White and Black Stains/Spots Removal, Bed Frame Panel Restoration

Hey everyone,

I just joined this forum, finally, but have used this platform for quite some time. I did my best to look up the information I am looking for, to not beat a dead horse so to speak. However, I am definitely having some trouble. I have been in the process of "detailing" my 2016 Tacoma I bought about a year ago. The previous owner definitely used it for what it was suppose to be used for. Not mad about it. But I am just trying to essentially bring it back to pristine condition because I love driving and showing off this thing. The little things I want to fix aren't exactly HUGE eye sores, but I know they are there, and they definitely bother me. Forgive me if I flat out don't know what I am looking at, or am unfamiliar with part-verbiage. I just know how to drive these things.

The first thing are these little white spots. They seem to be all over my hood and top of the Tacoma. I am led to believe they aren't scratches because I was able to scratch one off with my fingernail. However, as much as I try, I cannot get the other ones out. They seem to be pretty flush/smooth with the paint. I have absolutely no idea what these little droplets are. Dried paint from a splatter? No idea.



The next thing are these black smudges. Again, I have absolutely no idea what they are, but they seem to be covering the top of my Tacoma. They won't come off after a wash, and they will not come off if I try and manually try and pick them off. You can see one of the white dots in this picture too.



The next little spot is this spot of rust. There is literally only one little spec of this on the entire truck, but I don't want it to get worse. I wouldn't know the first thing what I would need to do to get this out. It really isn't a huge deal.



The last thing is trying to restore the part of the bed where it meets the back windows. The back panel perhaps is the right term? It looks chipped and eroded and looks like he tried to paint it black at one point.




Again, I know these imperfections aren't life-threatening, but these little things occurred during someone else's ownership of the truck, so it just bothers me. All my Tacoma lovers should feel my pain! Lol. Any pointers on how to deal with these "spots" and restoring that part of the bed would seriously be appreciated! Thank you!

 

If the white spot lifted with a fingernail they'll probably come off with a clay bar. Are the black spots tar? Not sure what is a good over the counter tar remover, maybe the Stoner's one. Both products are good to keep on hand going forward. Would recommend claying the vehicle anyway and put some kind of wax/sealant/coating on it.

Not sure what to tell you on the painted trim, probably not a simple fix beyond just covering it with something.

 

It was weird, one spot lifted with my fingernail, the other spots it did nothing. A clay bar? I guess ill google that, but I have never used that before. Is there something I need to do to the surface before using a clay bar? Or just...wipe away? I have no idea if its tar, if i go over it with my finger, its smooth. It honestly looks like a black marker, but I honestly don't know. Could I sand over it and repaint the trim perhaps?

 

When you clay the main prep is to wash the paint. Should be plenty of how-to videos on youtube. You will need a product to lubricate the paint such as a rinseless wash solution or car shampoo. Look into chemical decontamination as additional prep for claying. Claying and decontamination will remove bonded/embedded contaminants that will not come off from the strongest soaps or other harsh cleaning chemicals.

 

The aluminum bed rail is know to flake and corrode. You can sand it down and hit it with some Rustolem bedliner. It’s got a light texture finish that will look like OEM, and be stronger than the current finish

 

I'd try a plastic razor blade on the black and white specs if clay doesn't knock them out. Available at hardware stores. I don't think clay is gonna get them if you can't pick them off with a fingernail. Could be paint drips. Could be insect droppings.

Just hold the plastic blade at a low angle and gently try to "push" or pick off the spots. Obviously taking care not to scratch the paint, but I think you'll be ok. Low angle and a gentle push.

If you do swirl the paint a little, use Meguiars ScratchX on a foam applicator pad to clean it up.

 

Any specific grit sandpaper you'd recommend?

 

Probably 320 just to scuff it up. Maybe 220 in spots where it’s flaking just to knock it off.