I live in apt. complex that apparently uses their irrigation system to fertilize also, i came out one day and saw horribly chunky thick and very white water spots on my car. I thought it was hard water but i later came to find out the truth. I washed the entire car with dawn and went over it with white vinegar and there was no change, i then went and bought a meguires claybar kit and got the spots off the metal body panel surfaces almost entirely however the plastic bumpers would not budge, spots are still there.

here is my plan, get 3m swirl remover and a porter cable polisher to see if this will work, i have read a ton of the threads on this and get too many opinions, these are very hard spots.

where would you buy the 3m products and porter cable. thanks.

 

The Porter Cable can be bought at Lowe's, for $109.00. They sell it as a sander/polisher.

The polishing pads you need to go with it can be located at

http://store.yahoo.com/classic-motoring/

 

You might try "CLR" sparingly... seems safe for most surfaces. You can get it at any hardware store - disolves most deposits. I'd try it in an inconspicuous area first... just a thought. Good luck!

 

this is where i get much of my stuff (the link is for the swirl remover that you asked for)- and i agree with the pc suggestion:

http://properautocare.com/3mperswirmar.html

 

by the way- note that it works on "minor water spots"...
sounds like it should do the trick.
let us know how it works out.

 

i am ordering right now, i will probably try it by hand appy for now until i can pickup a portercable. what do you guys use for glass

 

I use invisible glass on the inside with a microfiber cloth, and Windex on the outside with newspaper.

 

osu s2k- for glass, i use several different products... with no particular favorite-
currently using one from griots, and the zaino one sometimes too.
both work well. i use with blue paper cloth also from griots. much of the griots stuff is overpriced and can be obtained other places, but i am still working off an old inventory of their stuff.

 

just found a like for info on water spots:

http://www.autogeek.net/waterspots.html

 

I use P21S Pre-wax paint prep to get tough spots off a black car. I would shy away from getting hooked on abrasives such as 3M.