Nokomis

I didn't notice until last night that my 2 day old 225TTQC got a bird poop "hit" yesterday by some dive-bombing bird. Well, I went out and bought some Meguiars Quick Detailing (as suggested by several forum members) to help clean off the car. After applying the Meguiars and wiping it off, the bird poop came off nicely, but there is still a spot (like a water spot) that is notieable when you look at the paint surface at an angle. So, my question is, do I now need to do something else to get rid of this spot? Any advice is much appreciated....

Michael
Raven Black 2001 225TTQC

S4 Daddio

Re: Cleaning Off Bird Poop

S4 Daddio

I have a Raven Black 225QC on order so I'm curious how the paint is holding up in general...birds, rocks, etc. I know chips are inevitable at some point, but I hope some touch up paint and LANGKA (http://www.langka.com/index.htm#top) will keep me looking good.

Best of luck w/ the spot and please post how it turns out.

Jim Murphy

The spot you are seeing is the etching that the acids in the poop caused in your clearcoat. Depending on the type of poop (white poop is a hell of a lot less harsh than the dark color) the damage can be minimal (lightly etched like a light waterspot) or severe (deeply etched like medium scratches). Black cars will always show clearcoat damage more prominently than other colors so the fact that it is easy to see doesn't mean the damage is severe and you're worried about damaging the finish with a heavier cut compound.

The good news is that some type of rubbing compound (e.g. 3M Perfect-it Fine Cut) may completely remove the etch. The bad news is that the etch may be deep enough which would necessitate the need for a heavier cut compound (read: more dangerous to use). For example, the 3M Perfect-it (Fine Cut) is used for fine scratches, water spots, etc and is easy to use even by the less experienced user. If the etch is very light then it'll be removed with no problems. If the etch is too deep then you need to go into a medium-cut (or heavier) compound which is a lot harder to use and needs some practice - I wouldn't want to experiment on the hood of a deep-black car

Also, even if the etch is deep and you stick with a fine-cut compound, the compound will smooth the edges enough where the etch's effect may diminish enough to satisfy your criteria. Furthermore, the final wax layer will diminish the effects even more due to the refractory changes caused by the wax. This could keep you from trying a heavier-cut if the etch is indeed severe.

If all else fails find a *good* local auto-body paint shop or detailer and see what they can do for you. A quick fix should be very cheap (or even free: my brother would never charge for such a minor fix)

Good luck and don't forget to always keep the detailer spray in your car (with some cotton towels) at all times so you can remove any bird poop ASAP. If you have a *good* coat of wax and you get to the poop fast enough you can usually avoid any damage.

DukeMantee

and at first regretted the decision. No question it is hard to keep clean, but when it's clean, it's amazing, and Duke constantly gets comments on the color. Duke's a Zaino user and highly recommends it.

Regarding chips, etc, will soon have either Invinceashield or Armourfend put on the front and sideviews, because after 4 miles there are some minor chips/scratches already. Duke's also going to try Langka 'cause he's heard good things about it.

If you are willing to put in a little extra time, the Raven Black will reward you with sparkles aplenty, including those in the eyes of anyone who looks at your TT.

Lone Starr (Ivan)

then start cheap. Try some Cleaner Wax. I like Zymol Cleaner Wax, myself. I have some clearcoat scratches on my roof and it makes 'em dissappear.

I bet no one can resist naming the similar Zaino product, can they?

Ivan<p>Ivan
<i>Jacksonville, Florida<i>
<img SRC="http://www.geocities.com/y2ktturbo/tinytt.jpg" BORDER=0>
"Zorro" 2000MY, 180hp, Fronttrak, Silver/Ebony, MKII suspension, spoilTT
K&N, Garmin EMap GPS, Audi "mask", Cobra R/D

SkyPiloTT

<p>'00 Raven Black TTQ
No Mods
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Nokomis

Ok...thanks for the advice...I'll give it a try and let you know how it turns out.

Michael