West Virginia Sport Touring

Dear Abby, (juat kidding)
I am at my wits end on this one. How do I remove water spots from auto glass? I just puchased a new-to-me SUV (2002 Trail Blazer LTZ) from a co-worker and the vehicle is in immaculate condition except for water spots on the glass and finish. I have tried claying the glass and clear coat with a Mequires clay detail kit, and it did NOT work, and I have tried using CLR on the glass and it did not help one bit either. The only thing I have not done yet is take it to a detail shop and ask them about it. I just don't know anyone who is in the detail business. I am a do it yourself-er, and would like to find something that would work in removing the spots. Any suggestions?
Deb
Frustrated in NC

james should field this one.. but it really depends on how deep they are.. you might get away with buffing them out. but you might have to sand and buff..

your turn james.. lol

Good advice or bad advice? We specialize in one or the other

Have you tried white vinegar? You could even try a really, really fine steel wool....where to get it I have no idea.

You might could talk to a boat shop and see what they recommend.

Hate you hurt a nice ladies feelings but if its so bad that all the things you tried didn't help then it can't be helped. Water spots (acid rain) damage is something that isn't seen alot now days but Honda ( I have been the bodyshop manager at a Honda dealership since 1995), Honda had terrible problems with water spots back then. Honda had a deal that was a water/baking soda mix to neutrilize the acid and then a color sand and buff but the thing was, it didn't work. In all my years I have never seen anything other then a paint job to "fix" water spots. If you go to a detail shop, don't be tricked into gimicks that they say will work, make them prove it. Have them do a spot on your hood and tell them that you want to watch it for 30 days and see if the spots come back. Be very careful about letting someone sand and buff you car also, if this is over done they can burn threw the paint when buffing or worse, remove to much clear and delamenation (clear coat either pelling or getting a powder look) later.

James

Well, I haven't tried the vinegar yet. I went on the internet Friday night and did some searches about how to take care of the water spots. That's when I first read about detailing clay. The clay in the kit I purchased at Advance Auto looked like cheap silly putty. There are some clay bars that have a super fine grit, but I could not find anything like that here in this small town. I did read about using #0000 or #000 grade steel wool, but that sounds like something I would need to let a pro use. Me scraping metal across paint just doesn't sound like something I would be good at doing. I guess I will take it to a detail shop. Don't worry, I would make them prove to me that a product or process they try to sell to me would work in a permanent manner in taking away the spots. I was told by a local auto dealer that usually the spots are there for good, and that buffing may just lessen the appearance of the spotting. Some one also told me to try aluminum polish on the glass only, but I am worried about etching. Thanks for all of the advice!
Deb