Bad bird diet...

the Z's clear coat sucks just keep her waxed and you should be fine

My dealer wanted me to get my Z "Simonized" - I did a search on google for it, turned up Billy Mays doing commercials, for $600.

That, and they said they wouldn't claybar the car beforehand.

I'd rather spend $100-$200 and have it pro-detailed in/out and have it look like a mirror when it's done. I figure on the 5yr "warranty" with the Simonize product for "natural damage", I'll break even, but have a better looking car.

Maybe I'll do it later...maybe not. I figure whatever that junk is, the detailer will do the same thing with his paint sealant...

Hey I had the same problem. Try using Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover. Turtle Wax - Bug & Tar Remover

I live in eastern VA and can tell you that I have been fighting bird crap paint damage since getting the car in April (mine is red). It doesn't matter if you have a good coat of wax (I use NXT) after a complete clay bar and polish with Meguires Ultimate Compound. On a cool day just last week, got targeted by a seagull on the *** end and came home cleaned it off with soap and water. Figured that would do it....no luck. Got the NXT out....still no luck....got the Ultimate Compound which has been the only thing that seems to work after about 5 min of polishing.

In comparison, in May we received our new BMW 3 that we ordered, and got it the day after it was delievered to the dealer. After the first week we had a similar problem with the paint due to a bird crap, but since then it seems as if the clear coat has hardened and bird crap doesn't bother the finish on the BMW anymore...

I don't get why we are all having problems with what appears to be soft clearcoat.

Does it make sense to have a body shop shoot a high quality coat of clearcoat over the whole car to help remedy this situation?

I love this car and have waited many years to be able to buy this bad *** car, but so far my only complaint is the poor paint finish and toughness of it.

I will continue to use the Ultimate Compound and NXT, but just doesn't seem right.:shakes head:

Try a stonger polymer like Griot's Paint Sealant and keep it maintained with Prima Hydro.

Btw, not sure the grit # on that compound you are using but be careful you don't burn through the clear.

When etched I use ScratchX and a kiwi shoe polish applicator pad (has a red handle). Its a firm foam so keeps the product at the top and works great for spot applications.

if that's not enough I pull out my smaller random orbital (3") and use the same ScratchX.

Thanks will give it a try.

The Ultimate Compound is a non abrasive and i believe less aggressive than the scratch x.

Have you had any bird crap on yours? It is absolutely amazing how fast the crap acts on the finish....it is something i have never seen before and i have owned about 18 different cars, old and new.

this is why i was considering the paint protection that can be applied eg Ming, X pack etc, i just dont want the paint to stuff up on the Z,

i had the paint protection applied to my 09 rx8 and had now troubles and did'nt have to wax it monthly....

when i bought my car there was one area where i suspect bird crap etched
the surface of the paint while it was sitting at the dealer's lot.

i was able to get it off using a mild polish (Griot's Polish3) and my 6" random orbital. on my hobby cars i use Griot's system and on my dd's i use Prima.

bird crap etching rate depends on wat the bird ate. i recommend you
remove birdcrap just as soon as you can... 1-2days can be enough to etch
through the clear. sometimes it can take more like a week depending on
how acidic the crap was.

there are two things i hate as a car guy...

birds and bicycle riders (who do not yield to traffic). :shakes head:

Go buy simioniz. It will help protect your paint

until a tree snake lands on your car while your getting into it

I recommend you spend some time on autopia.com, there are a couple others that are good as well, if you truly care about your car. Be very careful of the advice on car care from sites other than the ones mentioned. People here have good intentions but not necessarily the experience with paint care.

that wont happen.... ive lived here my whole life... and ive only seen like 3 snakes and im 22..... plus snakes dont fly....... haha :tup:

Funny you should say that. I'd only seen 3 snakes in all my time on Guam too. Maybe because we live in Dededo?! :tiphat:

haha maybe man... i dont know why some people think this island is like crawling with them like snake island or something haha....