Hey guys,
I washed my truck today, being that it was the first warm day all year, and I noticed that there were little rust looking spots all over the truck, especially the sides and back. I have 4 wheel disc brakes on the truck and I'm thinking that the rust spots are from the metallic brake pad dust, since the spots are also on my fiberglass bed(and obviously fiberglass doesn't rust). The spots come off with a clay bar or even with your fingernail, just wondering if this has happened to anyone else before and if there is a way to minimize it.
Thanks

 

Do a quick search on rail dust, it's probably the culprit. Though you've had it for a while ...

 

Ok, I searched for rail dust and found a few threads with people that have problems with it, but none really explain what it is. Would you mind elaborating? Thanks

 

Rail dust is basically little metal particles from various sources(the wheels and tracks of rail cars, brake dust, industrial fallout) that get imbedded in your paint. Once there they rust and lead to the little rust spots you are describing.

If you want to avoid it then try to keep from parking near railroad tracks if you currently do. Other than that or moving somewhere else I am not sure what you can do other than keep a good coat of wax on your truck and wash and clay it regularly to minimize the damage it can do.

 

Have no fret!~ The solution is quite easy.

Give your truck an EXTREMELY thorough wash and rinse. RINSE RINSE RINSE! Then use a spray bottle filled with either instant detailer spray, or my personal favorite...warm soapy water (use car wash soap).

Then , while keeping the surface VERY lubed rub a CLAY BAR over the paint, making sure to keep folding the clay into itself to keep it fresh, and pick out any large contaminants that get worked into the clay.

Do this in the shade of course. You should go from feeling a semi rough, almost sand paper type resistance to feel like silk. You will notice that build up is most likely in places where airborne contaminants can land, and settle into the paint.

After you finish up, give it another quick wash and a nice coat of wax and ENJOY!

 

I agree with Lumadar! I have a white 03 and keep it well coated with Zaino. I still get those spots (so called rail-dust) on the tailgate and the lower rear of the box. I also find that claying once in a while seems to be the easiest method of removing those darn spots.

 

What Lumadar said for the fix... What henky said as the problem...

Very very very common for vehicles that were transported by rail or for those who are stored or parked in industrial areas or near RR tracks. Most will have some degree of rail dust on their paint but, only certain "light" colors will show the problem.

-RP-

 

Ok, thats kind of what I figured...makes sense! My boss has a train that literally goes right through his backyard, and my truck is parked in front of his house all day long. The truck is prob about 75-100 yards away from the train but Im sure its within range to get railed on! Yeah, I tried the clay and hey we even use the same soap/water solution over quick detailer! The clay works great and it's kind of addicting! It fixes almost all of my problems! Thanks for the help guys! At first I was flippin because I thought the pain was rusting and i was like what the hell! the truck only has 14,000 miles on it and already needs to be painted! I was ready to go flip on the dealer, demanding a new paintjob! Im glad that wasn't the case, for the dealers sake too! Thanks a lot for the help guys!
Steve