Fly Specks
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2961
Printed Date: 05 May 2024 at 11:11am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Fly Specks
Posted By: Paige
Subject: Fly Specks
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2012 at 7:05pm
We own a slightly used Rpod that we got this spring. We parked it next to our shed, but one side was facing the evening sun. That side got covered with fly specks, as did two other sides. Some people say it is fly poop but scientifically speaking, it is really what the flies regurgitate. Anyway, I thought I would take the time, after our camping adventure, to wash and wax the Rpod. Much to my surprise, the fly specks are impervious to almost all solvents I have tried. I talked to a car guy who shows cars and he had little advice other than elbow grease. Wet drying sheets work somewhat as we'll as hot soapy water...but after several hours working, I have only one side done. Any suggestions out there? I plan on waxing the pod within an inch of its life so future fly specks will slide right off!  ------------- Paige and Pete 2010 177 - RPug 2012 Rav (six cylinder) New York & Florida residents 
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Replies:
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2012 at 8:11pm
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Wow, thats a new one on me, I waxed ours when it was fairly new with Meguaires Carnubra wax, I have not experienced "fly spots" we live in southern Indiana, are these "fly spots" a New England problem ? ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: Paige
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2012 at 8:19pm
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There are no flies in Indiana? I am moving there! ------------- Paige and Pete 2010 177 - RPug 2012 Rav (six cylinder) New York & Florida residents
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 27 Sep 2012 at 10:47pm
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Try "Bug & Tar" remover. From Auto Zone or what have you. Or, a clay bar. I KNOW that will take them off.
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Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2012 at 12:57am
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I was buying a spark plug for a small engine at the local NAPA store, and they had a new product made by Seafoam that was supposed to be an outstanding bug and tar remover. The counter clerk raved about it and he has cleaned up cars for years. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Paige
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2012 at 6:31am
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I went to NAPA and got the bug and tar remover,,,no go. What is a clay bar? ------------- Paige and Pete 2010 177 - RPug 2012 Rav (six cylinder) New York & Florida residents
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Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2012 at 8:31am
clay bar is a mild abrasive used in detailing cars that removes any surface impurities in the paint before you wax. It might work in this case the gel coat on the pod is harder than automotive paint. I would try it on a part of the pod that does not show first to make sure it does not damage the finish. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: coopercdrkey
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2012 at 7:36am
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In North and Central Florida, (as well as other areas in the deep Southeast, I'm sure), we have a lovely twice-yearly phenomenon known as "love bugs", which are anything but lovely! They hang out in swarms and are atracted to anything white, like an R-Pod, for example. When the 'Pod is stationary, they are just a nuisance, but underway, they splat all over the leading surfaces of your 'Pod and TV. Left unwashed, they will attack automotive paint. I would think the 'Pod's gelcoat might be a tougher surface. They still need to be removed, and I have found a product called SoftScrub to be effective. It comes both with and without bleach. I use the "without" version so as not to mar the decals. Still lots of elbow grease needed, though. ------------- Bob and Joyce Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels RP 177 "Key Pod" Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71 |
Posted By: Paige
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2012 at 7:45am
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Hi,
I am familiar with love bugs as we winter in Fort Myers. Soft Scrub,,as in the household bathroom type cleaner? I am determined to get them all off and next time, in the fall when the flys are doing their thing,,,the cover goes on the RPod. My best combination for getting them off is elbow grease, Oxyclean in hot water, a nylon covered auto sponge and believe it or not,,,wet dryer sheets! You do go through a lot of dryer sheets because they seem to lose their "power" very quickly. We have a place in Fort Myers and people were wondering why we still own a camper, but we love the state parks of Florida and of course the Keys. Maybe Florida Podders will have a get together during the winter? ------------- Paige and Pete 2010 177 - RPug 2012 Rav (six cylinder) New York & Florida residents
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Posted By: coopercdrkey
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2012 at 8:33am
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Yes, the household cleaner designed for surfaces that are easily scratched by more abrasive products. As I said, it does not replace elbow grease, but it does allow you to "lean into" the scrubbing process without dulling the gelcoat. A winter get together is a great idea. There are two brand new 177's here in Cedar Key alone. We gravitate to the State Parks, but GypsieEdie might be easier to coax into a park with more amenities, like a pool and hot tub! (Just joking, Edie!) Keep in touch through the Board. We'll work on it. ------------- Bob and Joyce Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels RP 177 "Key Pod" Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71 |
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2012 at 1:39pm
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After a lot of testing of a lot of bug-tar remover products...I found that laying an absorbent material over the Pod and keeping it wet with a garden hose for a couple of hours will usually soften the 'bug juice' enough so that the bug-tar liquid will finally lift the spots off. I set up a lawn sprinkler to gently spray an old bed sheet laid on the Pod.
------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: Paige
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2012 at 9:08pm
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Well after days of rain,,the RPod was thoroughly soaked. I went out armed with my newly purchased bottle of Soft Scrub and HOORAY! the Soft Scrub worked! Yes it still took elbow grease, but nowhere near as much as before. Instead of spending four hours on one side,m I did the whole RPod in under an hour! The only thing the soap would not take care of was the pine pitch that we got on the RPod during the NE Roundup. So tomorrow I figure out what solvent will work on that. Then I plan on waxing the RPod so well that flies will just slide off it! Take that, you regurgitating flies! Thank you for all your suggestions. I will be sure to cover up the rPod during the early cool fall when flies are looking for a warm sunny surface. ------------- Paige and Pete 2010 177 - RPug 2012 Rav (six cylinder) New York & Florida residents
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