Please help! My hood is ruined!

[dodson914]

So I park under a tree at work and apparently that is a BAD idea. My girlfriend washed the truck this afternoon and I have spots all over my hood. Some of them already have a rust color to them. I washed my truck less than a month ago before today. I tried tree and sap remover that is safe for clear coat and it did nothing. It's like the paint is melted. I just went and bought a clay bar. Please tell me this is going to work. I have a really bad feeling about this. I am so mad right now I can't think straight. This really should not have happened. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. (I know don't park under the tree) Here's some pics. It's kind of hard to tell because my truck is black and you see a lot of reflection.

http://lh4.google.com/dodson914/RsjNRDZzOaI/AAAAAAAAAGk/co9Acl9beYs/s144/IMG_0020.JPG
http://lh6.google.com/dodson914/RsjNRjZzObI/AAAAAAAAAGs/flHJeJfZz_Y/s144/IMG_0021.JPG
http://lh4.google.com/dodson914/RsjNSDZzOcI/AAAAAAAAAG0/8_ELsYVMELw/s144/IMG_0022.JPG
http://lh3.google.com/dodson914/RsjNSzZzOdI/AAAAAAAAAG8/ONes1feV1XQ/s144/IMG_0023.JPG

[shailey]

Bumping you up. I know NOTHING about cleaning. Except you may need a very mild rubbing compound on that puppy. But don't take my advice in this section. LOL

[shailey]

Anyone yet?

[GreenHulk]

try a cly bar from any auto parts store or stop at your dealer and ask for his advise but if you get the clay bar read the directions

[dodson914]

try a cly bar from any auto parts store or stop at your dealer and ask for his advise but if you get the clay bar read the directions


I used a clay bar last night with no luck. It got some of it off. It left little circles and the rust color. This is terrible my truck is less than 9 months old. I could cry. :'(

[lanespd200]

Are you still working on it Chris? Have you contacted the Dealership about it?

[dodson914]

Are you still working on it Chris? Have you contacted the Dealership about it?


I tried a clay bar yesterday. It got some of it off. The circles are still there. I haven't said anything to the dealership because their answer is going to be I shouldn't have parked under the tree. I just don't think my paint should be this easily damaged. I may just keep it dirty and take it in for a trade in. Then hope they just assume it's dirty and get away with it. I've got about 3 weeks. ???

[BKW]

Are you still working on it Chris? Have you contacted the Dealership about it?


I tried a clay bar yesterday. It got some of it off. The circles are still there. I haven't said anything to the dealership because their answer is going to be I shouldn't have parked under the tree. I just don't think my paint should be this easily damaged. I may just keep it dirty and take it in for a trade in. Then hope they just assume it's dirty and get away with it. I've got about 3 weeks. ???

<< See that truck? = Not washed since March 2006.

Protectant: Clay bar-poly coat-wax-IN THE SHADE ON COOL METAL.

Forget about the dealer, they are clueless from the get go.

>>> Find a quality detail shop and take it there.

DO NOT wash in the sun.

DO NOT put water on warm or hot sheet metal.

DO NOT clay bar in the sun, or on hot sheetmetal.

Don't let the "Newbie" title fool you. I'm only a newbie here.

I've owned over 300 cars since 1956.

Over 3100 + posts on tt. Many on detailing.

[Jdog]

A claybar usually helps remove invisible specs that soap misses. (at least on my titan) If you've already tried a good cleaner wax, scratch-X, or another hand polish, then I think someone on a buffer machine is your next step.
(I think rubbing compound is for older paints and might to harsh your clear coat)
A half decent investment is a Meguiars Daul Action buffer machine. If you dont want to buy one then yeah... go to a professional detailer who gaurantees not to ruin your paint with his processes.

[dodson914]

Thanks guys. I think I am going to take it to a detailer. I am not very comfortable doing the buffing on my own. Thanks again for the advice.

[Transformer]

Are you still working on it Chris? Have you contacted the Dealership about it?

I agree with John on this one .. something aint right here Chris .... A tree shouldnt do that unless it is dropping some form of acid .. What kind of tree is it ?? just curious ? However BKW brings up a very good point about detailers

It's amazing some of the tricks of the trade detailers have and what they are capable of doing. Keep us posted Chris

[dodson914]

Are you still working on it Chris? Have you contacted the Dealership about it?

I agree with John on this one .. something aint right here Chris .... A tree shouldnt do that unless it is dropping some form of acid .. What kind of tree is it ?? just curious ? However BKW brings up a very good point about detailers

It's amazing some of the tricks of the trade detailers have and what they are capable of doing. Keep us posted Chris


It was a pecan tree. I guess I am going to have to go to a detailer.

I know a lot of people have complained about their paint. I have a small scratches everywhere and a lot of them have gone through the clear coat to the primer. Scratches that shouldn't even go through the clear coat go all the way down. It is very depressing. I would take it to the dealer and try and get them to fix it but I have know idea how to go about doing that and really don't want to fight with them. I am not the best at arguing. I normally just argue until they are tired of me and give me what I want so I will leave. :)

[Transformer]

Are you still working on it Chris? Have you contacted the Dealership about it?

I agree with John on this one .. something aint right here Chris .... A tree shouldnt do that unless it is dropping some form of acid .. What kind of tree is it ?? just curious ? However BKW brings up a very good point about detailers

It's amazing some of the tricks of the trade detailers have and what they are capable of doing. Keep us posted Chris


It was a pecan tree. I guess I am going to have to go to a detailer.

I know a lot of people have complained about their paint. I have a small scratches everywhere and a lot of them have gone through the clear coat to the primer. Scratches that shouldn't even go through the clear coat go all the way down. It is very depressing. I would take it to the dealer and try and get them to fix it but I have know idea how to go about doing that and really don't want to fight with them. I am not the best at arguing. I normally just argue until they are tired of me and give me what I want so I will leave. :)


I jear ya man .. I would make a horrible lawyer (lol) ...... I hate arguing too. Heck, if my steak isnt cooked right at a restraunt, I normally just eat it, without making a fuss, unless its an Itty Bitty piece of meat. lol

[BKW]

I know a lot of people have complained about their paint. I have a small scratches everywhere and a lot of them have gone through the clear coat to the primer. Scratches that shouldn't even go through the clear coat go all the way down. It is very depressing. I would take it to the dealer and try and get them to fix it but I have know idea how to go about doing that and really don't want to fight with them. I am not the best at arguing. I normally just argue until they are tired of me and give me what I want so I will leave. :)

The dealer will recommend repainting the entire truck, but there is another way.

Clear epoxy...mix it with touch-up paint, apply to scratches.

When dry, use 600 wet/dry sandpaper to smooth it out.

Rub out the sanding marks.

(Optional) Spray clearcoat over the area.

Rub that out.

Viola!

You won't be able to tell where the scratches were.


Don't like arguing?

Stay faaar away from the Ford truck site.

Arguing is a way of life there.

I LOVE to argue, and I rarely lose.

[HRTKD]

It was a pecan tree. I guess I am going to have to go to a detailer.
As I recall from when I lived in Houston the Pecan tree sap was one of the worst. If you got it on your paint then you had a major problem on your hands.

[dodson914]

It was a pecan tree. I guess I am going to have to go to a detailer.
As I recall from when I lived in Houston the Pecan tree sap was one of the worst. If you got it on your paint then you had a major problem on your hands.


I'm going to try to take it to the dealer this week. If they don't fix it, then I'm gonna see what a detailer can do. There are pecan trees everywhere in Texas. This is just about a deal breaker with the truck and I. >:(

[lanespd200]

It was a pecan tree. I guess I am going to have to go to a detailer.
As I recall from when I lived in Houston the Pecan tree sap was one of the worst. If you got it on your paint then you had a major problem on your hands.


I'm going to try to take it to the dealer this week. If they don't fix it, then I'm gonna see what a detailer can do. There are pecan trees everywhere in Texas. This is just about a deal breaker with the truck and I. >:(


Ok guys and gals..........we need a support system here for Chris (Dodson) not to give up on his truck just yet. :) Give me your truck and I will take care of it for you. Whenever you wanna drive it, let me know. ;) I really hope it all works out for ya bud!

[BKW]

It was a pecan tree. I guess I am going to have to go to a detailer.
As I recall from when I lived in Houston the Pecan tree sap was one of the worst. If you got it on your paint then you had a major problem on your hands.


I'm going to try to take it to the dealer this week. If they don't fix it, then I'm gonna see what a detailer can do. There are pecan trees everywhere in Texas.

This is just about a deal breaker with the truck and I. >:(

Huh? You can't blame Nissan!

ALL vehicles made and sold in the US have clear coat paint...it's the law of the land.

So what difference would it make if your truck was a Ford, Chevy or Dodge?

None!

It could happen to any of those.


The detailer is where it needs to go, not the dealer.

A detailer would know about Pecan trees.

Dealers are usually clueless about such things, because in today's world, dealers don't even wash most of their vehicles, they have a service that comes around and does it for them. Car dealers new car get ready department are the WORST, usually hiring minimum wage ppl who know little or nothing about the very vehicles they are working on. For example...clearcoat paint needs weeks to set up. Even washing a new car will scratch the finish.

I've seen the clucks wipe off new cars with dry shop rags = scratch city!

[lanespd200]

In his defense, he has been having some issues with his truck...........not just this. :)

[dodson914]

It was a pecan tree. I guess I am going to have to go to a detailer.
As I recall from when I lived in Houston the Pecan tree sap was one of the worst. If you got it on your paint then you had a major problem on your hands.


I'm going to try to take it to the dealer this week. If they don't fix it, then I'm gonna see what a detailer can do. There are pecan trees everywhere in Texas.

This is just about a deal breaker with the truck and I. >:(

Huh? You can't blame Nissan!

ALL vehicles made and sold in the US have clear coat paint...it's the law of the land.

So what difference would it make if your truck was a Ford, Chevy or Dodge?

None!

It could happen to any of those.


The detailer is where it needs to go, not the dealer.

A detailer would know about Pecan trees.

Dealers are usually clueless about such things, because in today's world, dealers don't even wash most of their vehicles, they have a service that comes around and does it for them. Car dealers new car get ready department are the WORST, usually hiring minimum wage ppl who know little or nothing about the very vehicles they are working on. For example...clearcoat paint needs weeks to set up. Even washing a new car will scratch the finish.

I've seen the clucks wipe off new cars with dry shop rags = scratch city!



I am upset with Nissan because of the quality. Aside from the problems with my hood. I have minor, minor scratches that should barely scratch the clear coat if at all. Some how they've gone all the way down to the primer. These are hair thin scratches. Also, I am not alone I complaining about the paint. I've seen many posts of the same thing. I take very good care of truck and keep very clean. I am taking it to the dealer because if they can or will fix it then I would like for them to do so.

Just so I am clear to everyone. In NO WAY am I trying to bash Nissan. I've had other problems with my truck and kept them to myself. I love the looks of my truck. It is more than sound mechanically. The workmanship on MY truck seems to be lacking. It's less than 9 months old and I don't feel I should have had these problems.

[BKW]

It was a pecan tree. I guess I am going to have to go to a detailer.
As I recall from when I lived in Houston the Pecan tree sap was one of the worst. If you got it on your paint then you had a major problem on your hands.


I'm going to try to take it to the dealer this week. If they don't fix it, then I'm gonna see what a detailer can do. There are pecan trees everywhere in Texas.

This is just about a deal breaker with the truck and I. >:(

Huh? You can't blame Nissan!

ALL vehicles made and sold in the US have clear coat paint...it's the law of the land.

So what difference would it make if your truck was a Ford, Chevy or Dodge?

None!

It could happen to any of those.


The detailer is where it needs to go, not the dealer.

A detailer would know about Pecan trees.

Dealers are usually clueless about such things, because in today's world, dealers don't even wash most of their vehicles, they have a service that comes around and does it for them. Car dealers new car get ready department are the WORST, usually hiring minimum wage ppl who know little or nothing about the very vehicles they are working on. For example...clearcoat paint needs weeks to set up. Even washing a new car will scratch the finish.

I've seen the clucks wipe off new cars with dry shop rags = scratch city!



I am upset with Nissan because of the quality. Aside from the problems with my hood. I have minor, minor scratches that should barely scratch the clear coat if at all. Some how they've gone all the way down to the primer. These are hair thin scratches. Also, I am not alone I complaining about the paint. I've seen many posts of the same thing. I take very good care of truck and keep very clean. I am taking it to the dealer because if they can or will fix it then I would like for them to do so.

Just so I am clear to everyone. In NO WAY am I trying to bash Nissan. I've had other problems with my truck and kept them to myself. I love the looks of my truck. It is more than sound mechanically. The workmanship on MY truck seems to be lacking. It's less than 9 months old and I don't feel I should have had these problems.

The problems you are experiencing with your clearcoat paint are the same that owners of Fords and other vehicles experience. All automakers use the same technology and basic equipment to paint vehicles. I'm also on two Ford forums, both are which are full of threads complaining about the crappy paint used today. The b!tching from the owners is the same regardless of whatever vehicle it is.

[lanespd200]

The problems you are experiencing with your clearcoat paint are the same that owners of Fords and other vehicles experience. All automakers use the same technology and basic equipment to paint vehicles. I'm also on two Ford forums, both are which are full of threads complaining about the crappy paint used today. The b!tching from the owners is the same regardless of whatever vehicle it is. [/quote]

I would assume the b!tching part could have been left out to prove a better point. But that's my opinion. As stated before and the reason I was even saying anything to begin with was in a joking manner. We are friends, we hang out away from the site. We joke with each other.

However, I had a black 2003 350Z that had to have had the worse paint job ever to come off the line. When the sun would hit the paint, I had what looked like clouds all over in spots. Nissan refused to do anything for me, they said they refused to strip it down to nothing and repaint it. I am talking, it was all over the car. That was a battle that lasted for a year until I got rid of it and bought the Titan. I understand Dodson's frustrations with his paint as well as all others who have issues. Black looks good but man it is hard to keep clean!

