So, I bought my '02 XL used, and it has quite a bit of body issues that I'm slowly but surely trying to fix. There is some sort of tar/dust/I don't know what on my hood, and no amount of washing it will make it come off. Here's a pic. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.



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I'm sure others will chime in, but it looks like rail dust. Good clay job should fix it right up.

The pros can tell you more, or search clay bar there is like a bazillion posts about it.

 

tried a clay bar?

if that doesn't work... eh, wetsand?

 

Haven't tried a clay bar yet, but that will be first on the docket if it ever stops raining here. I assume I need to wax after clay barring?

 

Yes you do, and you can clay in the rain!

 

I would try the clay bar and would leave the wet sanding to the pro's because it's easy very to go to far and end up sanding through the clear coat.




You are completely right but your neighbors with think you have lost your mind. Don't ask me how I know this.

 

Your neighbors will only suspect your crazy if you clay in the rain... they'll KNOW your crazy if you wash your truck in the rain. Ask me how I know

 

My wife had the same stuff all over her car. Clay bar took right off.

 

My neighbors thought I absolutely lost my mind when I was standing out in snow and 36* weather to wash my dads Expy so I could detail it in March a couple years ago.

 

Man, there's nothing like a rain wash job...when you can get it all cleaned up and tucked away in the garage

 

Hahaha I don't need to give them any more reason to think I'm crazy

 

You won't clay bar in the rain? Must not want it off very bad, see if we try to help any more!

 

Is it a stain or does your fingernail catch a ridge?

If it's just a stain, try some Meg's 205 on a soft pad, if you have a dual-action polisher. Should fix things up in a jiffy!

 

So I finally got some time to clay bar my truck, and holy crap. That stuff is like a magic potion. It came right off! Truck looks fantastic now (at least, relative to what it did look like). Thanks for the tips!