Car Care Shine Up Your Stang for Show Season, Fix a Dent, And General Car Cleaning

Going buggy

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Old 5/9/07 | 10:33 AM
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Going buggy

I am going crazy with having to clean the front of my car every day from the dead bugs. Man they do not come off easy. I have a couple of coats of wax on the car, thank god but I am worried that this is going to hurt the paint. I don't want to get a bra because there is a lot of dust on the highway due to construction in my area. Does anyone have a good way to clean bugs off or something to make it easier?
Old 5/9/07 | 10:43 AM
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If you want to protect the paint, you could always look into a 3M clearbra. At least that way the bra wouldn't be visible.

As far as removing the bugs though, I've always thought that keeping the front waxed was the best way to go. I know there are bug and tar removal products out there as well, but I'm not sure how well those actually work.
Old 5/9/07 | 10:44 AM
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Either the vinyl bra or the 3M transparent coatings are your primary options. Otherwise, plan on more bug cleaning. It is the downside to a more traditional front facia.
Old 5/9/07 | 11:01 AM
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That's what I thought. I don't know if I want the clear bra on a black car. I would think it is more noticable. I would probably drive me as crazy as the bugs are.
Old 5/9/07 | 11:18 AM
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If you remove them with bug and tar(or just washing), you need to make sure you remove ALL of it. That and other deposits can be detected by spraying some quick detailer on the car, and wiping it 'wet' across the paint. With the glare you can actually see the deposit/stain for a split second even though when dry it is invisible.

Its also a good way to check if you really cleaned the water spots off the car. You can do repeated passes with the microfiber towel/quick detailer or bug/tar removal until you don't see the 'stain' with a wet pass anymore. These are the same stains you see when you chamois the car down. A cleaner wax will also work to get the stubborn stuff off. I hear white vinegar will get it too.
Old 5/9/07 | 01:31 PM
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I am feeling you mark.... It's becoming "Love-Bug" season down here in FL...and they are driving me crazy on my black car!....Between the dead bugs and the stupid soot/ashes from the forrest fires down hear...I am cleaning my car twice a day!!!
Old 5/9/07 | 01:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Tampa07GTCS
I am feeling you mark.... It's becoming "Love-Bug" season down here in FL...and they are driving me crazy on my black car!....Between the dead bugs and the stupid soot/ashes from the forrest fires down hear...I am cleaning my car twice a day!!!
I feel ya. My car was covered in just a short drive yesterday. I'm gonna do some waxing today, so hopefully I'll ease the washing a bit.
Old 5/9/07 | 02:20 PM
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Yes, I have been seeing the love bugs in my yard but not on the car yet. They will be coming too. I thought the wax would make it easier to clean off but it really has not helped. Lots of elbow grease is being used. Just hope I am not ruining the paint. Oh well that is life. I guess I just like my car too much. I don't remember worrying about this when I had my other cars.
Old 5/9/07 | 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by kh765
I feel ya. My car was covered in just a short drive yesterday. I'm gonna do some waxing today, so hopefully I'll easy the washing a bit.
+1... I clean her everyday with a detail spray... *sigh* Welcome to the SunShine state
Old 5/9/07 | 02:39 PM
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Funny, I remember when I was a teenager a long long time ago when I cared about how my car looked all the time. I washed it twice a week and always put a coat of wax before a date. I thought those days were gone until now.
Old 5/9/07 | 03:41 PM
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Welcome back
Old 5/9/07 | 08:05 PM
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I have been pretty lucky so far. hardly no Love bugs.
Nice to see more Louisiana people here. I live in Abita Springs.
Attached Thumbnails Going buggy-mustang-10.jpg  
Old 5/9/07 | 08:16 PM
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Nice car Ari. Good to see a local chime in.
Old 5/9/07 | 08:29 PM
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since were talking clear bra - what are paople paying to have it done? i found a guy that will do it in tampa for $280 (front bumper only) but havent looked around too much as he came highly recommended.
Old 5/9/07 | 08:53 PM
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I use wd40 and let it soak for a minute..awesome
Old 5/10/07 | 02:41 AM
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Do what the 18 Wheelers have been doing for years...Spray PAM on the front and watch the bugs just slide off.
Old 5/10/07 | 05:20 AM
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Will that hurt the paint?
Old 5/10/07 | 05:24 AM
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Ari

Did you get to go to the Banner Ford Mustang car show this past weekend? They had some nice cars out there. They had several Boss 302's.
Old 5/10/07 | 06:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Indystang
Do what the 18 Wheelers have been doing for years...Spray PAM on the front and watch the bugs just slide off.
add a couple eggs and you have a nice breakfast by the time you get to work
Old 5/10/07 | 06:42 AM
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If you go to Walmart you should be able to find RainX Bug & Tar Pre-Wash Gel. Just spray on wait a few minutes then wash the car normally with soapy water. There is no hard scubbing with this product. P.S. I have a clear bra it is hardly noticeable. The Rainx product is very easy on the clear bra and paint surfaces.


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