Dust and rain spots

[Zephyr]

And it's time to address the dreaded African Dust rain spots.
Unfortunatelly, down here we get a lot of Sahara sand coming in waves when the south wind blows and as it carries poisonous substances, such as lead, zinc, chromium, vanadium, arsenic and nickel, not only it increases population’s health problems, but also if even a small drizzle follows, it literally eats car paint.
So here it goes. My little Mx5 was hit by this curse and now I have drop size marks all over the paint that can not make go away.
Tried snow foam, car shampoo, dish soap, meguiars swirl x cream... no result.
Whats next? Clay bar? Vinegar? Sanding?

 

[AntStark]

The only real solution is to sell it ..and get a proper convertible

 

[Zephyr]

The only real solution is to sell it ..and get a proper convertible

Actually the person who bought my Z is selling it... that would be an interesting story...

 

[Jam03]

Actually the person who bought my Z is selling it... that would be an interesting story...

You should buy it back so you can check the smooth running values or whatever

 

[Jam03]

And it's time to address the dreaded African Dust rain spots.
Unfortunatelly, down here we get a lot of Sahara sand coming in waves when the south wind blows and as it carries poisonous substances, such as lead, zinc, chromium, vanadium, arsenic and nickel, not only it increases population’s health problems, but also if even a small drizzle follows, it literally eats car paint.
So here it goes. My little Mx5 was hit by this curse and now I have drop size marks all over the paint that can not make go away.
Tried snow foam, car shampoo, dish soap, meguiars swirl x cream... no result.
Whats next? Clay bar? Vinegar? Sanding?

View attachment 296473

I’m no expert, but maybe try a fallout remover. Clay bar and machine polish should surely remove that.

 

[Zephyr]

I’m no expert, but maybe try a fallout remover. Clay bar and machine polish should surely remove that.

I will try magma. It will be quite a cost to experiment but whatever does the trick without buffing is a nice idea.

 

[Zephyr]

You should buy it back so you can check the smooth running values or whatever

I really miss these "I have no idea why it does that" moments.
Seriously, a Z3M would be a keeper even if it broke down every week. But that car took so much effort without giving back the driving joy I expected in return. Maybe with an S54 engine and parts it could be a dream car, but 2.500€ per year for taxes and insurance is way out of my league.

 

[Duncodin]

I've seen such marks on fairly fresh 1K paint. Rain followed by baking sun. But a proper OEM paint shouldn't do that surely?

 

[Zephyr]

I've seen such marks on fairly fresh 1K paint. Rain followed by baking sun. But a proper OEM paint shouldn't do that surely?

This is what African dust does to paint. It is verified as toxic. My car is almost brand new and never resprayed. But being covered in dust, sprayed with a light drizzle and then sitting under the blazing sun, effed it good and deep.
Tried magma, no result. i will try claying it tomorrow, if it doesnt work, I think its going for sanding.

 

[Duncodin]

In fact that sahara dust travels further. We have it in uk too.

 

[t-tony]

Saharan dust gets as far as the USA too.

Tony.

 

[Althulas]

I would try DA first with a polishing compound the least aggressive before going to a medium cutting a nd then to a heavy compound. Wet sanding would be my last option starting a test patch with 4000 grit then go from there. Hopefully the clay bar will lift the marks for you

 

[Ianmc]

We are going to Greece in August on holiday. Will we need respirators? Think I have my old RAF one in the garage but it might detract from the sun bathing experience!

 

[Zephyr]

We are going to Greece in August on holiday. Will we need respirators? Think I have my old RAF one in the garage but it might detract from the sun bathing experience!

you will need a KN95 mask if the dust levels are very high. Still the same effect under the sun though.
Where will you be staying?

 

[Ianmc]

Where will you be staying?

Rhodes, South Aegean Islands

 

[Zephyr]

Rhodes, South Aegean Islands

No problem at all there. Dust covers the mainland.

 

[Nodzed]

And it's time to address the dreaded African Dust rain spots.
Unfortunatelly, down here we get a lot of Sahara sand coming in waves when the south wind blows and as it carries poisonous substances, such as lead, zinc, chromium, vanadium, arsenic and nickel, not only it increases population’s health problems, but also if even a small drizzle follows, it literally eats car paint.
So here it goes. My little Mx5 was hit by this curse and now I have drop size marks all over the paint that can not make go away.
Tried snow foam, car shampoo, dish soap, meguiars swirl x cream... no result.
Whats next? Clay bar? Vinegar? Sanding?

View attachment 296473

Fallout Remover will work. Then a good wax and sealant to stop it happening.