Ok guys, I am stumped and trying to detail my Z. I have tried bug&tar remover, polish, and now clay-bar.. These spots won't come out. I waxed the car before winter storage '08 - no wax since. I had to park it in the street for a couple weeks due to getting a new concrete driveway and garage flooring... this is the result .

Clay bar was very smooth across the surface, with the exception of a few tiny spots. I did the entire roof with a small chunk of clay - It barely got dirty at all (I did still fold/kneed it). I take good care of my Z.

Suggestions?

 

Off the top of my head, the only thing I can think of is to wash with dish soap and try to clay again. Rain drops would still bubble up - so there must still be wax there.? Maybe this 'stuff' is fried into the wax by the sun or something.??

 

The dots are primarily on horizontal surfaces?
Do you park under a maple tree?
How many miles are on your car?

 

The dots are primarily on horizontal surfaces? Yes

Do you park under a maple tree? Large Elm across the street, Maple 20' away (neighbor's easement)

How many miles are on your car? 30k

Edit - Maple tree close by - not directly under it though. I believe that the offending stuff/spots/speckles were black before I sprayed them off.

 

Just got done removing some really tough pine tree sap. Tried many things but then I used Isopropyl alchohol 70% mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Worked perfectly. I finished by washing the car as normal, polished and waxed. Last thing I did is park the car on the other side of the driveway

 

Polish..

 

I am thinking excrement from aphids not sap. But the difference is minor.

Your cleaning method is incomplete. You are not getting to the clear coat.

a. Mr. Clean straight from the bottle. Small amount on a white towel. Do a small area. Circular motion - light pressure. The cleaner should do the job - not elbow grease. If that fails:

b. Mineral spirits. Same method as above.

 

Try using clay bar again if that doesn't work, iso propyl, stoners tarminator, tardis and then goo gone. Use one item at a item to see if you notice a difference or attain your desired results.

If you can take a picture with halogen lights that would be more helpful.

 

I would think clay barring would be a further step then stoners tarminator, and goo gone haven't used the other you have mentioned. Maybe they're micro mars?

 

Well.. Thanks for the suggestions. to OCD - sorry, I don't have a halogen light..

I have washed my car so many times now.. I lost count.. washing after each treatment attempt. I had many plans for this extended weekend and, basically, I have only washed my car to this point. VERY frustrating.

In addition to my attempts in the original post ^.. Tried washing with dish soap, then another claybar. edit-forgot I tried 70%IPA 50/50 distilled water too, no help. Used Mr. Clean on a clean cotton cloth, no help. Mineral Spirts, no help. I am giving up for now. I have to get some wax on the car since I don't have a beater car to use any longer. I realize that I'll be sealing in these spots.. but I don't have any other options at the moment.

edit - I do have goo gone at the house - I'll try that before I give up.

I suppose I'll seek professional detailer/body shop help if I can't live with it the way it is.