I recently decided to take off my wind deflector to detail the sunroof area. Then I discovered that I should have taken it off long ago...

It seems that the trapped dirt/road grime under the rubber molding of the deflector has slowly rubbed into my paint. Now there are two distinct lines from the two contact points of the molding--pretty faint, but noticible when walking up to the car.

I've tried to use bug/tar/sap remover, but to no avail. What should my next step be?

Thanks,
FS

 

Touch up paint? post some pics.

 

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-exterior-appearance-body-kits-27/moonroof-wind-deflector-leaves-lasting-impression-47667/

 

Low Fly'n: Thanks for the link. What brand clay did you use?


Photo Update:

 

I use and highly recommend "Clay Magic" which can be purchased at any Auto Zone. I've read that it is better than the Maquire's clay bar. The marks are still there on mine if you look hard. I'm thinking the only way to really fix this is professional wet sanding / buffing. The optional wind deflector definately ruins the flowing lines of the 8, so mine never went back on.

 

Sadly, I wish I had taken mine off from the get-go. It never bothered me until I saw the dirt trapped underneath it. Now this has happened!

 

welcome to the club1, i'm in the same boat. but insted of buying clay, i'm selling the whole car.....

 

I had the same issue. Claybar will remove it for sure.

 

I like my "racing stripes" from removing my deflector

 

Next outing, I'll go pick up Clay Magic as Low Fly'n suggested. We'll see how it goes...

Thanks

 

clay magic blue or mothers. i wouldnt use meguiars since theyre clays are knwon to be tacky and easy to fall apart.

 

mother's for sure. maybe some polishing agent if it doesn't work.

 

there will still be some marring after claying because clayiing will only remove the dirt/contaminates... it wont remove the marring. so yes you might need some polishing. Meguiars Scratch X by hand.

 

This really does seem to be a common occurance with almost any car that has had a wind deflector for awhile. Usually some of the only choices you have are to claybar it really good and cross your fingers it's not too extensive, or to take it to a professional body shop and ask them to blend that area in.

Often times on top of the car, blending isn't near as obvious as hood or side blending.

Hoping the claybar does the trick for you though!