Rock guard cleaning?

Janalee · 08-01-2012, 11:35 AM

Well, I am feeling better than usual so am giving the TT a real good outside cleaning before all my sacroiliac pain starts again..however,since we had done a lot of highway driving in the rain last winter,resulting in lots of road grime and oily residues, the rock guard is not cleaning up well...who has secrets to getting the imbedded black specs out? I have tried Awesome,Comet cleanser,with scrubbies and Mr. Clean Erasers and scrub brushes..even tried Brillo pads..it is a bit better but not what I would call acceptable. (**Note to JohnB and others who gave advice..the damage from my brake line rupturing on the van is really imperceptible now..sunlight and Pa. acid rain helped some I guess!)So now I need help to clean the rock guard PLEASE..Thanks, Janalee

kanyonkitty · 08-01-2012, 01:16 PM

Janalee,

You want to get a "BRASS BRISTLE" wire brush, that is what I used to clean the filthy stone guard on my '87 1661. You might also want to try Oxi-Clean, or Zud.

Kitty

JTurner · 08-01-2012, 01:34 PM

I used Magic Erasers (lots of them) and Clorox-Clean up spray on my 1985 T-1550. The combination took everything off, even the road tar. It looks brand new now.

**Sunline Fan** · 08-01-2012, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kanyonkitty

Janalee,

You want to get a "BRASS BRISTLE" wire brush, that is what I used to clean the filthy stone guard on my '87 1661. You might also want to try Oxi-Clean, or Zud.

Kitty

Kitty, that grill brush is a good idea along with some cleaner. The fiberglass doesn't really have a smooth part, so it really can't show any scratches in it. At the same time, that's probably why it gets so dirty, is everything gets in those little grooves.

Wannabes · 08-02-2012, 08:25 AM

When there are black spots on the lower panels of our car or truck, I've used PAM cooking spray (or the generic brand). Just spray it on the spots, wait a few seconds and use a nylon scrubbie, brush, or cloth to get it off. In this part of PA, oil-and-chip and tar are still used for road surfacing and cooking spray does a good job taking off those types of black spots.

**Sunline Fan** · 08-02-2012, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wannabes

When there are black spots on the lower panels of our car or truck, I've used PAM cooking spray (or the generic brand). Just spray it on the spots, wait a few seconds and use a nylon scrubbie, brush, or cloth to get it off. In this part of PA, oil-and-chip and tar are still used for road surfacing and cooking spray does a good job taking off those types of black spots.

That sounds like a great tip! I've never heard of it before. We have the same kind of road repair up here. In fact, I just went over one the other day that it looks like they used the whole truck full in about a mile

**JohnB** · 08-04-2012, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wannabes

When there are black spots on the lower panels of our car or truck, I've used PAM cooking spray (or the generic brand). Just spray it on the spots, wait a few seconds and use a nylon scrubbie, brush, or cloth to get it off. In this part of PA, oil-and-chip and tar are still used for road surfacing and cooking spray does a good job taking off those types of black spots.

Thanks. Never heard of this one. WD-40 also works on some of the spots that are petroleum based. I'll have to add cooking spray to the list of remedies.

Kitty

The brass brush on the rock guard. Never heard or even thought of that one. I'm assuming this is a very fine wire brush. Does it scratch? If the brass brush works and does not scratch, then fine steel wool may be in the same league. I'm just Leary of the scratching.

Thanks

John

Janalee · 08-06-2012, 05:03 PM

[QUOTE=Janalee;106892]Well..I bought the brush...needed a new one for the grill anyway..now to pass on some info. My vinyl insert trim in the top rail had stretched beyond its ability to stay in so I took it out to replace it..FOUND TONS OF BLACK GRIME!Now I know where the black streaks came from..cleaned the channel and the rain gutters and after numerous downpours, not one black mark!! Now to attack that rock guard!( PS..I don't think it is necessary to replace the vinyl channel trim..I really think it is cosmetic to hide the looks of the screw heads..am I correct?) Janalee

Bubbabc · 01-14-2015, 02:54 PM

Spray outdoor Clorox on it with a spray bottle and let is soak. When it dries spray again until you get the result you want then spray off with water let it dry and wax it with a good car wax. Most of the black marks you are seeing is mold in the cracks. The Clorox will kill the mold and mildew. It will look like new again!