Silly Acid Rain Questions

R Sky Rox · 03-02-2007, 10:52 AM

My baby got rained on for the first time yesterday ('guess I'll have to sell her now--

). At least I know that the roof doesn't leak, but I wasn't sure how/whether to care for her when I got home last night. It rained like mad, and I'm so paranoid about acid rain that I completely washed her last night. My husband thinks I'm out of my mind (a distinct possibility!). Anyway, here are my questions--

Do I really need to get all the rain off? I have used all of Gary's products and the Ragtop cleaner and protectant, but I'm still freaked out by bird poop and acid rain. Even if I don't have to wash her after it rains, should I dry her off? Also--I doused the ragtop with clean water and then patted it down with terry cloth towels. I didn't want the acid rain to dry on the top. Is that crazy?

Am I a little too obsessive? If I had just left her in the garage to dry, would she be just fine? Would there be water spots? I even dried off the wheels--didn't want water spots on the chrome. I know eventually the euphoria of finally having her will wear off, so what is the minimum necessary when she gets rained on?

Rick Tinley Park · 03-02-2007, 11:38 AM

If the car is beading and you have your protection on (sounds obscene doesn’t it??)... Just a wipe down is fine. The problem I encounter is that I'd love top just wipe the car down after a rain - but if she has been driven I am afraid the dirt picked up will scratch. I usually wash it, but I let it wait.
I don't think leaving rain to dry will really damage the car if left for a day or two. There are no reports of acid rain dissolving paint in a few years (yet) time, but, it is up to you.
And actually the clear coat is a very good protector of the paint from acid rain. As long as you keep her sealed and waxed -- she'll glisten!

wt2ga · 03-02-2007, 11:55 AM

Skyflare · 03-02-2007, 02:58 PM

I think rain droplets are formed around small particles of airborn dirt or some ariborn agent, as I recall (could be wrong). It just seems to me that getting the rain off, somehow, as soon as possible is more prudent, provided it is not going to rain again.

turbomangt · 03-05-2007, 08:15 AM

Acid rain fall out can be a diaster on your finish, reason is that the clear coat is so thin and adn etch easily. My advice is to remove it immediatley, and follow with poly seal or Ultimate paint sealant. Gary

R Sky Rox · 03-21-2007, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbomangt

Acid rain fall out can be a diaster on your finish, reason is that the clear coat is so thin and adn etch easily. My advice is to remove it immediatley, and follow with poly seal or Ultimate paint sealant. Gary

If I've already used the paint cleaner and poly seal within the past couple of weeks, can't I just wash the acid rain off using car wash soap? I don't have to use the paint cleaner and poly seal every time it rains, do I?

turbomangt · 03-22-2007, 08:59 AM

Let me explain......using car wash soap will not effect your finish in terms of removing any coating, (like the poly seal/ paint seal) however most stubborn acid rain will NOT come off with car wash soap, so if you use something stronger than car wash soap you will remove your protection in which case you will have to re seal again, so to answer your question, NO you don't re apply polyseal after washing your car, Gary

bigdog · 03-22-2007, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbomangt

Let me explain......using car wash soap will not effect your finish in terms of removing any coating, (like the poly seal/ paint seal) however most stubborn acid rain will NOT come off with car wash soap, so if you use something stronger than car wash soap you will remove your protection in which case you will have to re seal again, so to answer your question, NO you don't re apply polyseal after washing your car, Gary

This is not really an acid rain question but it fits . . . sort of. I know that to really detail your car you need to wash it first with Dawn to remove the old wax BUT, I used your poly seal instead of wax from the get go. Do I still need to use Dawn to remove the poly seal before I clay, clean then seal (it's spring and time for a thorough detailing)?

