Digging up an ancient thread to get some new input on it.

I gave my mellow yellow MCS it's first hand washing of the spring, and I have lots of tiny orange / rust specks on the paint. The strange thing is that my old velvet red MINI never had this problem, and it was driven / parked in the same places as the new car.

Anyway, I'm going to clay the new car when I have the time. Is there anything else I should do? I'll snag some pics of the spots this evening.

Thanks, OCD crew!

 

Well looking at the first post---the bumper cover is plastic--so there is no way it can rust, lol. But in regards to your question--clay bar is the solution. The specs you describe are not solely determined by where you park--but when you parked it and what direction the wind was travelling. The contaminants bond to your paint and become known as above surface bonded contaminants and they could come from sources miles away.

 

There was a Lowes built nextdoor to my apartment building over the fall, so I bet that contributed to the contamination... There was lots of metal involved in the construction.

 

go here to get all the information you need

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...verything+clay

 

Thanks for the link, greengobln. I've clayed before, but a refresher never hurts.

Here's a picture with a few of the spots in it. Yes, my wash was not thorough... it was a quick was because it was the first nice afternoon around here.

 

I see the spots---and the Swirls!!!!! lol. Yeah claybar should get it right off.

 

Now I'm scared to ever post pictures of my car on this forum again.

 

it looks like it is overspray for sure. i'd just clay it out and maybe put on a carnuba wax to hide those swirls from the prying eyes of this forum.

 

I'm certainly never posting a close-up of the black roof over here. :D

Having to live outside and be a daily driver through Vermont winters, it's hard to keep thing to show-car quality. But, that's okay by me.

I'm taking tomorrow off from work to wash, clay, wax, etc.

 

I'm just waiting for Saturday. or maybe Friday night.

 

oh man I can totally relate this problem. I have a 04 PW and washed it today, but i couldn't get rid of those spots neither unless i scrub each one down hard with my microfiber towel. my main area of these "spots" are the rear bumper, the boot, and the lower part of the car. The main area is around the license plate, and a little on the lower part of the door. is there a quick/easy guranteed way to clean these spots? They look like rust spots, but that not possible because the bumper is plastic.... I also have these black spots that after I wash, they smear into those red/orange streaks, which don't come off.... somebody help!

I bought the car used and it's past it's warranty. If it is considered "rust" can I still take it back to a close by Mini Dealer? Thanks

 

It's not rust if it's coming up with a good scrub.

But don't scrub; get some clay as mentioned above. It should come out with a few passes.

 

If there were rust coming up from under the paint--you won't see little specs on top--you will have holes, bulges and all kinds of issues.

 

The claybar worked, but it took a long time to get all the spots out. There were tons of them, and I spend most of the day claying the car.

 

Yep, it's safer than rubbing with a towel, but on the other hand, this is why I recommend my Meguiar's Professional Blue Clay. It takes about half as many strokes as normal consumer clay--but still safe. People don't understand that UNTIL they encounter a situation like yours, lol.

 

Can I buy it at a local store versus online? I feel like the longer I let it sit, the more permanent they will become.

 

Not really. You might find it at a PBE store--they are small mom and pop shops that cater to the body shops--but my experience is that they carry limited Meguiar's items--and need to be special ordered.

I know people balk at paying shipping fees, but the cost of gas and local sales tax should also be considered. Heck it costs me $10 every day just to drive to work and home.

Richard

 

My 03 came with a 6 year rust warranty, and in 04-05 can't remember, MINI made the rust warranty even longer.

Mark