Cleaning Off Lime(?) Deposits

[Boston Tundra]

I'm looking for some help regarding deposits which dripped onto the roof of my red 2002 Tundra, and onto the K-Cover tonneau over the bed. The truck was parked during a three-day period in a garage under a hotel. Sometime during that period, the dripping happened, and when I returned to the truck, I observed the white deposits in three places. Since this is a concrete structure, and looking above the truck disclosed nothing, I figured that the deposit was possibly lime, coming out of the concrete, borne out by water. I tried washing with plain water, with no results, and bought a product called CLR. I tried that full strength on the tonneau, but not much came off. I didn't use a brush or abrasive. I have not tried anything on the roof of the truck (other than water) yet, because I figure the paint is more likely to be damaged by my efforts. Does any TS member have any possible solution? The hotel is fine with paying for the damage, but I'm not ready yet to give up on some sort of simple cleaning procedure. Any ideas cheerfully received.

[LGL002]

Originally Posted by Boston Tundra

I'm looking for some help regarding deposits which dripped onto the roof of my red 2002 Tundra, and onto the K-Cover tonneau over the bed. The truck was parked during a three-day period in a garage under a hotel. Sometime during that period, the dripping happened, and when I returned to the truck, I observed the white deposits in three places. Since this is a concrete structure, and looking above the truck disclosed nothing, I figured that the deposit was possibly lime, coming out of the concrete, borne out by water. I tried washing with plain water, with no results, and bought a product called CLR. I tried that full strength on the tonneau, but not much came off. I didn't use a brush or abrasive. I have not tried anything on the roof of the truck (other than water) yet, because I figure the paint is more likely to be damaged by my efforts. Does any TS member have any possible solution? The hotel is fine with paying for the damage, but I'm not ready yet to give up on some sort of simple cleaning procedure. Any ideas cheerfully received.

A clay bar should take it off the paint. Just turn it frequently as you apply it. CLR is a mild acid and diluted a bit shouldn't harm your paint. Try it in a door jam or better yet inside the bed. White vinegar is another liquid that'll remove mineral spots. Not sure about how either CLR or vinegar will treat your cover long term. Good Luck, but you may want to have the Hotel cover it at a full detail shop to be safest.

Larry

[Brandon1]

I would be weary of the CLR, vinegar is fine. But what ever you do, dont brush it off. That will lead to more damage. As the member above pointed out, a clay bar will probably take it all off. If it dosent, get some type of polish/cleaner(I recommend Meguiars Deep Crystle Cleaner) and do the affected area. If its still not working, let me know and I will recommend some internet-purchased supplies for the removal.

Brandon

[Boston Tundra]

Larry and Brandon - Thank you for the information regarding working with the lime deposits on the roof and tonneau. I have been away and haven't had a chance to do much yet with the offending spots, and today it's raining here in Boston, so it looks like I'll get a chance tomorrow. I tend to think the clay bar may be the way to go. I took it to a detail guy to get his view on this, and he reached for a bottle of lacquer thinner and was preparing to start rubbing away with that. I decided that was a little harsh, and stopped him before he started. Sunny and warm (40F) in Boston tomorrow, so I may get to it then.

Thanks again - John

[LGL002]

Whoa, lacquer thinner . I guess at least you learned not to darken his doorway for a detail job. Wonder what he was even thinking. Good Luck.


Larry