Gator (rubber) scuff

[Rob2100]

A semi hit a gator and threw it into my path while going 75 mph in Nebraska. No room to swerve or avoid. It hit the left front fender/bumper/air dam. Fortunately, no physical damage but a black scuff mark. The area has "invisible bra" covering. Tried various mark removers such as Turtle Wax bug/tar cleaner. Nothing seems to work. A friend suggested WD-40. No go. Suggestions?

[No_Dominion]

I had a similar instance about a week ago, except it was huge chunk of retread off a semi that hit my left front bumper square on, instead of a gator.

Did the mark make it through the invisible bra?

If the bug/tar remover didn't work, I can't imagine any other chemical compound on its own that would, that stuff is pretty much straight petroleum byproduct. If you have access to a buffer, you could try buffing it out.

[WAMz4]

As long as its on the surface and not in the paint or clear coat - Mineral Spirits. Soft cloth, elbow grease, then rinse with soap and water.

[bignosejim]

Sounds like your clear bra did it's job and saved your paint. Probably time to retire it. Be sure to take some before and after pics!

[Rick F.]

Originally Posted by Rob2100

A semi hit a gator and threw it into my path while going 75 mph in Nebraska. No room to swerve or avoid. It hit the left front fender/bumper/air dam. Fortunately, no physical damage but a black scuff mark. The area has "invisible bra" covering. Tried various mark removers such as Turtle Wax bug/tar cleaner. Nothing seems to work. A friend suggested WD-40. No go. Suggestions?

Rob,

Now that's not the usual sort of road mishap that one hears about! I'm glad the damage wasn't any worse.

Oh wait... I just reread your post and realized that you're talking about a piece of truck tire tread, not an actual alligator. Oops... It was the part about Nebraska that tipped me off.

Rick F.

PS: As my first boss used to say, "I may be slow, but my work is poor!"