Water Spots

[HercFE]

I just bought an 02' True Blue GT. When I was looking at the car during the buying process I noticed water spots all over it. Well I bought it without thinking about them too much, and having never owned a dark colored vehicle I wish I had. I washed it and tried some cleaner type wax- no luck removing the spots. So after reading a ton of posts about Claying the car, I tried it. Well it took some out but not many, although the car does look better. Aparently the guy I bought it from left it in the driveway near his sprinklers, in the Sacramento 112 degree heat. Is my next option getting it buffed by a pro? Thanks for any help!

 

[rjstaaf]

The water spots are probably etched into the clear. I wish I could say yes take it to a pro, the problem is there are way too many amateurs calling themselves pros that it is almost impossible to tell the good from the bad. Are you willing to invest a little money and time? You may be able to remove them yourself without a buffer. There is not much you can do by hand but, there is a machine that is very popular combined with the right polish that might just do the trick.

Take a look at the following links and see what you think. The links contain articles on how to use the Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher as well as links to buy one.

http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=47
http://www.meguiars.com/clinics/clinics_template.cfm
http://www.properautocare.com/porcabpolac.html
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/...24.htm?L+coastest+dctq8507ff64fa64+1089168081

 

[Go HoTO!]

Hum, water spots are very tough to remove if they have been there for a while. When water dries or evaporates to dryness, it leaves behind any of its contaminants. Some of these contaminants are nearly impossible to remove once set in, such as sodium, but easy to prevent if do you the right things. To dissolve sodium, for example, you need a very strong acid which of course is not advisable to use on a car. The water spots are actually harder than the paint.

Try this: In a VERY SMALL AREA, use a little vinagar. It is a weak acid and see if that helps. I have never heard of anyone trying this, though.

 

[Mustangless]

you could try looking for help on this board
http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/index.php?

 

[KaPPaBaLL]

HercFE, try paint cleaner cleaner first and then a glaze or polish. Of course at the end wax.

 

[HercFE]

How easy is it to buff it yourself? I have heard about damaging the paint or causing swirl marks. Right now the car looks great from 5 feet or more but I know they are there. I don't want to try this and screw it up more, can a newbie does this? Thanks for the replys.

 

[bigb64]

Dude spend $100 bucks and have the car wheeled out by a detail shop. If you don't trust any one in your area goto the dealership (the higherend the better) and have them do it. DON'T BUFF IT YOUR SELF you could burn the paint right off the car.

 

[KaPPaBaLL]

How easy is it to buff it yourself? I have heard about damaging the paint or causing swirl marks. Right now the car looks great from 5 feet or more but I know they are there. I don't want to try this and screw it up more, can a newbie does this? Thanks for the replys.

you don't need a buffer. Just get Meguiars Stage 1, 2, 3. Everything is hand applied. Doesn't take professional skill..