campbuds

I have tree sap dripping on my car... specifically on my soft top and my door ont he drivers side.

How do I get the stuff off the paint and sopft top???

PLEASE HELP before I get paint damage.

MikeyC

Try some bug & tar remover. Personally, I like the Turtle Wax one that comes in the metal bottle with a plastic pop top (I can't believe I'm actually saying I prefer a Turtle Wax product). I've tried a hundred other B&T removers over the years and this one is always the most effective.

On the paint you'll need to follow the B&T remover with wax. On the vinyl the B&T remover may leave a white residue. Just clean the area with an old tooth brush and vinyl cleaner. Then follow up with a good vinyl protectant.

If the sap is really stubborn and won't come off with the B&T remover then I would try WD-40, rubbing alcohol, or maybe peanut butter. However, I would start with the B&T remover.

silentdancer

i used meguiers (spelling is wrong probaly) scratch X, and it took it off for me.

MikeyC

Scratch-X is an abrasive polish. I always try to use the least aggressive method possible to accomplish the results I'm looking for. I always avoid removing clearcoat whenever possible, because eventually you'll have none left and then you'll need to pay to re-paint. Not that this happens overnight, but this is what you're doing.

PortugueseS2K

Try putting her in a garage for the winter like every other new-englander ...

4theheckof_it

Here's a link you can read.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=339283

At the end of the thread is the part that is relevant to you. Enjoy.

campbuds

If I could afford another car like everyone else I would.


I can afford the S, but not a beater in addition to it. (not yet at least)

campbuds

That thread was very helpful...

Also, Mikey's comments. Thanks guys I will go at it today so my paint doesn't fall victim.

wanabe

and your reading assignment is my fav article on sap from our member autopia:

http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=7

campbuds

So I solved my sap problem. We cut the trees back that were hanging over the driveway! PROBLEM SOLVED!

I picked up the turtle wax bug, tar, sap remover. But then took it to the car wash first.

It was maple tree sap, so it came off in the car wash and out of the soft top.

WOOHOO!!