Cone Marks

Got a little too confident in my c2's ability to cover for my obvious lack of skill and went way too hot into a decreasing radius corner. ( before anyone asks I was on the track NOT on the street) Needless to say; I have 2 cones tacked to the wall in my garage and some very pronounced black cone marks on my front bumper and right rear quaterpanel. I am looking for suggestions on the best way to remove the evidence of my poor choice without damaging the clearcoat. On my previous P-cars the occasional (sounds like I need a few more schools) cone mark was just rubbed out with a fine rubbing compound and re-waxed. Since this car is only 6 months old I'm concrened with damage to the clearcoat. Any suggestions? Thanks, Bruce

You may want to try some WD-40 on a soft towel. That usually cuts the smear. Also I have heard good things about 3M wax and adhesive remover.. Was this from an autox or DE? Where did this happen?

Zaino Z5 works good.

I think a rubbing compound is too aggressive (harsh) for a first application unless you deeply marred the clear coat. Try the least aggressive manner first and work your way up with aggressiveness until you get the results you want. I would suggest starting with a chemical cleaner first something like the suggested 3M adhesive remover or Goo Gone. Apply it using a 100% cotton wash cloth (I wouldn't use microfiber at this stage because the cotton has more "grab" to it. If this doesn't work step up to a mild polish. Mequiars and 3M both make good polishes for this. Other choices like Menzerna Final Polish and Einszett Metallic Polish would be perfect also. If the marks still remain then go to some with something a little more powerful like Mequiares Dual Action Cleaner Polish or Menzerna's Intensive Polish. If it still remains go with the rubbing compound. If yon have to use the rubbing compound, after you have used it and removed the mark hit the area again with a less aggressive polish to smooth things out. Top with your favorite wax or sealant. If you want a more detailed run down I would suggest checking out he forms at http://www.autopia.org

i use "ronsonol" lighter fluid, can be found at walmart, drug stores, etc. i use to remove melted tire rubber, grease/tar or whatever my car picks up at the track. it's cheap and safe on paint.

crazy but true way to get rid of it? mayonnaise. also works great for pine tar, road tar, or other petroleum-like substances (like the rubber in cones). smear it on and leave it for an hour, then wipe off. you might need to use a little elbow grease, but it won't damage your car's finish. i thought it sounded crazy until i got a little pine tar on my car from parking under a large pine tree and my parent's house, but it worked like a charm!

Thanks for the help. I didn't damage the clear coat so the marks came off with WD-40. Chris- The "incident" happened at an Auto-X at Qualcom stadium here in San Diego. Thanks again for your help, any idea how long before my run group stops emailing links to cone manufacturers? Bruce

I used Turtle wax to get an orange cone mark off the door of my Tiger. It worked fine. It has some kerosene and a mild abrasive in it.