HELP! Water spot removal

[SMITHVD1]

I need some help with the water spots on my 1998 Dodge Stratus. It sat in my driveway for 7 months while I was deployed to Iraq. The sprinkler hit it twice a day. The water on my side of the island has a high mineral content. The water flows down from the mountains so HI does not use florine and the chlorine content is low as well. I have tryed two different products. One of them came from NAPA Auto Parts and the other from a Marine Supply. I'm not home so I can't get the names (I'll edit and add them later). The one form NAPA takes alot of elbow work. I've used it with my orbital but it does not get them. The stuff from the Marine supply is applyed and rinsed with the hose. Same results. Is there anything I can do besides wet sanding? The entire drivers side and most of the hood and trunk were victams to the water spots. Thanks

[hops23]

Have you tried a clay bar?

[SMITHVD1]

Have you tried a clay bar?

I almost purchased the bar and detailer yesterday but it said it only removed suface contaminates. So I didn't know if it would work. Will it?

[ZMagnum]

You should try that clay bar. I've not had such a bad water spot problem myself but I've heard it will work on them.

[Fight On!]

Yea, I used the clay bar on my sons car it worked with a little elbow grease. The great part was it did not hurt the car 1 bit.

[COOKZ32]

There is a thread on this last summer, and it had some really good simple things that posters used and had really good luck with. I'll search as soon as I'm done with homework, 6th grade, and if you have not found it yet I'll put a link to it here if I can find it.

[RobAGD]

The question I have to ask is, is it "spots" like mineral deposits or is it "spots" from where it etched into the clear coat ?

They are very differnt things

-R

[SMITHVD1]

The question I have to ask is, is it "spots" like mineral deposits or is it "spots" from where it etched into the clear coat ?

They are very differnt things

-R

I really don't know how to tell the difference. Is there a way? Up until this my paint had a goodh shine even though the car is almost ten years old now.

I'll pickup a clay bar and detail spray on my way home. If it doesn't work I'll have it for my Aspen when I'm prepping it.

[RobAGD]

etching will look liek small craters in the paint. It can still shine but when you look at it you will see what looks liek craters, I have small water etching so it looks like th moon, I have seen where bigger puddles have sat and left huge marks.

The Clay may not do a whole lot for you, but its worth a shot, just make sure to use only 1/2 teh bar at a time, that way if you drop it you still have 1/2 the bar to finish with.

-R

[SMITHVD1]

Thanks

[Reppr]

Okay, the best, hands down, polish, spot remover is Maguiars #83 Dual action Cleaner/Polish. It will take any mineral spots out of the clearcoat and will also take out scratches and "spider webs". It also will not harm the clearcoat and you can use it as much as you want. This comes from extensive experience.

[lowriderman3]

^^Can that be store bought, from like an auto parts store. Or does it have to be ordered?

[RobAGD]

if you find the right store yes.

I belive they are refered to as PBE stores, if the supply paint supplies and parts to shops they will most likely have it.

If you want to order I suggest http://autodetailingsolutions.com/ they have some good packages and decent prices.

-R

[lowriderman3]

^^Thnanks!

[BuckeyeRT]

Okay, the best, hands down, polish, spot remover is Maguiars #83 Dual action Cleaner/Polish. It will take any mineral spots out of the clearcoat and will also take out scratches and "spider webs". It also will not harm the clearcoat and you can use it as much as you want. This comes from extensive experience.
I think 83 might be a bit too agressive to start.
Great link for water spots:
http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4891

[SMITHVD1]

I think 83 might be a bit too agressive to start.
Great link for water spots:
http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4891

Great site. Thanks

[diamondrmp]

Check out this site. www.properautocare.com (http://www.properautocare.com)

I've been detailing for 18+ years mainly as a hobby. Water and mineral spots are a B&%$#!! The products on Proper Auto Care are to me the best I've ever used and that includes over Zaino.

Check out the site and they give you directions and the products to use.

Good luck!

[Reppr]

I use #83 all the time and it works fine without doing anything to the clearcoat. The guys I bought it from are professional detailers and are right behind Auto FX (The shop MagnumManiac works at.) Trust me, this stuff works wonders and Maguiars has a great name for detailing products.

[RobAGD]

83 isnt super aggressive but it is a bit much for every time use. Typically I use 83 in the spring and maintain with 80 and only do spot work with 83 as needed.

This year I think I did 4 or 5 uses of 83 and I havent pulled up pigment yet :) but I wouldnt suggest it all the time. 80 is a solid polish and will get out light surface defects.

83 hasnt touched my water spots just FYI

-R