattN03]

Originally posted by Aurora40
Can you take a picture of it?

I'll try to take a picture of the problem, but I'm not sure how well it will show up. I have to stand at the perfect angle in the right light to see it good.

[MattN03]

One thing is for sure, I will NEVER be laxed on wiping off the front of the car after a drive again!

[MattN03]

Here is a pic of the spot I need to remove. The picture is not the best, but it's pretty difficult to see in person.