How to get really old bugs off the bumper?

I'v been traveling x country for the past 3 years and have neglected my detailing. I'm about to do a big 4 step clay/compound/polish/wax but i have bug stains from several years built up on my front bumper. I can't scrub them off and i feel I'll need some type of solvent. Most bug & tar removers work minimally or not at all, goo gone didn't work and isopropyl alcohol did a decent job for fresh bug and sap stains but didn't touch the old stuff.

Is there any secret product or tactic that I'm not aware of?

 

Back in the 70's a neighbor used lighter fluid for bugs and tar on his chrome. He couldn't stand bugs on his bumper or grill. The rest of the truck looked like crap but his bumper and grill was clean. I don't think I would try his method.

 

Try Dryer sheets.

 

Are they stains or is the paint etched?

 

Doesn't look etched but that shit is on there

 

What soap are you using? Do you have any all purpose cleaner?

Tarminator works well from Stoners. Same company makes Invisible Glass.

 

I have Meguiar's soap

 

I use lighter fluid to remove glue and sticky crap, much like goo gone. I wonder if that would be safe for paint

 

Turtle wax has a bug and grime remover that ive used. Works half decent. Wurth has a cleaner which works pretty well and leaves a good shine

https://shop.wurth.ca/cleaning-detailing/

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/turtle-wax-bug-tar-remover-0393617p.html

 

Have you tried clay bar? That is going to remove anything on the surface.

Also, which megs soap? There’s a difference between them.

 

I was about to clay and compound the whole thing but i assumed I'd have to get this crap off first.

I have the Meguiars crystal soap, the pink one

 

You need a better soap if that has already been washed.

What are you using to compound?

 

No, it hasn't been properly washed yet. I just ordered the stuff for the detail- clay bar, Chemical Guys VSS, Chemical Guys Blacklight then Jet then. I assumed a clay bar and compound wouldn't get that crap off so i need a solvent

 

Always start with the least aggressive method. No need to put harsh chemicals on paint if a wash and clay bar will do the trick.

 

Well, the wash and clay bar come first anyway so I'll see where i stand after that but I'm not too optimistic

 

I keep a spray bottle filled with that bug remover windshield washer fluid. Right before I wash my truck I spray the nose with it, let it sit for a couple of minutes then wash as usual. It works pretty good and I think it's less harsh on the paint than the petroleum based bug/tar removers.

 

That's what i should do from this point forward, to maintain a clean bumper. Getting to that point is going to be the b%*!h though!

 

True, not exactly the info you were looking for. In your current case I think you'll be very surprised at how well the clay works, it's like sandpaper that doesn't scratch.

 

Stains in the paint are permanent, they cannot be washed or scrubbed off. So wash the truck and clay the front end. What staining is left is in the paint.
You will need to polish or wet sand the affected paint off.

Looking at the photo it looks like youve got some etching in your clear that will need some TLC from a machine polisher.

 

Well, shit. Luckily i am going to give it a good pampering with a clay bar and a machine compound. Hopefully that will help some