marks on hood not coming off well (cr@p)

[Trckn4Life]

I just gave my truck a quick wash yesterday and noticed a bunch of marks on the hood that I know were not there a week or so ago when I washed it. Anyways, I tried rubbing them with some cloths and a little liquid but they were not coming off too well. Any suggestions on what to use to clean these off?

My dad seems to think that it is actually bird cr@p (there are a number of them around here now and I have to park outside). I'm not sure if that's it but it almost seems like this stuff is partly baked into the paint...should I use some kind of bug and tar cleaner (I have one but wasn't sure if it would hurt the paint) ? it may or may not be from birds but I can't really tell. I did notice some cr@p on the top part of the truck also but it seemed to come of more easily.

[CKTA]

Try clay bar-ing it followed by some polishing compound anf then polish/wax. If that don't work it is etched into the paint.

[YUKONTURTLE]

Originally posted by CKTA
Try clay bar-ing it followed by some polishing compound anf then polish/wax. If that don't work it is etched into the paint.

And make sure it is polishing, like CKTA said, and NOT rubbing compound. I've seen some dummies who used rubbing compound and screwed up their clearcoat.

[Trckn4Life]

thanks for the info guys. yeah I remember reading about the difference in polishing/rubbing compound (that it's bad for your clearcoat). I've never claybar'd my truck and been meaning to for a little while..what is a good brand to get and what do they cost (about)...I've only seen some Meguires kit that includes a claybar for about $16 I think at the local Autozone or one of those places. Don't you have to keep wetting it as you rub the clay bar over the vehicle?

But yeah I've heard good stuff about them and you guys on here...man you keep your vehicles looking immaculate I swear. I know I've seen some of CKTA's pics before and others (not remembering names offhand)...dang they look good...I always think it's funny when someone posts a pic and says sorry for being dirty...etc. etc. and it looks so clean to me and I can't seem to see a spec of dirt on it. Thanks for the help and info guys.

[CKTA]

Originally posted by Trckn4Life
thanks for the info guys. yeah I remember reading about the difference in polishing/rubbing compound (that it's bad for your clearcoat). I've never claybar'd my truck and been meaning to for a little while..what is a good brand to get and what do they cost (about)...I've only seen some Meguires kit that includes a claybar for about $16 I think at the local Autozone or one of those places. Don't you have to keep wetting it as you rub the clay bar over the vehicle?

That "kit" that you see is fine to get. there are many different clay bars out there, but they are all the same. BTW, instead of the "lube" supplied w/ the kit (or if you ever run out of it) I like to use warm soapy water (in a bucket) to keep the clay bar lubed on the paint. IMHO it works much better. Also, if you never clayed your truck just wait 'til you do.....you won't believe the differance. Make sure you wax it right after.

[Trckn4Life]

Originally posted by CKTA



That "kit" that you see is fine to get. there are many different clay bars out there, but they are all the same. BTW, instead of the "lube" supplied w/ the kit (or if you ever run out of it) I like to use warm soapy water (in a bucket) to keep the clay bar lubed on the paint. IMHO it works much better. Also, if you never clayed your truck just wait 'til you do.....you won't believe the differance. Make sure you wax it right after.

ok cool...I will try and shoot to do that by the end of this weekend (time permitting). That will take a good 4 hrs probably or more don't you think to wash the truck, clay bar, wax? or is that tooo long. Thanks for the advice I really apprecaite it. What is the difference between using polishing compound on the vehicle and using the clay bar? Is the polishing more for scratches?

Also, do any of you guys use buffers instead of doing it by hand? Does that save much time? What is a good inexpensive buffer (if so)? Thanks again.

[SyckShyt]

I use a random orbital polisher. I have had great results with it. as for the price we picked it up dirt cheap at an auction.

[BC Rod and Custom]

Originally posted by SyckShyt
I use a random orbital polisher. I have had great results with it. as for the price we picked it up dirt cheap at an auction.

Nothign beats a good buff-job for cleaning up all the little swirls and scratches that accumulated in everyday driving.

[Dudes99]

OK guys, I'm new. What is Clay-barring?

I recently hit a trail that closed in on me and ran all kinds of brush down the sides of my Burb. None of them are into the paint.

I WAS going to use some rubbing compound but I'm glad I waited and ran across this thread.

What's my best plan of attack? Clay-bar then polishing then rubbing if they don't come out?

Any and all comments welcome, even theones calling me a dumbass!

later,

Chris

[CKTA]

Originally posted by Dudes99
OK guys, I'm new. What is Clay-barring?

I recently hit a trail that closed in on me and ran all kinds of brush down the sides of my Burb. None of them are into the paint.

I WAS going to use some rubbing compound but I'm glad I waited and ran across this thread.

What's my best plan of attack? Clay-bar then polishing then rubbing if they don't come out?

Any and all comments welcome, even theones calling me a dumbass!

later,

Chris

Clay is well......a clay liek substance. Almost like Silly putty.

If you have light scratches clay will not take them out. Clay is used for prepping the surface for wax. If you feel your paint now I'm sure you will feel things on the paint. The clay bar (when lubed up) glide across the paint and takes those things off leaving a clean smooth surface.

If I were you I would get POLISHING compound and work on those scratches. Then clay the whole truck and follow up w/ wax. You won't believe the differance!

BTW, Look for a product by Meguires (sp?) called Scratch-X and try that before you try the polishing compound.