GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

OK. So I just got a glimpse of Junior's 2009 Vibe GT and realized that he drove though some serious stuff to where it won't come off the paint. These pics somewhat show the damage BUT it's much worse in person. The "epoxy like" stuff, which is speckled all over the drivers side of the car, will only "chip" off. I've had no time to mess with it lately BUT will attempt to clean it up this weekend. I'm thinking of trying a mild solvent like Naptha or Mineral Spirits to where it does not damage/remove the clear coat. Just curious what any experiences you other GenVibers had with serious stuff like this. Thanks ............................... Tim

I've only had to deal with many many many rocks and some bug guts.... and a raccoon... but never anything like that. Adhesives are a real pain to get off once they're dry!

It may take a touch with the old sand paper. I'm taking 2000 or higher grit. Maybe a detailer with skills and some rubbing compound can get it done safer than any of us.

worst case, Maaco. it may come down to a respray. Check with your insurance company to see if it is something that can be covered.

I would start with stove (denatured) alcohol as the least potential for damage.
Next would be mineral spirits.
Next would be lacquer thinner.
Next would be MEK.

Be very careful with lacquer thinner and MEK. Laquer thinner could damage the paint if left on too long and MEK is even stronger.

You could also try some of the citrus based cleaners, I think Goof Off is citrus.

I tried a test spot with enamel reducer inside the door and it did NOT remove any paint so it's a start. Then I did a lower section of the front fender and wasn't sure what I was removing. The rag got dark BUT it could have been dirt. The car is Dark Blue so any sign of paint and I stop immediately. the speckles of "whatever" did come off BUT I had to use my fingernail and scrape them off once the enamel reducer soften it up a bit. This will be a several hour long job and I'll be doing it this weekend as we're suppose to be a bit warmer back in the 60's or so. I'll post progress..... Thanks all

Update to this problem. Sunday, when we had the unusual warm temps in the low 70's, I spent most of the day in the driveway taking care of this problem. Started out with HOT water with a heavy soap concentration and with aggressive rubbing around all affected areas, this road debris eventually came off. The large chunks I had to chip off with my finger nails and then rub over it with more soap & water. After the bulk of it was removed I then took Meguiars Clear Coat Safe Rubbing Compound to remove some of the scratches. I then followed with Meguiars G19216 Ultimate Polish, and finally applied Meguiars G12718 NXT Generation Tech Wax. The polish & wax were applied with the G110V2 Professional Dual Action Polisher and talk about a time saver Lots of time spent on this Vibe but well worth it. Here's a shot of the drivers side now after an all day detailing. Much better than the pics earlier & above!

Looks great Tim ! Glad to hear you were able to get most of the mystery junk off. If there's any left or if it ever happens again, I would recommend using a clay bar on it.