How to get the bugs off the front - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Ehmsea · 07-23-2012, 04:11 PM

I've been reading alot about detailing my new car, but I'm a little worried about cleaning the bugs off the front. Everything I read about washing the paint is to use a straight line, front to back technique with little to no pressure. Well, that's fine on the hood, roof, sides of the car; but what about the bugs on the front. I had used a soft brush on my other vehicles in the past, but to scared to try something like that on this puppy.

What works, without damaging the cars paint?

Cliffjumper · 07-23-2012, 04:18 PM

Ive had mine plastered with bug and I pressure wash mine at the car wash station here in my apt complex never had a problem with paint

CPT_Hoolie · 07-23-2012, 04:21 PM

Here's a great comparison of several products.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225350

Angrybird 12 · 07-23-2012, 04:21 PM

I use a product called Lifter 1, it is a citrus based bug and tar remover. Spray it on the bugs before washing the car, wait 5 minutes and they usually wash right off with no scrubbing.
I get it at O'Reilly's auto parts for $4.99.

Adam's Polishes · 07-23-2012, 05:06 PM

My process is pretty basic, given in California we don't get the same level of prehistoric bugs you guys in other parts of the country get, but it works for what I deal with.

Use a strong blast from your hose or a wide fan pressure washer to knock as much of the "chunks" loose as you can.
I use a 1:1 mixture of All Purpose Cleaner with a foaming sprayer and saturate the front end. Allow this to dwell on the finish, but don't let it dry. Also don't do this if the paint is hot to the touch, wait for it to cool down before starting.
Go thru the rest of your wash routine, when you get to the front end use a separate wash mitt to gently wipe the area.
Rinse well to remove any cleaner, be sure to dunk and rinse your wash pad frequently in your rinse bucket with grit guard.
Address any remaining bits with a clay bar
Be sure to apply a fresh coat of your preferred wax or sealant to restore protection

myold88 · 07-23-2012, 06:15 PM

You don't need a lot of fancy/expensive cleaners.
Start washing by hoseing the front bug area. Wash the rest of your car and keep
hoseing the front bug area over and over as you go.
Do the cars body, wheels, etc, keeping the bugs wet. Finally clean the bugs with a
soft brush (sold at Wal-Mart) and ANY car wash product.
You can follow up if needed with ANY cleaner/wax product.

OHIO SPEED · 07-23-2012, 06:22 PM

take off, SHAKE and put it back on. all in 5 minutes or less!

CamaroDreams07 · 07-23-2012, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myold88

You don't need a lot of fancy/expensive cleaners.
Start washing by hoseing the front bug area. Wash the rest of your car and keep
hoseing the front bug area over and over as you go.
Do the cars body, wheels, etc, keeping the bugs wet. Finally clean the bugs with a
soft brush (sold at Wal-Mart) and ANY car wash product.
You can follow up if needed with ANY cleaner/wax product.

Oh boy. I really disagree with this. A lot.

But, to each their own.

Ehmsea · 07-23-2012, 07:47 PM

thanks to all for the replies. funny how searching for "Bug Removal" did not bring up any of those referenced threads...

I guess that's why we all joined the community, eh?

cheers.

CamaroDreams07 · 07-23-2012, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ehmsea

thanks to all for the replies. funny how searching for "Bug Removal" did not bring up any of those referenced threads...

I guess that's why we all joined the community, eh?

cheers.

The search function is less than ideal here. Good luck guessing the right combination of keywords.

myold88 · 07-24-2012, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams07

Oh boy. I really disagree with this. A lot.

But, to each their own.

Opinions vary.
I've got no bugs on my Camaro plus my front facia is still like new after 3 years.

MrGood · 07-24-2012, 01:37 PM

Wet. Dryer. Sheets.

Angrybird 12 · 07-24-2012, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrGood

Wet. Dryer. Sheets.

Wet dryer sheets. Sounds like an Oxi-Moron....

ihaveacamaro · 07-24-2012, 03:49 PM

Turtle wax has some great bug and tar remover! I've used it to remove 6 month old bug stains on my brother's lease car.

