It's much easier to apply various detailing fluids ("Back-To-Black; Son-of-a-Gun, etc) if you use one of those hollow-handled, sponge-on-the-end dish cleaners thingies that they sell in kitchen-supply stores. Just pour the fluid in the hollow handle and away you go. Seems to give you much more control on applying the stuff and you don't get so much on the paint, etc., as you do using a rag or paper towel. When you're done, stick the end in a zip-loc bag so it won't dry out. Available for $1.49 or so. Works Great!

 

Same thing I experienced. My special factory ordered October build 2000 F-150 had these same spots all over the hood and roof. Did not notice them until a couple months of owning the truck. First noticed them on a cloudy day..and they showed up really good. Contacted the dealer and sent close up photos of the spots. Raised hell with them as the truck had been garaged at home and during the day at work since it arrived from the factory. Made a complaint with FORD MOCo directly. Long story short...they contacted the zone rep and asked for assistance for my situation...and were told to order a brand new 2000 F-150 (July build - current truck)...at no charge...even trade.

Truck arrived 2 months later..first thing I did was to inspect the roof and damned thing had the same spots (and on the hood and bed). Not too happy..and everyone at the dealer couldn't believe it either. I still accepted the truck..only after they spent over 2 hours using a very slow buffing process to try and remove them. It did not help too much...but they are still very hard to notice except up close and in the right light.

If you live near Georgia---dealership is in Macon Georgia - Riverside Ford - GREAT dealership and they WILL take care of you. This is my 3rd F-150 in 4 years with them.

 

For applying stuff to rubber trim like around widows I use one of those sponge brushes that you can get at home depot or Lowes. The kind with a wooden handle and the spong on the end is black and the end of it is cut down slanted. Not sure what they are called but they work great.

 

Intel,
I think youre talking about a foam paintbrush!
JJ

 

foam paintbrush... ohhh that's what you call them...