I'm having a hard time getting bugs cleaned off the front end. Any suggestions?

 

When it really is stuck on, I use my fingernails I don't usually have much of a problem, they mostly come off with a terry wash cloth. I think having a GOOD coat of wax helps.

 

Wax is a plus in this one. The more, the better. If you can get them to stay wet long enough, they 'should' soften up and wash off. As much as I'd try to discourage using a fingernail to remove it, I'm guilty of it too. I guess the detailer's suggestion would be to use some bug and tar remover or body clay. You will need to wax after either of these.

LM

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'99 Black F250 SC 4x4 4.6L 5Sp 3.73LS
Bug Shield, 'Snapless' Tonneau, Alarm, FIPK on order.
Plenty of mods in the plans.
ICQ: 153462

 

Try washing the bugs off early in the morning before the sun dries the dew off.
I used to work at a general avation airport and had to clean the aircraft windshields first thing in the morning while they were wet or else the bugs would never come off.

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'97 F-250 L/D Lariat S/C, 4x4, 5.4, E4OD automatic, 3.73 gears, gray leather interior, outside: white w/gray rocker section, sliding rear window, tow package. Mods- Ford running boards, Ford ventsahdes, Color-matched bug deflector, AVS tail light covers, Tuff Liner bed liner, unknown brand of cat-back exhaust system (previous owner installed).

 

To heck with this scraping bugs off with your fingernails.
If they don't come off, they don't come off.
That's what touch-up paint is for.

Sincerely,

Lumpy Ford

 

Raoul,
You wouldn't say that if you lived here in Florida. If you don't wash the Love Bugs off right away, their juices will eat through the paint down to the steel. I learned that the hard way when I first moved here, they ruined my old trucks finish, now it's almost daily ritual to wash them off.

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'97 F-250 L/D Lariat S/C, 4x4, 5.4, E4OD automatic, 3.73 gears, gray leather interior, outside: white w/gray rocker section, sliding rear window, tow package. Mods- Ford running boards, Ford ventsahdes, Color-matched bug deflector, AVS tail light covers, Tuff Liner bed liner, unknown brand of cat-back exhaust system (previous owner installed).

 

Iggy, you've been raouled.

Actually, with this trucks suspension, hp and disc brakes an experienced driver can just dodge the bugs. I will admit it's tougher at night and there is always the breathalyzer because the arresting officer never believes what you're doing...

 

But officer, I was trying to miss that ALIEN love bug w/the acid for blood!!! Really???

 

Actually folks
If you live our drive in the country you need to get those bugs off daily! Why? Because the insectiside they use on them will eat right through the paint! No Joke!

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Nastruck1




[This message has been edited by lovell1 (edited 07-22-1999).]

 

IGGY,
>>>>I got love bugged a couple of years ago down in the sunshine state, covered the front of my wifes SHO. This was on the way home to Virginia, by the time I got back home one place on the front bumper had the paint eaten through. Damn acid bugs! We just got the run of the mill big-o-juicy bugs up here. Could yall please do something bout those luv bugs (not the new VW's...then again....)before I come back down there?.....thanks in advance from the paint of my vehicles.

Now where'd I put my pellet gun for those pesty birds.............

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99 F150 XLT SC 4x4 4.6L
Deep Wedgewood Blue w/Dark Graphite int. Kennwood CD Changer, Lund bug deflector, Bodyguard bedliner



[This message has been edited by JPF1715 (edited 06-17-99).]

 

JPF1715,
Birds? Hell, back in Jersey you had to watch out for the damn sea gulls, the would leave a trail from nose to tail, of the car that is.
If you don't like the love bugs, don't come down in late spring or early fall, thats when their out in force.

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'97 F-250 L/D Lariat S/C, 4x4, 5.4, E4OD automatic, 3.73 gears, 4 wh. ABS and 4 wh. disk brakes, gray leather interior, outside: white w/gray rocker section, sliding rear window, tow package. Mods- Ford running boards, Ford ventsahdes, Color-matched bug deflector, AVS tail light covers, Tuff Liner bed liner, unknown brand of cat-back exhaust system (previous owner installed).

 

I also live in FL, Orlando to be specific and curse love bugs daily. Anyway, try at least 3 coats of wax on the front end, leading edges of doors, and roof as well as the hood. This will help them come off easier. I use a turtle wax brand of bug remover, kind of smells like oranges. Spray it on, hose it off 30 seconds later no more love bugs.

I learned the hard way, $2500 in paint repair on my BMW.

 

My cousin is a trucker, and his remedy for the bug problem is a squirter bottle with 1 part Armor All and 9 parts water. He sprays that over the entire front of the rig, claims that a stop at the pressure washer then easily removes all de'm bugs.

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On Order - 1999 F-150 4x4 XLT Ext Cab Flairside(Black w/dark graphite) Sport Package,5.4,auto,3.55LS,skid plates,captains chairs,cd changer,keyless entry,tow package,bed liner,& tonneau cover. Aftermarket Mods Ordered - Airaid FIPK (from F-150 Online Store),Gibson Side Swept Single,Smittybilt Modular Black Textured Nerfs,Deflecta Shield Magnum Deflector,Ventvisors,& Code Alarm SureGuard40 Security Sys (integrates w/keyless entry)

 

Whoa Cheese'd, I would be careful with that Armor All. I have heard from several different (and reliable) sources that Armor All is bad for your paint. That is why whenever I apply it I spray it into the towel then rub the tires. I don't want any air born Armor All near my truck. I have not heard conclusive proof that this is bad for the paint, but I'm not going to chance it with my new baby (not even a week old).

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1999 Lariat SuperCab Flareside, Amazon green with Silver trim, 5.4L, 4x2, 4 wheel disc/ABS, 3.55 limited slip, towing package, sliding rear window, captains chairs, keyless entry with alarm, spray-on bed liner, and K&N. <A HREF="http://www.csc.calpoly.edu/~bfriesen/truck.html<BR" TARGET=_blank>http://www.csc.calpoly.edu/~bfriesen/truck.html<BR</A> >

 

Here's a tip...To remove bugs use a mild 3:1 mix of simple green and water...thats 3 parts water and 1 part SG. BE SURE TO PUT THIS ON COOL PAINT!! Also re-wax after performing this procedure. Apply the SG mix to the cool painted surface...let sit a sec...spray off bugs. Works BEST with a pressure washer. A regular hose might require a bit of elbow grease. Works great. Can't emphasize the REWAX part however. Basically SG is not GREAT for paint, but when applied to a waxed surface it does not hurt the paint. If there is even a slight bit of oxidation DO NOT use this stuff.