Spots on strut bar wont come off

[Lost me beer]

Got a '16 that I recently purchased. Car is absolutely flawless in/out/under etc. the only exception is that the strut bar has these strange spots only at the far outer ends near the bolts, about the last 3"s. They look like water spots honestly. I first tried water and a microfibre. Nope. Soap. Nothing. Detail spray. Nadda. Cleaner wax. Zip. I cannot get these damn spots out! They are nowhere else. Not sure if it was from new tires slinging stuff into it when new or something else. Driving me crazy.
Anyone come across this? Anyone have a solution? I thought of painting, or wrapping it maybe. Would really just prefer to clean it off.
Btw, are they painted or powder coated from factory? I assume paint.
Thanks,
Troy

[bassplayrr]

I had something similar on the brace in my ‘13 GTS (most likely water spots). It’s a painted item, so I treated the issue as I would any minor etching in paint: careful cutting/polishing with an automotive paint buffer. It was good as new when done.

[quickster2]

Please post pictures. Just to confirm you are talking about the X-brace in the engine compartment? Thx

[AZTVR]

Just to confirm you are talking about the X-brace in the engine compartment? Thx

That made me think twice also, since the Viper has no struts, at least what I thought struts are. But, I looked and the official Dodge name of the cross brace is "Strut Tower Brace."

[texasram]

I have the same spotting on mine, seems typical.

[texasram]

Please post pictures. Just to confirm you are talking about the X-brace in the engine compartment? Thx

Before i got my gen v, i was looking at that gen iv in your avatar

[outnumbered]

Try white vinegar.

[sambo32]

Had the same issue on my 15, so I decided to powder coat it satin black and swapped out the silver bolts with black one. It can also be painted with a rattle can, and I'm sure the results would be just as good. End results look better than the factory silver.

[Lost me beer]

Sorry, yea the X brace.
Interesting that others have this as well. Wonder what the hell it is from.
I will next try vinegar to see if it helps. If not, I will work it over a bit harder with a cutting compound then wax. Maguire's cleaner wax didn't phase it (by hand anyway). If still no joy, guess I may wrap it.
Thanks for the advise.
Troy

[cashcorn]

any pic's? thanks!

[chris_lee]

Sorry, yea the X brace.
Interesting that others have this as well. Wonder what the hell it is from.
I will next try vinegar to see if it helps. If not, I will work it over a bit harder with a cutting compound then wax. Maguire's cleaner wax didn't phase it (by hand anyway). If still no joy, guess I may wrap it.
Thanks for the advise.
Troy

Yea, same kinda stains on my 14'. I was wondering if others had this. Would a wrap be ok in an area that high temp? Might look pretty nice

[Lost me beer]

On the road currently but will post up a pic when I get home.
If people had some longevity with wrapping valve covers, I don't see why not.
Troy

[ForTehNguyen]

brake fluid damage?

[ViperGeorge]

Either Maguires or Mothers makes a water spot remover (forget which). You might also want to try Blue Magic polish available at most auto parts stores. Very fine and I've found it does a pretty good job.

[Lost me beer]

Pretty sure not brake fluid as it is nearly the same amount on each corner. I was thinking maybe tire goo on both sides or something.
I will look in the auto parts store detail area a bit longer next time in.
Troy

[Lost me beer]

Well, vinegar didn't work. Damn. Gonna try some compound next.
Troy

[outnumbered]

Well, vinegar didn't work. Damn. Gonna try some compound next.
Troy

Can you feel them?

[quickster2]

I can't say I saw this when I was close to the Viper program. If Meguiars 105 won't get it off then you need to repaint or wrap IMO.

[Lost me beer]

They cannot be felt at all.
Tried again today with scrath remover, and a good wax. Nothing. Guess you are right. Paint, wrap or hydra dipping is in my future.
So Damn curious as to what it came from. Nothing else in the engine bay has them.
Troy

[det000]

Looks like splatters from engine degreaser or brake cleaner to me.

[SRT_BluByU]

Clay bar.. or light very fine grit wet sand, cut and polish.. could have a body shop give it a shot

[1OF1ACR]

Looks like a chemical like engine degreaser has oxidized the finish, which is not cleanable. We use the methods below at the shop. They are in order of aggression. I wouldn't try the last 2 unless you try a small spot first or plan to repaint it anyways. We use these methods everyday on "clear coated" finishes with no harm, but I don't know if the x-brace is clear coated. To be honest, I think it will need to be repainted.

1. rubbing compound then a polish
2. paint reducer then polish
3. paint thinner or acetone then polish

Do not sand and buff. You will ruin it for sure. It is a matte coating and not a clear coat.

[Lost me beer]

Update.
Had a specialist look at it. He tells me that nothing will get it off. Looks to be etched as noted above.
So.... Had it painted. I really love how it turned out. I like the Merican Supercar theme!
I used the same white oem paint code and then had the blue matched from my stripe.
Troy