Topic: How to remove DOT paint off a solstice, or any car... lol

[scotthofferphotography]

Apparently, somewhere between Saberton and my house the DOT felt it neccesary to repaint the road and not put up any signs or anything else.  I honestly don't remember there even being brighter lines anywhere, but I went to the bank and the DMV and when I got to the DMV and got out of the car. I found yellow paint all over the side, on the wheels, in the fenders.. litterally I think I hyperventalated.

I drove home, sprayed all the paint with graffiti remover from lowes and it softened it up enough that it would come off without scrubbing/scratching the car.  It took about 3 hours to get off the car, but its scratch free and I am glad. Clean up the wheels also, thank god they were polished with a fresh coat of mothers on them so they had some protectant.  I advise keeping your stuff waxed and polished so if something like this happens to you it does not bond to your vehicle.

The only down side to this, is I can't get it out of the tread.. anyone got any ideas?  I tried, but its caked in there and wont release. 

 :20:

[Critterman]

I don't know it kinda looks like custom flames, you should have left it

It will wear out of the tires I think.

[Brazen17]

That sucks! Maybe a high pressure washer? With hot water if you can do that...and a stiff bristle brush.

[Kelu]

Burnout?

[Brazen17]

Burnout?

Good idea, as long as the paint is not wet!

[Kelu]

Good idea, as long as the paint is not wet!

I would like to see the front wheels doing a burnout

[Excelsior]

You should be to take the wheels off and there should be something out there that should break that down without damaging the tires.

Or upgrade to the pilot super sports

Anyway, I have seen people here in by have that happen and they were refunded that amount by dot. 

[Excelsior]

For the cleaning at a shop

[Treeman]

  

[JimVonBaden]

If you really want it off, just use a sand blaster on the treads, just do not hit the wheels. It wont hurt the tread at all.

Jim

[1LILNDN]

Theres something that worked for me. WD-40 On the tires  won't hurt them .It will also work on the Wheel liners and the Body.Spray it on a rag and rub it off gently. It does work !

[timlange3]

I ran into fresh white paint (Red Sol) last fall.  Since I keep it in wax the white blobs fell off as I touched them.
Cleaning the wheel well took effort scraping the white off.  As for the white in the tread, it came off slowly but surely as I drove it.  A couple good thunderstorms may have helped it off too.  I suggest a pressure washer on the tires.

[scotthofferphotography]

Im getting a pressure washer today to try getting it off with that.

[ChopTop]

I'd be equally as pi$$ed.  It was a good idea to try graffiti remover because I would of thought you'd have to use a fine polish first (the car being waxed probably helped removing it the most).  I'm thinking that DOT uses some type of high heat (fast drying) system to apply the traffic lines.  First thing I'd do is visit my local automotive paint supply business and see if they can recommend anything, even body and detail shops might have suggestions.

I searched: how to remove paint from tires, and found these links: 
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/116036-what-best-way-clean-paint.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4925423_remove-paint-tires.html

The fact that you took pics and had no warning might go in your favor if you try and seek reimbursement but when it comes to trying to collect anything from our state it turns into a long drawn out losing battle.  If you have full-coverage it might be worth calling your insurance provider.

[Dr. Gronk]

This is a job for Chance!

[scotthofferphotography]

Thanks for the links Choptop.