I was doing some metal work on and around my 240D and ended up getting some small metal shavings on the roof, hood and trunk of the car when doing some grinding. The shavings got wet and made tons of little rust speckles everywhere. I tried using a clay bar to remove the stains, but it did not work too well. What else should I try? The car is pastel blue with a single stage paint, no clear coat.

Thanks.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Depending on if the metal filings were hot when they landed, they may have 'melted' into the paint.
The only way i've found of getting the stain out is a cutting compound.

I ended up with the same in my engine bay, but luckilly other people dont often look in there!

Cheers.
Ben

They don't seem to be melted in. So should I try a polishing compound? Hand buff or power? I don't want to burn through the paint, but the car does have a fairly thick coat from a medium to poor quality re-spray from before I owned it.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

I'd start with hand buffing, and only use power if you think you've enough thickness left in the paint.
It should come out fairly easy if its just on the surface.

Ben

Hand buffing with some rubbing compound seems to work well.

Thanks.

__________________
1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine