What is this and how do I get rid of it?

[tmt502]

Hey all, I bought my 2012 rig in June of last year. Love it. Been doing a lot of functional maintenance work since then, but am now starting to look at cosmetics.

There is some kind of funk around many of the seams on the body. See below:



See the discoloration around the molding? What could this be and how do I get rid of it? Literally everywhere around the truck. I’ve tried bug and tar remover with no effect and tried ISO alcohol today with nearly no effect. If I scratch at it with my thumbnail I can get some off, but, big truck, small fingers, you do the math.



See that little section of funk that’s gone? Took about a minute of scraping with my fingernail. Here’s another pic of a spot that’s not reachable with a finger:



I went to a local paint correction specialist and they basically said sorry we can’t help.

Any ideas on what I can do to fix this? Is it possible that it’s some kind of old adhesive from a body wrap?

Thanks in advance!

 

[adventurenali92]

It looks like the adhesive that’s used to stick those moldings to the body panels themselves. It can be removed but it’s a pain in the rear. I’m not surprised that the detailing place said they couldn’t help you. I’m a professional detailer as well, and I rarely take on jobs that involve that adhesive. Usually heat and some from of goo gone will get rid of it, followed by a good polish. But that hard part is getting that close to the moldings because it’s such a confined space.

 

[Jason in DLH]

Geez...I’ve been sitting here 10 minutes thinking of easy ideas. I have a few...

1. Use Bissell Steam Shot and steam clean it and at the same time using a child size, extra soft toothbrush wrapped with microfiber towel to brush it off.

2. Saturate with degreaser and let sit awhile before using the toothbrush method above.

3. Use the toothbrush method mentioned above and polish (or compound depending on how stubborn it is to remove) the area.

 

[wjburken]

I don’t think that’s adhesive as I don’t believe those trim pieces are glued on.

What kind of trees do you have around you? Is the vehicle garages or parked outside? It almost looks like a sludge of tree pollen and dust.

 

[swathdiver]

There is some kind of funk around many of the seams on the body. See below:

If memory serves, those trim pieces have a gasket and that appears to be residue from the gasket.

 

[tmt502]

The funk has been on there since I bought it last year. Entirely possible this guy could have parked in a pine tree forest during his years of ownership prior. Where I park isn’t directly under any trees, but that’s not to say I doesn’t get dripped on from time to time. There’s also a black mold type growth that appears on the hood and roof at certain times, but it is removable with some light scrubbing. Haven’t figured out to keep it from coming back for good.

So a rubbing compound might be the way to go here? Given the location of where the residue is located around the body, it seems reasonable to think it either has something to do with the adhesive used for badges/door trim, or it’s left over adhesive from a vinyl wrap. I’ll post a few more pictures this morning. It’s just really frustrating me at this point. I’ve even considered the possibility of doing a full paint job.

 

[tmt502]

 

[tmt502]

Geez...I’ve been sitting here 10 minutes thinking of easy ideas. I have a few...

1. Use Bissell Steam Shot and steam clean it and at the same time using a child size, extra soft toothbrush wrapped with microfiber towel to brush it off.

2. Saturate with degreaser and let sit awhile before using the toothbrush method above.

3. Use the toothbrush method mentioned above and polish (or compound depending on how stubborn it is to remove) the area.

With your steam shot idea, is that something that could damage anything? Would I need to be careful in using it on the paint or around badges? Would be nice to use something I can go full-out with and just melt this crap off.

 

[Jason in DLH]

With your steam shot idea, is that something that could damage anything? Would I need to be careful in using it on the paint or around badges? Would be nice to use something I can go full-out with and just melt this crap off.

From what I’ve read online steam is safe for our clear coat (I haven’t done much research on single stage paint). In fact, it sounds like a better way to wash your car. You can Google it and make your own choice of course.

You will need to be careful around adhesive as it will melt the adhesive. I’m thinking not aiming the steam directly at the trim adhesive and not using steam for too long in those areas. Otherwise you should be good. And I really don’t think you need too much steam in your case.

Speaking of steam and adhesive....I believe this should be a great method for removing any unwanted trim and badges (in lieu of a heat gun and fishing line).

Im hoping you’ll be my Guinea pig for this steam because I have only used the Steam Shot around the house and never on the truck yet.

 

[tmt502]

From what I’ve read online steam is safe for our clear coat (I haven’t done much research on single stage paint). In fact, it sounds like a better way to wash your car. You can Google it and make your own choice of course.

You will need to be careful around adhesive as it will melt the adhesive. I’m thinking not aiming the steam directly at the trim adhesive and not using steam for too long in those areas. Otherwise you should be good. And I really don’t think you need too much steam in your case.

Speaking of steam and adhesive....I believe this should be a great method for removing any unwanted trim and badges (in lieu of a heat gun and fishing line).

Im hoping you’ll be my Guinea pig for this steam because I have only used the Steam Shot around the house and never on the truck yet.

Ha! Glad to know I'll be the guinea pig. Seriously thinking about picking up a steam shot and giving this a go. I am somewhat concerned about the badges coming off. The TAHOE lettering seems to be loose as it is. Any recommendations on a compound to use?