I made a valiant effort to keep my car clean, but the winter roads and my 1/3 mile gravel drive have left the rear of my car sand-blasted, spider-scratched, and dull. I suppose this is the price you pay for the handling benefits of the wheels at the far corners. I'm considering a repaint and more clear coats. While I'm at it, I might put on the aero kit side skirts and paint the black trim around the wheel wells with the Indy Blue.

Does anyone addressed these issues?- What do do about the rear paint and finish and any words of wisdom on the wheel well thing?

 

>>the rear of my car sand-blasted

Where exactly is the damage? Extra clear coats will do nothing to protect you from gravel damage.

 

The rear hatch and bumper. No big gravel scrapes, but very dull and plenty of swirl scratches.

 

No offense, but I don't agree with your theory. True the back of the MINI gets very dirty and dusty, due to the "vortex" effect of the hatchback. But the hatch and bumper don't get "sandblasted", even on a gravel road.

My suspicion is that the dirt and dust that has collected on the hatch and bumper caused the dullness and swirls during either an automatic car wash or improper handwashing technique.

Again, no offense intended and I could be wrong but I just don't see gravel coming up and sandblasting the hatch and bumper.

 

I wonder if you can put the clear bra clearguard stuff over these areas? Also, have you seen the small mudflaps that Moss Motors sell? They might be of some help in the future. I like your idea of painting the fender flares, though. I saw an all black MINI with the flares painted, rather than the bare platic. It looked very nice.

 

I would think that considering you live on a grael road, the last thing you want is painted fenders and side skirts!

As for the back of the car, a good detailer should be able to take care of the spiderwebbing and dullness. Sounds like you need a good mechanical polisher.

 

>>No offense, but I don't agree with your theory. True the back of the MINI gets very dirty and dusty, due to the "vortex" effect of the hatchback. But the hatch and bumper don't get "sandblasted", even on a gravel road.
>>
>>My suspicion is that the dirt and dust that has collected on the hatch and bumper caused the dullness and swirls during either an automatic car wash or improper handwashing technique.
>>
>>Again, no offense intended and I could be wrong but I just don't see gravel coming up and sandblasting the hatch and bumper.

Your characterization of the cause is more accurate. No offense taken; I was using "sandblasted" as hyperbole.

As to rectifying the problem and avoiding it in the future, I am open to suggestions. I often use one of those dust brushes on the rear end, even before washing,but the effect of the dirt and dust over time has really done a job on the finish.

I am considering the use of the clearguard material on the rear- can it be obtained in sheets? So far I have only seen it advertised in cut patterns for front end applications. If I put on the painted aero kit side skirts and paint the fenders, I will have the body guys put the clearguard on them.

 

I have a California duster too but I only use it to take off dust, never dirt. Sometimes the difference is very subtle. :smile: My rule of thumb is that if you have to apply even moderate pressure with the duster, then it shouldn't be used. The duster should be lightly dragged along the finish. If that doesn't pick up the dirt/dust, it should be washed instead.

I recommend not using the duster before washing. The duster is for inbetween wash times for a quick touch-up. Best approach is to try to rinse off as much as possible with the hose before doing anything else. The more stuff you can rinse off initially, the less will be there to be rubbed into the paint by the washcloth, sponge, or mitt.

When I had my clear bra installed, I had the installer put a strip of film on the bottom 4" or so of the hatch door and on the rear bumper as well. You can see it in the pictures at the bottom of this page.

 

Scooterboy- thanks for the info; it all makes sense. I don't put pressure on with the duster, but I do tend to over-use it. I am considerring putting a warm water sprayer in my garage so that I can regularly rinse the rear and the wheels. I am planning to go with clearguard on the rear and on the painted aero side skirts and fender flares.

Also, I like your site. I plan to put in the dynomat on the doors and some other material around the battery area- your info is helpful. Ultimately, I would like to make some pages with pictures and info, but I don't have aclue how to do it. PM me with instructions if you are so inclined.

 

My webpages are about as basic as you can get! :smile: No trade secrets - I just used Frontpage to throw them up. It pretty much does the work for you.

 

i have my arches painted to my body color....