R Sky Rox · 03-22-2007, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbomangt

Let me explain......using car wash soap will not effect your finish in terms of removing any coating, (like the poly seal/ paint seal) however most stubborn acid rain will NOT come off with car wash soap, so if you use something stronger than car wash soap you will remove your protection in which case you will have to re seal again, so to answer your question, NO you don't re apply polyseal after washing your car, Gary

So, my options are:

1) Never drive Roxy when it might rain (this one gets my husband's vote)
2) Drive her when it might rain, and if it rains, rinse her off ASAP and wash her at least by the weekend using car wash soap - thus taking a risk that the acid rain isn't particularly stubborn;
3) Drive her when it might rain, and if it does, count on spending some time washing her ASAP using something stronger than car wash soap and then re-seal again.

This probably means that I should rinse, wash, and protect the ragtop every time she gets rained on, also.

Well, it definitely adds strength to my husband's argument that we should leave her home when it might rain. Back to the mom van on those days, I guess.

R Sky Rox · 03-22-2007, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdog

This is not really an acid rain question but it fits . . . sort of. I know that to really detail your car you need to wash it first with Dawn to remove the old wax BUT, I used your poly seal instead of wax from the get go. Do I still need to use Dawn to remove the poly seal before I clay, clean then seal (it's spring and time for a thorough detailing)?

My guess is that he is going to say that you don't know for sure what they used at the dealership to get the car ready for you, so you should probably at least once wash with the Dawn or other mild dish soap, then seal. That's just my guess--whaddaya say, Gary?

dengel · 03-22-2007, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdog

This is not really an acid rain question but it fits . . . sort of. I know that to really detail your car you need to wash it first with Dawn to remove the old wax BUT, I used your poly seal instead of wax from the get go. Do I still need to use Dawn to remove the poly seal before I clay, clean then seal (it's spring and time for a thorough detailing)?

This a quote lifted from Gary's instructions for the first detail.

Quote:

NOTE, we will use the all purpose cleaner for the first detail only NEVER use all purpose cleaner for regular washings. The reason we are using it now, is because we want to remove ALL contaminants plus any wax you or the dealer might have put on your finish.

Another quote from Gary:

Quote:

The only time you can use a MILD solution of a dawn wash is for the FIRST time you are detailing your car and spending the poper amount of time going through the steps. (wash/caly/wash/deepclean polish/ seal) Once that is done, you should not have to use dawn anymore. for regualr washings use car wash soap. Gary

My interpretation is that you would NOT want to use Dawn after the first detail. We can wait for Gary's final word on this though.

R Sky Rox · 03-22-2007, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dengel

My interpretation is that you would NOT want to use Dawn after the first detail. We can wait for Gary's final word on this though.

But, according to his post above, if the car gets rained on we would have to use Dawn or some other mild soap (other than car wash soap) to get the stubborn acid rain off--?

dengel · 03-22-2007, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by It's my turn

But, according to his post above, if the car gets rained on we would have to use Dawn or some other mild soap (other than car wash soap) to get the stubborn acid rain off--?

I think the bigger question is the definition of acid rain. Are you assuming that every time it rains it is considered acid rain? I would not make that assumption - I don't think Gary would recommend stripping off all of your car's protection and reapplying it every time it rains.

So I think the real question would be what to do when your car is rained on (regular ole rain) and/or how to tell when you car has been exposed to acid rain?

R Sky Rox · 03-22-2007, 02:57 PM

I think, because I am located in NC, that I can pretty much count on any rain being acidic. I found an interesting article by the EPA about the effects of acid rain on automotive coatings here:

http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/acidra...ects/auto.html

DaleF · 03-22-2007, 04:29 PM

As far as I know, all rain is "acidic" (below a pH of 7.0). The only question is how acidic is it normally in your area. How far below 7.0 . I haven't seen any maps displaying this. But then, nor have I looked for one. And there are probably several variables effecting the acidity of any particular storm. Tap water (in my area) I've found to be alkaline. If you feel you must, give your car a rinse. But then, alkalines(alkaloids?) can be corrosive too.
The bottom line is, unless you live in an area where there is pond/lake nearby that has "died" due to acid rain. I wouldn't stress too much about it.
That's my

DaleF · 03-22-2007, 04:37 PM

I just did some digging in the website that "Its my turn" provided.

Here's a link I found relevent.

http://www.epa.gov/castnet/mapwconc.html

Midnight Sky · 03-22-2007, 05:43 PM

Well, thanks, "its my turn" for this thread.

