APC as a Bug Cleaner

07gtcs

07gtcs

New member
I was reading that the Black Fire APC can be used full strength as a bug remover. Then I was reading another thread where a gent was using an APC to remove wax and build up before detailing. If I were to use the APC to clean bugs off, should I use a spray polymer or something to add back protection? I'd like to know what to carry with me when I head off on road trips and off to car shows this summer.
 
It will indeed remove you wax or sealant. So carying something to add protection back on is a great idea. A lot of time if bug remains are fresh, you do not need something as harsh as an APC to remove them. Perhaps in that case, you can carry a quality quick detailer and that will remove the bugs without stripping your protection.
 
Bug squash @ 3:1 is effective and seems to leave LSP in tack. I use it as a pre wash in winter to help loosen salt and crud as well. Good stuff!
 
How well does Bug Squash work on tar? We don't really have a problem with bugs over here, but road tar is a perennial issue, and a cleaner that is effective on tar without removing LSP would certainly be of great use.
 
umi000 said:
How well does Bug Squash work on tar? We don't really have a problem with bugs over here, but road tar is a perennial issue, and a cleaner that is effective on tar without removing LSP would certainly be of great use.
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BS works OK on fresh tar, but not as well on the baked on stuff. For tar I use Stoners Tarmanator. (sp) I haven't found a product that works better. That said most all bug and tar removers are pretty harsh on the paint, I would follow that up with an application of LSP
 
07gtcs said:
I was reading that the Black Fire APC can be used full strength as a bug remover. Then I was reading another thread where a gent was using an APC to remove wax and build up before detailing. If I were to use the APC to clean bugs off, should I use a spray polymer or something to add back protection? I'd like to know what to carry with me when I head off on road trips and off to car shows this summer.
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Yes if you are using a APC to remove bugs then I would absolutely recommend reapplying your LSP or boosting it. While it is a matter of opinion, I am OCD, and would recommend doing this with any bug or tar remover just to be safe.
 
How about the Pinnacle Bug & Tar Sponge? Does that remove much of the LSP (such as BF CS)? I use the Megs Gold Class Shampoo and let it soak in that for a good 5 minutes before use on the car. Usually hit the spots with a good jet rinse and maybe a once-over with the MF mitt before hitting with the B&T Sponge.
 
Specialist bug removers are really just a money spinner, I am afraid. There are two types of product sold this way:

Solvent based product- typically these are sold as bug and tar removers. They are not water dilutable. They will be very effective with bugs and much much better on tar than option 2. Unfortunately, because they cannot be diluted and are necessarily 100% active products, they are really quite expensive.

Water based product - These will be water dilutable and will be much much less than 100% active so are much cheaper than solvent products. Against bugs they can still be very effective but against tar they will be of limited use and often totally useless.

The water based products are often very similar to APCs, there is very little special about them. Likewise, very similar to prewash products. In some cases, bug removers are actually 'ready for use' versions of APCs - they are diluted yet strangely cost more than many of the concentrated APCs out there!
 
PiPUK said:
Specialist bug removers are really just a money spinner, I am afraid. There are two types of product sold this way:

Solvent based product- typically these are sold as bug and tar removers. They are not water dilutable. They will be very effective with bugs and much much better on tar than option 2. Unfortunately, because they cannot be diluted and are necessarily 100% active products, they are really quite expensive.

Water based product - These will be water dilutable and will be much much less than 100% active so are much cheaper than solvent products. Against bugs they can still be very effective but against tar they will be of limited use and often totally useless.

The water based products are often very similar to APCs, there is very little special about them. Likewise, very similar to prewash products. In some cases, bug removers are actually 'ready for use' versions of APCs - they are diluted yet strangely cost more than many of the concentrated APCs out there!
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I don't know the chemistry behind the stuff, but what you said makes perfect sense.

This is why I have been saying that I use 1:3 OPC for bugs!
 
I use Sparkly Soap to remove bugs. An organic soap, mixed to sudsy consistency dissolves bugs and sap. $8 makes 80 gallons.
 
Since I posted this, I got the pinnacle bug sponge and found that if you wash them off within a day, this sponge works great without any bug remover. Just use lots of suds. Then I change the water out to wash the rest of the car.
 
07gtcs said:
Since I posted this, I got the pinnacle bug sponge and found that if you wash them off within a day, this sponge works great without any bug remover. Just use lots of suds. Then I change the water out to wash the rest of the car.
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I have a harder foam bug sponge I use that works wonders on most any surfaces, with no marring
 
So can someone suggest a procedure/proiduct when I drive 200 miles from home and am sitting in a hotel parking lot with a bumper full of bugs and no hose?
 
glen e said:
So can someone suggest a procedure/proiduct when I drive 200 miles from home and am sitting in a hotel parking lot with a bumper full of bugs and no hose?
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A few years back AG had a product (forget the name), but it was almost a gelatin type stuff that ya spread across the vehicle. Kept em from sticking. Then just hose it off..

me, i'd just hit em with bug squash 3:1, then ONR wash or similiar
 
I just use APC from family dollar and bug brush if I need to. It's cheap and works on everything.
 
Ronkh said:
A few years back AG had a product (forget the name), but it was almost a gelatin type stuff that ya spread across the vehicle. Kept em from sticking. Then just hose it off..

me, i'd just hit em with bug squash 3:1, then ONR wash or similiar
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thanks - my thinking exactly..I have Bug sqash and the bucket with lid that will hold my 5 towels for a garry dean rinseless on the front end...
 
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