Help with paint spot

[Totoland Mach]

I recently tackled a repossessed 99 Suzuki Grand Vitara in metallic Black. The car was a complete pig sty...inside and out.

1. Washed with Meg's Deep Crystal
2. Clay bar vehicle (which probably had never been waxed)
3. Meg's cleaner and polish (by hand since I don't have a pc)
4. Collinite carnuba
5. NXT over carnuba (works really great). 2 coats.

My problem: there appears to be bird droppings on the hood and roof which will not go away.

Any suggestions?

Thanks a bunch.

[Totoland Mach]

Another shot of the hood

here is another shot of the hood.

[Totoland Mach]

Thanks Tim: I tried Scratch X with a terry cloth but it had no effect. I suspect, judging by the condition of the car when I got it that it's been on there some time.

Might take it to a body shop for an estimate on color sanding or some other solution.

[Rick]

Can you feel it in the paint? If so it probably needs to be sanded out. I've got a bad water spot etching from a swamp cooler in the hood of my Camaro that I'm getting more and more tempted to try sanding out. You will have to sand it and then take a rotary buffer to it with probably a wool pad at first to get rid of the sand marks.

[Totoland Mach]

Thanks Tim: I think #83 might be the avenue to go. If that doesn't work, the etching is too far in to the paint and is permanent.

Overall, the vehicle turned out ok. Lots of trim had to be re-installed and the interior will take several passes to eliminate the cig odor and overall dirt.

Like I said, I don't think I ever want to tackle a repo again. Most of those vehicles are in terrible condition.

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Totoland Mach,

From my experience, etchings left by bird droppings are often too deep to be completely removed, but can often times be improved.

That said, your best chance at improving them will come from a machine applied compound, paint cleaner, or cleaner/polish.

Wet-sanding is an option, but the most important consideration for wet-sanding a factory baked-on clear coat is,

How much film-build do you have to work with
How difficult will it be to remove your sanding marks

The later requiring a rotary buffer, cutting pad and a compound.

When it comes to detailing cars for fun or profit, you’re often times better off merely trying to improve the finish, than to completely remove every defect. This is especially true when you don't know the history of the finish. This includes things like, if the vehicle ever been repainted and if so, how much paint, (thickness), was re-applied? Alternatively, has the factory finish ever been compounded and if so, how much factory film-build has already been removed? These two things as well as others can put you at risk.

Hope this helps...

Mike

p.s.

I uploaded your photo's to the Gallery, and then inserted them into your messages. I have a tutorial written on how to do this, but for some reason, I have been unable to access the server to ftp them. I'll figure it out today.

[Totoland Mach]

Thanks Mike: I appreciate the help and comments from all. It appears that the etching is well into the paint and I might try a few more steps before "living" with it.

I should have taken some "before" pics...would have made a good story, but it was snowing like crazy when I picked it up at the repo lot.

You should "convince" corporate to let you attend the Mustang 40th in Nashville.

[Teak]

Totoland,
You could try MPPC.

Eric

[Totoland Mach]

Eric: thanks for the suggestion! What is MPPC? I can't find an Acronym list on this forum.

Thanks

[Totoland Mach]

Eric: found the acronym on Autopia. Thanks a bunch. Will give that a try.

[Teak]

Originally posted by Totoland Mach
Eric: found the acronym on Autopia. Thanks a bunch. Will give that a try.

Sorry about not spelling the name out. Check your post on Autopia, as I also replied there.

I suggested MPPC due to strong chemical cleaning action, which could help penetrate the pores of the paint.

Eric

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Totoland Mach
You should "convince" corporate to let you attend the Mustang 40th in Nashville.

What is the date of that event?

I know Meguiar's is sponsoring this event and also giving tours of our manufacturing plant in conjunction with it.

Mike

[Teak]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
What is the date of that event?

I know Meguiar's is sponsoring this event and also giving tours of our manufacturing plant in conjunction with it.

Mike

Mike,
A quick Google turned this up.
Mustang Club 40th

Eric