Removing Bug Residue

[theplayer]

I know everybody gets bugs on their front bumper so maybe somebody can help. I had a lot of bugs on my front bumper and let it sit for 5 days before washing the car. I used bug and tag remover and then washed the bugs off. The whole front bumper was not harmed but the front license plate cover had orange stains on it. The bugs came off but they left orange specks in my clear coat. I used rubbing compound to try to remove the stains. After an hour of rubbing each speck the stain was still there. The stains were not as visible but are still there. I have a silver car so dark color cars wouldn’t notice this if it happened.
Why would this happen on only the license cover and not the whole bumper? I figure the bumper gets warm when the car runs which keeps the bugs from doing any damage. The license cover is separate so it probably stays cool which lets the bugs eat into the clear coat. Does anybody know why this happens? What about a way to remove the orange stains?

 

[VIPERKLR]

I wonder if the same materials are used on the bumper and the cover? Maybe a different paint process on the cover? Purely speculations.

You may want to pick up one of those clay bar kits (clay bar, lubricant, small wax bottle) and follow the directions. The clay does a really nice job of taking off minor environmental damage.

As for the future, warm water with a car wash soap works well on bugs. I've found that if I'm not where I can get to water or soap, that Meguires' Instant Detailer Spray works well if you give the bumper a good soaking with the sprayer and then use a soft towel, lightly at first, to get the bugs off. Keep a spay bottle and towel in the rear cubbie of the car. I live in Upstate NY, bug heaven with all the farms, and have followed this routine for years.

...Joe

 

[rwd]

I'd lean more to a different paint process, but it really doesn't matter: the entire car is vulnerable to bugs and bird dropping residue. Part of it has to do with the process needed to conform to EPA regs and get the paint to work on the panels, and the result is very different from a metal car.

Other than a mask, which will protect part of the nose, the only suggestion is to get the bugs, etc. off asap. Not all will damage the finish, or to the same degree, but it's not really possible to tell which ones will and which ones won't.

If the acids have etched the clearcoat, all you can do is take the coat down below the damage with some type of abrasive. Some polishes claim to reduce the visibililty of such marks, but none really protect against them.

The marks show on dark cars, too, and the headlight covers are another area that seems unusually soft.

 

[Blade]

Normally get bugs on the front during long weekend trips so it's about 5 days before hand washing in warm water with a quality carwash. They come right off, some take a little more rubbing.


BTW:

What's the last thing to go through a bug's mind when it hits your Corvette? It's rear end! :t

 

[fhturner]

I've found that if I'm not where I can get to water or soap, that Meguires' Instant Detailer Spray works well if you give the bumper a good soaking with the sprayer and then use a soft towel, lightly at first, to get the bugs off. Keep a spay bottle and towel in the rear cubbie of the car.

I do the exact same thing with the Meguiar's Quik Detailer, keeping it in my left, rear storage compartment, along with a small 100% cotton terry towel. Whenever the birds use their satellite imagery and GPS to track down my car and dive-bomb it, I spray the impact area with Quik Detailer as soon as I can, then wipe the contaminants free. That goes for bugs and other grunge as well. Sorry that this doesn't really help your issue, ThePlayer, but you might consider this as a future quick-response measure.

L8r,
Fred

 

[tah81]

Hey Fred,
That's a great idea. I think I will do that as well.

As far the original post, it sounds like some toxic bugs!! The rubbing compound is about as abrasive as I would go. Tom.

 

[atmmac]

ive never had them not come off thsats really weird good luck. You can always get a new cover if worse comes to worse!

 

[Golf Man]

I haven't tryed this myself. However, a detailer friend recommeded placing a towel/sponge inside a old pair of ladies hosery. It is suppose to remove the bug juice quickly and efficently.

 

[kingman]

Bugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi

The problem really isn't that your vette hit a bug but what kind of bug it hit. Some bugs leave a different kind of residue that after time stains.

The best answer is to do a walk around before putting your baby away for the night.


Do not put it off!!!!!!!

Alan

 

[theplayer]

Where can I get a new front license cover? Do they come painted?

 

[frltsta11]

Bug problem

Get a softner sheet that you would use in a cloths dryer. Wet the bumper and the softner cloth. Rub it wherever you have the bug splatter. You'll be amazed. I live in Fla. and we deal with love bugs. Give the front of the car a good waxing.