Water "Stain"

[AbnerR]

I have a flaw that I am not sure how to approach.  There is a discoloration at the bottom of the car near the gap between the two doors. I think it is due to water draining out of the front of the rear door after a rain, but I am not positive.

 

It is a small area and curved so a machine can’t get in there.  Do I pick up Revive and use a microfiber applicator to try to get rid of this? 

 

The car is Steel Grey metallic and no one can see it but me, but it is sure ticking me off.    

 

Thanks.

 

[mc2hill]

First off welcome!

 

Have you tried using one of the machine polishes by hand?  They are a little more aggressive that Revive, but will be ok by hand.

[AbnerR]

Thanks!  Long time lurker, first time posting. 

 

Interesting idea. I haven't tried anything yet, seeking opinions before I do anything.

[SYMAWD]

Start with clay.

[vobro]

It's probably a cosmoline type rust preventer or water reacting with grease on the hinges, I find these type "stains" a lot on German cars.

Edited May 25, 2015 by vobro

[AbnerR]

Thanks to all for the suggestions, I had to google cosmoline.  I may have a chance to take a run at it today.

Edited May 25, 2015 by AbnerR

[LFairbanks]

In looking at that picture it almost looks like water is getting into the door some where, possibly where the window and seal meet.  It is then running out of a drain in the bottom portion of the door.  And I bet the inside of the door is coated with a rust inhibitor.  Just my guess.  

[AbnerR]

Fixed!  I got a chance to work on it today and was able to clean it up.

 

The rust inhibitor concept appears correct, but I am far from an expert. I will keep an eye on it going forward and see if it starts to reappear. 

[Team Adam's]

It's probably a cosmoline type rust preventer or water reacting with grease on the hinges, I find these type "stains" a lot on German cars.

Good call... that was what I was leaning towards, or just a concentration of contamination gathering in the panel gap and draining there.

[TheBurninator]

Fixed!  I got a chance to work on it today and was able to clean it up.

 

The rust inhibitor concept appears correct, but I am far from an expert. I will keep an eye on it going forward and see if it starts to reappear. 

 

If they use a lot of it, then you will notice it weeping out on hot days. My ex used to have a Jetta that just seemed like a never ending fountain of the stuff.

[AbnerR]

Thanks for the tip. It is on the drivers side, so it will be easy to keep an eye on.

[Ricky Bobby]

If they use a lot of it, then you will notice it weeping out on hot days. My ex used to have a Jetta that just seemed like a never ending fountain of the stuff.

 

^This.  The MK4's were notorious for it.

[TheBurninator]

^This.  The MK4's were notorious for it.

 

Yep! That is why they smell like Crayons inside on warm days. Always made me laugh.