Please help me clean my tail

ausdilecce · ausdilecce's Garage

I (finally ! ) got a period correct Carrera tail for my 1987 targa..

It is a used ( second-hand ) tail and whomever stored it managed to get what looks like yellow paint ( overspray ) on the top surface of the whole tail ( rubber and fiber )..

The fiber bit is getting repainted so that is not the issue... The issue is the rubber -

How the heck to I clean this properly ?
( right now you can see yellow specs of paint all over it ! )

ANY help would be greatly appreciated !

And to all that are considering this ( much needed ) modification, please note that there are TWO different types of tails for 1984-1989 Carreras..
a turbo tail ( 930 512 023 00 ) and
a 'with spoilers' tail-option code M473 ( 911 512 043 00 )

ONLY the second one is a direct replacement for the stock engine lid grille..

Guess which one I got

No matter... I'll make it work hehe

Now, anybody have a chin lip spoiler that is collecting dust ? Shipping can be either to New York ( I'll be there in April ) or Melbourne, Aus

Paulporsche · 02-09-2005, 05:01 AM

Try some paint thinner (not stripper) and elbow grease. Or maybe a light polishing compound. After, be sure to replenish the rubber w/ your favorite rubber dressing.

masraum · 02-09-2005, 05:17 AM

Yowza. I would be a little scared to use polishing compound on the rubber. I would think it would get in the cracks and pores and discolor the rubber and be even harder to clean. Is the rubber not porous?

Paulporsche · 02-09-2005, 06:27 AM

Steve,

You may have something there. I was thinking the rubber might lighten a little, then one of those back to black type restorers would get it dark again. It seems I used both methods w/ an old tail I had years ago that had some overspray on it and it was OK.

You know the old mantra "always try this on a non exposed area etc."

To be safer, if you leave the thinner on for a couple minutes, then rub off, you should get it. I even had some overspray on my dash, which I got off this way. Don't leave the thinner on too long or it will dry out the material.

I'm thinking something like saddle soap might do it too.

Miguel Antonett · 02-09-2005, 06:41 AM

I would try cleaning clay first.

ausdilecce · ausdilecce's Garage

Thanks to all of you..

OK, so just to confirm ( sorry for my ignorance ) ..

Cleaning clay is the same stuff one would 'clay' their car with ? Brand names please..

Paint thinner = 'turpentine' ?

The rubber *is* porous, and therefore, I will not be using polishing compound.. Unfortunately.. there are no 'non-exposed' areas that have this darned overspray

If I try one type of 'cleaner', would that then screw me if I tried another type of cleaner.. Meaning, if I try a couple of these methods - should I try them in a particular order ? ( least aggressive to most agressive )

I do NOT want to ruin this rubber !
Thanx again

scottb · 02-09-2005, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Miguel Antonett
I would try cleaning clay first.

That's what I would do first. You can get a clay kit at your local car parts store. It's the stuff used to clean the paint, and I think Maguires (and others) makes a kit. Just be sure to keep the surface well lubricated.

If that doesn't work, I'd try something that's made for rubber. Harsh solvents like thinner might get the paint off, but they may damage the rubber in the process. Be careful using multiple cleaners, as they may react chemically with one another and cause problems. If all else fails, go to your local auto paint supply shop and explain the problem. I'm sure they'll have something that will work.