I just picked up my Redline from the dealership in Winston-Salem and I won't have access to a garage for about 6 months.

I guess frequent washings are in my future.

R Sky Rox · 03-22-2007, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnight Sky

Well, thanks, "its my turn" for this thread.

I just picked up my Redline from the dealership in Winston-Salem and I won't have access to a garage for about 6 months.

I guess frequent washings are in my future.

Congrats! And, well, sorry....I agree that acid rain isn't something to lose sleep over. That being said, I don't think I'll let rain dry on my car if possible. Maybe you can get a waterproof cover for the time being? Can't wait to meet you at some of our upcoming cruises.

dengel · 03-22-2007, 06:46 PM

I do have one product that would probably be good to keep on hand for those worried about acid rain, or who live in the worst areas (btw, the North East is supposed to be the worst for acid rain.)

It is called the California Water Blade, made by the same folks as the California Duster. It is like a squeegee, but is made of silicone, so it won't damage your car's finish. I usually use it during washing so the rinse water doesn't dry on the car before I can get to it with microfiber towels, but it would probably work well on removing rain water before it has a chance to dry too.

Midnight Sky · 03-22-2007, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by It's my turn

Can't wait to meet you at some of our upcoming cruises.

Druid-2 · 03-22-2007, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by It's my turn

So, my options are:

1) Never drive Roxy when it might rain (this one gets my husband's vote)
2) Drive her when it might rain, and if it rains, rinse her off ASAP and wash her at least by the weekend using car wash soap - thus taking a risk that the acid rain isn't particularly stubborn;
3) Drive her when it might rain, and if it does, count on spending some time washing her ASAP using something stronger than car wash soap and then re-seal again.

This probably means that I should rinse, wash, and protect the ragtop every time she gets rained on, also.

Well, it definitely adds strength to my husband's argument that we should leave her home when it might rain. Back to the mom van on those days, I guess.

or you could say...it's just a car...and drive the damn thing

03-02-2007, 10:52 AM	#1 (permalink)
R Sky Rox Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 464 My Photos: (0)	Silly Acid Rain Questions My baby got rained on for the first time yesterday ('guess I'll have to sell her now-- ). At least I know that the roof doesn't leak, but I wasn't sure how/whether to care for her when I got home last night. It rained like mad, and I'm so paranoid about acid rain that I completely washed her last night. My husband thinks I'm out of my mind (a distinct possibility!). Anyway, here are my questions-- Do I really need to get all the rain off? I have used all of Gary's products and the Ragtop cleaner and protectant, but I'm still freaked out by bird poop and acid rain. Even if I don't have to wash her after it rains, should I dry her off? Also--I doused the ragtop with clean water and then patted it down with terry cloth towels. I didn't want the acid rain to dry on the top. Is that crazy? Am I a little too obsessive? If I had just left her in the garage to dry, would she be just fine? Would there be water spots? I even dried off the wheels--didn't want water spots on the chrome. I know eventually the euphoria of finally having her will wear off, so what is the minimum necessary when she gets rained on?

03-02-2007, 11:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
Rick Tinley Park Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SW Suburbs of Chicago Posts: 4,819 My Photos: (11)	If the car is beading and you have your protection on (sounds obscene doesn’t it??)... Just a wipe down is fine. The problem I encounter is that I'd love top just wipe the car down after a rain - but if she has been driven I am afraid the dirt picked up will scratch. I usually wash it, but I let it wait. I don't think leaving rain to dry will really damage the car if left for a day or two. There are no reports of acid rain dissolving paint in a few years (yet) time, but, it is up to you. And actually the clear coat is a very good protector of the paint from acid rain. As long as you keep her sealed and waxed -- she'll glisten! __________________ Find out about my radio show http://www.anj.westpm.net Founder: www.chicagolandroadsters.com Rick Tinley Park Delivered June 15, 2006 VIN - 3099 Sunburst Yellow Name - Sunni1 IL License # - YLO SKY 1

03-02-2007, 11:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
wt2ga Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: SkyLess in Atlanta Posts: 1,912 My Photos: (13)	......... Hot Sauce ..........

