Stuff stuck on rocker panels

[5thGenCamaroChick]

Hey everyone... I need some (again ). I live near Chattanooga TN. I dunno if any of you have been following the news/weather lately but we've had massive flooding the last couple of weeks. After the flood waters receded they left some SERIOUS gunk on the roads. Besides that I couldn't wash my car for about 2 weeks due to the continuing downpours (well, i did have 1 small window of opportunity but I got into an oil change nightmare and the opportunity passed... long story). I was finally able to give her a bath yesterday and I have a lot of mud and junk that's stuck on my rocker panels. Yesterday I sprayed water on them and let it set while I cleaned the wheels hoping it would loosen up a bit, then I washed her twice with Meguiar's Gold Class, hot water and a microfiber mit. Most of it came off but there's still some stuff that won't budge. I also tried some quick detailer, microfiber cloth and a little pressure. What should I do? Clay bar?

[OBSSEST]

My next step would be to spray the area with a 50/50 mixture of simple green, let soak for 5-10 minutes, then wash with the area with the soap and mitt again. You're wax will be gone, but your need to get the gook off anyways.

I frequently use the simple green soak and then hit the area with the power washer without getting too close. I know some people are scared of power washers but I have held the nozzle right on the paint on several cars for years and never damaged anything. Loose or lifting paint on a rusty old car will shoot right off, but thats not the case here.

[Scott@Bjorn3D]

Bug and Tar remover by Turtle Wax, this stuff works great.

http://www.turtlewax.com/main.taf?p=2,1,4,11

[5thGenCamaroChick]

Originally Posted by Scott@Bjorn3D

Bug and Tar remover by Turtle Wax, this stuff works great.

http://www.turtlewax.com/main.taf?p=2,1,4,11

I have some aerosol spray bug-n-tar stuff, but it runs everywhere so you have to wash the car after using it, and I'd really rather not wash it again if I can get away with it. I checked out the link you sent and that stuff said it's gel so it'll cling under there, which is good. It also said:

"Not only will it clean, this product also leaves a shiny protective wax barrier that helps prevent future bugs and grime from sticking to exterior surfaces."

So does this mean I don't have to wash it off?

[Moose]

I prefer 'Stoners' "Tarminator" which works very well.

[Chris@glimmerglass]

For cleaning the lower rocker panels, its nice to have a couple things on hand. First being a clay bar and second, an all purpose cleaner. I havent come across anything that one or the other hasnt been able to remove. Everyone will have their favorite products, but if you need any, we do have a clay bar package and lots of all purpose cleaners, however, for this area, I definitely prefer either Poorboys APC or Optimum Power Clean.

[5thGenCamaroChick]

Thanks for all the help guys. Turns out I had some Tarminator and Gunk bug and tar remover. Tried em both, stuff ain't coming off. I guess I'll try the clay bar.

[Tyrell Industries]

These things are awsome for getting stuff off paint safely.I ran through some road paint(yellow paint for the lines),and didn't know till a few days later(had been raining ,and it was muddy).I used this bug and tar scrubber,and it took it all of without scratching the paint.You just have to make sure it's wet with car wash.

http://www.autogeek.net/pinsafscrub.html

[Unique Auto Depot]

some one once told me Xylene works well

[Tyrell Industries]

Originally Posted by BilletAnything

some one once told me Xylene works well

The term xylene or xylol refers to a mixture of three aromatic hydrocarbon isomers which is used as a solvent in the printing, rubber, and leather industries. Xylene is a clear, colorless, sweet-smelling liquid that is very flammable. It is usually refined from crude oil in a process called alkylation. Like other solvents, xylene is also used as an inhalant drug for its intoxicating properties.

I would not put that on paint.