Bug Stains on Front Cap

[wildbyon]

Once I clean the bugs off there are stains in the fiberglass. What do you do to get the bug stains off your front cap?

[stetwood]

I use fast orange hand cleaner or anything else that mechanics use. It takes bugs, dirt AND WAX off. It works well on those black streaks and brightening up the trim and cleaning up moldy calking.

[mr__ed]

WrightOn wrote:
I keep it washed, then before leaving on a trip, I put a thin coat of baby oil on the cap. When I arrive, the bugs come right off. Pretty slick.

I like that idea. Why didn't I think of that? :B

[WrightOn]

I keep it washed, then before leaving on a trip, I put a thin coat of baby oil on the cap. When I arrive, the bugs come right off. Pretty slick.

[Rascally_Road_W]

Just remember that whatever you use, don't forget to re-wax as these chemicals will take off any protection that was on there. Rejex is a good sealant to use.

[botts12]

We got the stains off with Greased Lightning. You can get it a Lowes or Home Depot.

[Bionic_Man]

I use toilet bowl cleaner on the hull of my fiberglas boat when it's been in the water for awhile and gets a nasty stain on it. I see no reason why it wouldn't work on a 5er. I would be careful on the decals. And be sure to re-wax after.

[ChadHinton]

I just used Bio-Kleen black streak remover on mine. Washed with Mequire's auto wash and followed up with the Bio-Kleen. Used a second wash brush and very little elbow grease.

[Duck]

rhagfo wrote:
I keep the front cap well waxed. I also carry a soft washing brush on an extendable handle with me all the time. I will wash as soon as the 5er is setup. I don't as if washing the 5er or truck is allowed in the park I just do the front cap. I will also do the front do the TV Grill and bumper.

X2
Don

[KSadler1]

You can also buy rolled plastic coating to put on your front cap if you know you're going to be in an area like that. When you get home you just peel it off bugs and all. I've never used it but others swear by it. I think 3M carries it.....

[rhagfo]

I keep the front cap well waxed. I also carry a soft washing brush on an extendable handle with me all the time. I will wash as soon as the 5er is setup. I don't as if washing the 5er or truck is allowed in the park I just do the front cap. I will also do the front do the TV Grill and bumper.

[wildbyon]

Thanks to all. I'll try a boat cleaner/wax.

Boy do I remember "love" bugs. I grew up in Houston and remember a red Intergra I had w/ spotted front end and mirrors. They DO remove paint when left on, I became a believer.

[SandSOrrell]

We got back in late May from a trip to Florida. The front cap was COVERED in love bugs (grrr- hate 'em). I rinsed the bugs off some with just high pressure water while we were camped near St. Augustine. But we barely made a dent in them. We waited until we got home to really get after them. At the time I was really worried because they had been on a couple of weeks, but Bounce + elbow grease got them off. No pitting or staining. But from now on, I think we'll get after them as soon as possible and not wait. Better yet, we will stay out of Florida during love bug season! Very nasty critters.

[Eycom]

Hopefully it hasn't oxidized and damaged the finish. We have that problem in Florida with love bugs when, left on too long in the sun will pit both paint and chrome. Rubbing compound helps with a good coat or two of wax. Good luck.

[45Ricochet]

Dryer sheets like Bounce do a fine job. That and keeping it waxed helps.