03-02-2007, 02:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
Skyflare Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Left coast, CA Posts: 537 My Photos: (5)	I think rain droplets are formed around small particles of airborn dirt or some ariborn agent, as I recall (could be wrong). It just seems to me that getting the rain off, somehow, as soon as possible is more prudent, provided it is not going to rain again. __________________ Always remember above the best is the sky and the sky is always full of stars! SKYFURY

03-05-2007, 08:15 AM	#5 (permalink)
turbomangt Supporting Vendor Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 145 My Photos: (0)	Acid rain fall out can be a diaster on your finish, reason is that the clear coat is so thin and adn etch easily. My advice is to remove it immediatley, and follow with poly seal or Ultimate paint sealant. Gary __________________ Perfect Auto Finish "Perfecting the Art of Automotive Detailing" www.perfectautofinish.com

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03-22-2007, 08:59 AM	#7 (permalink)
turbomangt Supporting Vendor Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 145 My Photos: (0)	Let me explain......using car wash soap will not effect your finish in terms of removing any coating, (like the poly seal/ paint seal) however most stubborn acid rain will NOT come off with car wash soap, so if you use something stronger than car wash soap you will remove your protection in which case you will have to re seal again, so to answer your question, NO you don't re apply polyseal after washing your car, Gary __________________ Perfect Auto Finish "Perfecting the Art of Automotive Detailing" www.perfectautofinish.com

03-22-2007, 02:57 PM	#14 (permalink)
R Sky Rox Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 464 My Photos: (0)	I think, because I am located in NC, that I can pretty much count on any rain being acidic. I found an interesting article by the EPA about the effects of acid rain on automotive coatings here: http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/acidra...ects/auto.html

03-22-2007, 04:29 PM	#15 (permalink)
DaleF First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 217 My Photos: (0)	As far as I know, all rain is "acidic" (below a pH of 7.0). The only question is how acidic is it normally in your area. How far below 7.0 . I haven't seen any maps displaying this. But then, nor have I looked for one. And there are probably several variables effecting the acidity of any particular storm. Tap water (in my area) I've found to be alkaline. If you feel you must, give your car a rinse. But then, alkalines(alkaloids?) can be corrosive too. The bottom line is, unless you live in an area where there is pond/lake nearby that has "died" due to acid rain. I wouldn't stress too much about it. That's my __________________ Dale. Mid. Blue/Tan 5-spd / 6disc XM 1100 7/11/06 #2 in line for a RL 3800 1/24/07 Mine! 2/3/07 IMSaturn

03-22-2007, 04:37 PM	#16 (permalink)
DaleF First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 217 My Photos: (0)	I just did some digging in the website that "Its my turn" provided. Here's a link I found relevent. http://www.epa.gov/castnet/mapwconc.html __________________ Dale. Mid. Blue/Tan 5-spd / 6disc XM 1100 7/11/06 #2 in line for a RL 3800 1/24/07 Mine! 2/3/07 IMSaturn

03-22-2007, 05:43 PM	#17 (permalink)
Midnight Sky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Central North Carolina Posts: 208 My Photos: (0)	Well, thanks, "its my turn" for this thread. I just picked up my Redline from the dealership in Winston-Salem and I won't have access to a garage for about 6 months. I guess frequent washings are in my future. __________________ PS -- That is what part of the alphabet would look like if Q and R were missing (Mitch Hedberg)

03-22-2007, 06:46 PM	#19 (permalink)
dengel Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: solsticeforum.com Posts: 1,015 My Photos: (0)	I do have one product that would probably be good to keep on hand for those worried about acid rain, or who live in the worst areas (btw, the North East is supposed to be the worst for acid rain.) It is called the California Water Blade, made by the same folks as the California Duster. It is like a squeegee, but is made of silicone, so it won't damage your car's finish. I usually use it during washing so the rinse water doesn't dry on the car before I can get to it with microfiber towels, but it would probably work well on removing rain water before it has a chance to dry too.