Herd72

I have a spot on my 2003 that I just can't keep clean. It's on the back beneath the window. Where the rubber strips come together the water runs down and it leaves a NASTY looking streak. It must be absorbing something into the water as it is heck to get off. It really shows up as I have the Stratosphere Mica color (dark blue). I use Zymol and do the quick detail after every other wash. I wash about every 3-4 days and dry with a natural chamois. I wax 5-6 times per year. I really think this may damage the clear coat or maybe even the paint over time. Has anyone else noticed these streaks and had any success keeping them clean. It also happens every time it rains. I do like a clean ride and hate these suckers!

ALBPM

I recommend 3M Perfect It - number 2, Fine Cut rubbing compound for removing spots like the one you have. Use light pressure so you don't rub through the clear coat.

Also get some better polish like Zaino or Griots. Zainos is really good for protecting the clear coat finish since it is polymer based and bonds with the clear coat. Z1, Z2, Z5 and Z6 to start with.
http://www.zainobros.com/files/info.htm

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ight=detailing

Others like Griots Best of Show Wax.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1=L1_1000

http://www.pnw4runners.com/tando/wax/wax.htm
There are lots of good tips on Corey's page especially about using the Porter Cable Random Orbital Buffer (Corey Cable)

It doesn't sound like the Zymol is protecting the clear coat very well. Zymol is carnuba based which generally breaks down in a couple weeks.

sy733

I feel you pain, man. I have a black 03 and EVERYTIME it rains, that nasty black streak shows up in the right bottom corner of the rear window. If I don't let the streak sit for too long, Meguiar's Quick Detailer does the job. If that doesn't work, I usually just pull out some cleaner wax. I don't have any probs getting rid of it, but it would be nice to avoid having to deal with it all together. I was considering making a small, unnoticeable horizontal scratch right underneath the weather stripping to divert the flow of the water, but that sounds too risky/drastic. Anyone else have any suggestions?

Woodbert

I HAD the same problem when I was using a petroleum based edge trim (Armor All wipes). It was a terrible stain after a rain.

I swithced to Griots Rubber and Vynyl Dressing and it didn't totally go away, but it is a lot less noticable and easily wipes away with speed shine or the next time I wash the truck, usually once a week. It is not a petro based.

Be warned- The Griots RVD is great but REALLY expensive. I think it was $29.95 for 35 onces