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ekbruster · 07-23-2018, 04:10 PM

So, needless to say I'm FURIOUS! My neighbors sprinkler went rouge the past week while I was away and continually sprayed iron laced well water on my 2018 FC. The clear-coat on the aluminum resisted the water and after a bit of buffing out they water stains came out, however my stainless front segment protectors weren't as lucky. They have iron streaks running down them and I tried using light detergents (dawn dish soap, walbernize) I think it's looking worse... Anyone else had to deal with this??

I read online for stainless sinks people use a mixture of baking soda and water with the grain to get hard water stains out, but really reluctant to go there on these?

Looked at Magic Stainless Steel cleaner on Amazon but has many mixed-reviews and looks like they are only being used on appliances.... This thing looks so awful the thought of spending $500 on a new one is actually starting to make sense!... Thanks in advance for any advice...

rmkrum · 07-23-2018, 04:13 PM

Try the CLR product on an inconspicuous area on the stainless steel. It's good at taking calcium, lime, and rust deposits off materials. (Hence the name)

ROBERT CROSS · 07-23-2018, 04:19 PM

'Ya never know...I've removed a lot of different stains on the segment protectors with WD40...worth a try.👍

Bob
🇺🇸

ekbruster · 07-23-2018, 04:58 PM

Wd40 sounds like a safe start, CLR scares me a bit, do the guards ha bc e any type of clear coat on them?

rmkrum · 07-23-2018, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ekbruster

Wd40 sounds like a safe start, CLR scares me a bit, do the guards ha bc e any type of clear coat on them?

The Segment protectors are mill-finish stainless steel. They are not clearcoated. Try the WD-40 first, wiping in the direction of the grain. WD-40 is ALWAYS worth a try...

If that does not work well, try the CLR by putting some on a soft cloth and rubbing with the grain in an out-of-sight lower corner. If it works, use it sparingly, then rinse the segment protector thoroughly with clear water and dry it with a microfiber cloth or a traditional chamois to prevent spotting and to get all the possible CLR residue off.

Then wash the whole rig as usual and apply your favorite high-quality wax to the Airstream and both of the protectors to help protect them from the next episode...

ekbruster · 07-23-2018, 06:20 PM

Well, WD40 didn't seem to do much, lightened up some of the bad spots, but residue still there, guess I'll try and pickup some CLR tomorrow and see what happens, probably best to pull of the panel to do that work... Thanks for ideas guys.

djarrett · 07-23-2018, 07:24 PM

Try BarKeeper's Friend. Do not get it on the aluminum. Go with the grain and don't put pressure. It is ultra fine and I've even used it with no pressure to remove tar from my truck with no net negative effect.
I'm also a drummer and the stuff works fantastic on cymbals!

Hope this helps.
D

ekbruster · 07-24-2018, 07:34 PM

Well, CLR was a start, still has a copper tinge to it though, put the CLR on and left if for a fewl minutes before rinsing away, ran out of daylight so probably try that a couple more times tomorrow to see if it will penetrate, if not probably take a swing at bar keepers friend. Was also thinking of iron out, if I remove the panel and soak it in a kiddie pool of iron out and water, that seems to take it out of just about everything else the house?? Not sure if it would hurt the chrome trim or reflector though...

ROBERT CROSS · 07-25-2018, 06:11 AM

Just reminded me...i've used this for years to soak rust away.

Try soaking a microfiber cloth and cover the effected area. Lay saran wrap over it to keep it damp.

Bob
🇺🇸

ekbruster · 07-26-2018, 07:16 PM

Guess I'll try ordering Evaporust... Went out on a limb last night and tried baking soda paste, put it on gently with a microfiber cloth and sprayed it with white vinegar, let set for about 5 minutes and rinsed off, it did remove some, but still has a color variance... Even with some very gentle rubbing with the cloth couldn't get it back to original

gmcryan · 07-26-2018, 07:34 PM

Would a clay bar do the job? Be sure to use a spray wax to lubricate the surface before rubbing with the clay bar. It works wonders on clearcoat, hopefully it could work on stainless.

ekbruster · 07-31-2018, 03:43 PM

So the solution.....

Alright, tried bar-keepers, tried CLR, tried baking soda and vinegar, tried comet, and while all of them made minor improvements, I found a solution... I was fed up and about to order a new protector, but figuring I can't make it any worse I went out on a limb and used IRON OUT. Yes, mixed it with water and made a light paste, applied it using a micro-fiber cloth gently rubbing it in the direction of the grain and let it sit and DRY for about 5-10 minutes.

Rinsed off, and it came out just as shiny as the day it rolled off the dealership lot! So it worked, but you have to be EXTREMELY careful when applying. Rinsed it right off and then I cleaned the panel with dawn dish-soap just to make sure no residue was left.

Thanks for all the advice guys! Saved me $500+ replacement.