[BKW]

The problems you are experiencing with your clearcoat paint are the same that owners of Fords and other vehicles experience. All automakers use the same technology and basic equipment to paint vehicles. I'm also on two Ford forums, both are which are full of threads complaining about the crappy paint used today. The b!tching from the owners is the same regardless of whatever vehicle it is.

I would assume the b!tching part could have been left out to prove a better point. But that's my opinion. As stated before and the reason I was even saying anything to begin with was in a joking manner. We are friends, we hang out away from the site. We joke with each other.

However, I had a black 2003 350Z that had to have had the worse paint job ever to come off the line. When the sun would hit the paint, I had what looked like clouds all over in spots. Nissan refused to do anything for me, they said they refused to strip it down to nothing and repaint it. I am talking, it was all over the car. That was a battle that lasted for a year until I got rid of it and bought the Titan. I understand Dodson's frustrations with his paint as well as all others who have issues. Black looks good but man it is hard to keep clean!

Regarding the female canine comment: They don't call me cranky for nothing.

Nissan wouldn't have had to strip it down, color sanding the clearcoat and reapplying a new coat should have fixed it. Because I live in CA..dealing with clearcoat paint is typical, because it's the only finish allowed on any car...new or old. I restore cars..old cars. If the base coat is properly applied, and allowed to throughly dry...then the clear is sprayed on..that eliminates the orange peel so common today. I just had a 1968 Galaxie XL repainted with clear..the paint came out gorgeous.. The trick? It was done right, with none of the hurry up..speedo assembly line bull.

[tlmaniac]

if your feeling adventerous you could gat some fine finishing compound like 3m prefect-it3 with a foam pad at about 2500 rpm on the buffer and work slow and stay away from the edges so you dont burn them and remember keep the buffer moving or you wil burn thru the paint

[dodson914]

if your feeling adventerous you could gat some fine finishing compound like 3m prefect-it3 with a foam pad at about 2500 rpm on the buffer and work slow and stay away from the edges so you dont burn them and remember keep the buffer moving or you wil burn thru the paint


I don't think I'd be as upset if my truck wasn't new. I haven't even had it for 9 months yet. I have no business doing anything myself. I would definitely make it worse than it already is, lol.

[BKW]

if your feeling adventerous you could gat some fine finishing compound like 3m prefect-it3 with a foam pad at about 2500 rpm on the buffer and work slow and stay away from the edges so you dont burn them and remember keep the buffer moving or you wil burn thru the paint

If you've never used a buffer before, don't start off by using one on your Titan.

Buffers take skill to use, and more paint is ruined by newbies with a buffer than anything else.

Find something to practice on first.

[lanespd200]

The problems you are experiencing with your clearcoat paint are the same that owners of Fords and other vehicles experience. All automakers use the same technology and basic equipment to paint vehicles. I'm also on two Ford forums, both are which are full of threads complaining about the crappy paint used today. The b!tching from the owners is the same regardless of whatever vehicle it is.

I would assume the b!tching part could have been left out to prove a better point. But that's my opinion. As stated before and the reason I was even saying anything to begin with was in a joking manner. We are friends, we hang out away from the site. We joke with each other.

However, I had a black 2003 350Z that had to have had the worse paint job ever to come off the line. When the sun would hit the paint, I had what looked like clouds all over in spots. Nissan refused to do anything for me, they said they refused to strip it down to nothing and repaint it. I am talking, it was all over the car. That was a battle that lasted for a year until I got rid of it and bought the Titan. I understand Dodson's frustrations with his paint as well as all others who have issues. Black looks good but man it is hard to keep clean!

Regarding the female canine comment: They don't call me cranky for nothing.

Nissan wouldn't have had to strip it down, color sanding the clearcoat and reapplying a new coat should have fixed it. Because I live in CA..dealing with clearcoat paint is typical, because it's the only finish allowed on any car...new or old. I restore cars..old cars. If the base coat is properly applied, and allowed to throughly dry...then the clear is sprayed on..that eliminates the orange peel so common today. I just had a 1968 Galaxie XL repainted with clear..the paint came out gorgeous.. The trick? It was done right, with none of the hurry up..speedo assembly line bull.


LOL, I had to laugh about they don't call me cranky for nothing.........too funny! I actually would love to see a pic of the Galaxie!

[nascarjody]

I have gotten pine tree sap on my truck & my G/F xterra. It looks like it is actually pulling the paint thru the clear coat. Nothing I can do about it besides not parking under the pine tree in my front yard.
Or get the sap off as soon as I see it on the truck. I try to inspect both of them every night.

[mychael101]

If you need a mobile detailer and are in the DFW metroplex let me know, I can put you in touch with someone.