I was cleaning the car today as I do every Saturday morning I have off and its been raining all week, so the S was pretty dirty. I noticed the mirrors on my 02 are getting oxidized as well as the side strakes. But I don't really know what to do about that other than to replace them or have the re-painted. But I noticed today that there are some white spots on my factory spoiler. I had noticed a few a couple of weeks ago but now the spoiler looks faded and there are tons of them. And they are spreading to the rear bumper. Nothing like this is happening on the front bumper just on the rear. Anyone have this problem or know how to fix it? Its very strange, I've never seen anything like it. I can post pictures tomorrow if anyone needs them.

 

Pictures would help.

 

can you feel them?
do they stick up above the paint or are they in the paint?

 

Looks like they are below the clear coat. I didn't have access to a computer yesterday to post the pics I'll have them up tomorrow after work.

 

If they parts are "fading" but the paint is still in good condition, the strakes and mirrors probably need a good polishing, some sealant and some good carnuba wax, and they will be nice and shiny again. As stated by the others, pics would help us try to answer your questions.

Also, do you have a PC?

 

nope don't have a pc but I can borrow one. And you are correct about the mirrors and side strakes. but everytime i polish them they go right back to faded within a week or so. Its been raining here all day if it lets up for a minute i'll post pics after work. I'm just worried it'll spread to the rest of the bumper, and I'm not looking to spend a whole lot of money repainting the thing.

 

Out of curiosity, what brand/type of polish are you using?

 

I have an old red Celica GT that the paint is shot. The clear coat is gone
except on the shady side of the car. I also have the white that shows through on the side mirrors and the door trim on the drivers side.
It looks to me that there will be no remedy other than re-painting.
I think all you can do is to try to preserve the remaining good paint until you decide to re-paint.

 

Normally I use Meguires. Course the last time I had it detailed by someone else because I was lazy. So I don't know what they used. Sorry about not having the pics, the rain hasn't let up so if it clears up tomorrow i'll get in a few shots at lunch and post them up.

 

just a picture of the car



faded spoiler



the white spots.

It doesn't happen on any of the metal body panels. Only on the poly urethane of the bumper and the fiberglass of the spoiler and parts of the trunk. Sorry the pics aren't great but they are better than nothing.