I use it about every two weeks. Spray on and two minutes later wipe off. Wash residue off with water. Pretty easy imo

07-23-2012, 04:11 PM	#1
Ehmsea Drives: 2013 2SS RS Hurst NPP Join Date: May 2012 Location: Perrysburg, OH Posts: 233 View My Garage	How to get the bugs off the front I've been reading alot about detailing my new car, but I'm a little worried about cleaning the bugs off the front. Everything I read about washing the paint is to use a straight line, front to back technique with little to no pressure. Well, that's fine on the hood, roof, sides of the car; but what about the bugs on the front. I had used a soft brush on my other vehicles in the past, but to scared to try something like that on this puppy. What works, without damaging the cars paint?

07-23-2012, 04:21 PM	#3
CPT_Hoolie Drives: 2012 1LT RS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 46 View My Garage	Here's a great comparison of several products. http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225350 __________________ 2012 1LT RS SW 15MAR12 purchased 22MAR12 Custom stripe install 25APR12 Installed CAI intake / ADM scoop / Roto-Fab windshield washer relocation 02MAY12 Installed RX Catch Can ...MORE TO FOLLOW "Life's full of ironies, if you're stupid." -- P.J. O'Rourke

07-23-2012, 04:21 PM	#4
Angrybird 12 7 year Cancer Survivor! Drives: 17 Cruze RS, 07 G6 GT, 99 Astro Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 21,546	I use a product called Lifter 1, it is a citrus based bug and tar remover. Spray it on the bugs before washing the car, wait 5 minutes and they usually wash right off with no scrubbing. I get it at O'Reilly's auto parts for $4.99. __________________ Cancer's a bitch! Enjoy life while you can! LIVE, LOVE, DRIVE... The Bird is the word!

07-23-2012, 05:06 PM	#5
Adam's Polishes Drives: The shiny ones. Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: In the detail shop! Posts: 5,979	My process is pretty basic, given in California we don't get the same level of prehistoric bugs you guys in other parts of the country get, but it works for what I deal with. Use a strong blast from your hose or a wide fan pressure washer to knock as much of the "chunks" loose as you can. I use a 1:1 mixture of All Purpose Cleaner with a foaming sprayer and saturate the front end. Allow this to dwell on the finish, but don't let it dry. Also don't do this if the paint is hot to the touch, wait for it to cool down before starting. Go thru the rest of your wash routine, when you get to the front end use a separate wash mitt to gently wipe the area. Rinse well to remove any cleaner, be sure to dunk and rinse your wash pad frequently in your rinse bucket with grit guard. Address any remaining bits with a clay bar Be sure to apply a fresh coat of your preferred wax or sealant to restore protection

07-23-2012, 06:15 PM	#6
myold88 Drives: SUMMIT WHITE 2SS/RS CAMARO Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: 2018: Lakewood Ranch, Fl. Posts: 8,164 View My Garage	You don't need a lot of fancy/expensive cleaners. Start washing by hoseing the front bug area. Wash the rest of your car and keep hoseing the front bug area over and over as you go. Do the cars body, wheels, etc, keeping the bugs wet. Finally clean the bugs with a soft brush (sold at Wal-Mart) and ANY car wash product. You can follow up if needed with ANY cleaner/wax product. __________________

07-23-2012, 04:18 PM	#2
Cliffjumper Drives: 2013 2LT RS Black Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Dallas Posts: 417	Ive had mine plastered with bug and I pressure wash mine at the car wash station here in my apt complex never had a problem with paint

07-23-2012, 06:22 PM	#7
OHIO SPEED Drives: 2010 1LT v6 Twin Turbo Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 5,829 View My Garage	bug removal take off, SHAKE and put it back on. all in 5 minutes or less! Attached Images

07-23-2012, 07:47 PM	#9
Ehmsea Drives: 2013 2SS RS Hurst NPP Join Date: May 2012 Location: Perrysburg, OH Posts: 233 View My Garage	thanks to all for the replies. funny how searching for "Bug Removal" did not bring up any of those referenced threads... I guess that's why we all joined the community, eh? cheers.

07-24-2012, 01:37 PM	#12
MrGood Drives: Broken palmghetto test car Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Balm, FL Posts: 1,033	Wet. Dryer. Sheets.

07-24-2012, 03:49 PM	#14
ihaveacamaro I like teeth. Drives: #198 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Posts: 4,817	Turtle wax has some great bug and tar remover! I've used it to remove 6 month old bug stains on my brother's lease car. I use it about every two weeks. Spray on and two minutes later wipe off. Wash residue off with water. Pretty easy imo __________________ . Please check out my youtube detailing channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/roshan517 "When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful."