so a few of you guys know i got a great deal on a 72 cutlass a few days ago. It is in very good shape and other than a few trim pieces missing from the interior and the two missing light covers in the back the car is actually relatively original minus the wheels and the fact its been lowered.

Anyways, the guy I bought it from claims he left it parked below a pine tree for only a weekend, and the thing is covered in pine sap, pitch, tar- whatever you want to call it. The car has a red single stage paint finish, I was told that regular tar and bug removers will damage the paint, and to just use really hot water and dish detergent-- trust me when i say I put some serious elbow grease into that crap and really didnt get anywhere.

Anyone got any suggestions on anything better- or can anyone tell me anything that will work well but wont hurt the paint.

I did hear that alcohol works really well- but that must be more damaging than the over the counter stuff.

thanks for the help

 

The first thing I would try is a bug and tar remover. You should be able to obtain it at any parts store, auto zone or the like. If that doesn't work go to a body shop supply store and get some final wash or preps all. if that doesn't work, I'm not sure what to tell you. If the car has enamel paint on it you could try some lacquer reducer. This stuff is harsh, and could dammage the paint, especially if it is lacquer, and in questionable condition. All of these products are solvents and are not easy on a finish. Immediately after cleaning the sap off I would recommend you come back with some macguiers step 2 swirl remover, or cleaner wax, to do a fine polish on the area. After that yellow wax, or purple sealent. If you have a da sander you can get a foam pad and backer for it, I would recomend doing so. Then do the entire car, wipe it down and you will be amazed by the improvement. Blows hand waxing away.

 

yes alcohol should do it -ethanol,methanol or propanol .So will hexanes, methyl ethyl ketone and possibly kerosene. All these should be available but under some brand name so they can charge you twice the price .
BUT before you use any of these visit a reputable paint shop to get their opinion --even with approval you will need to be careful-very
mike

 

Maybe try some WD-40? I have used it on maple tree sap and it worked. Jkaz

 

Coca Cola But don't leave it on your car get it off quick.

 

My black car got overspray from a masonry waterproofing project several years ago. Nothing would touch that stuff except "Clay Magic" or a razor blade. (I only used the razor blade on the windows.) GM recommends it for removing "rail dust" that accumulates on and imbeds in the clearcoat on new vehicles shipped by rail. As in some other areas, you need to use plenty of lubricant when using the clay bar. It comes with the clay, but you can use Final Finish or similar other products. I have tried one other brand of clay bar, and was so disappointed I took that one back and demanded (and got) a refund. It might not work at all on your sap, but it sure might be worth a try! Good luck.
DW

 

I would try wax and grease or adhesive remover. The clay bar should also work well.

-Richard

 

This worked for me on my wife's 97 cougar. Put a rag over your finger tip. Soak the rag with Lighter fluid. Working one spot at a time dab the sap with the rag. Wait a few minutes and try to pick off with your bare finger. This worked for me and some of her sap had been on the car for a little while. When using something harsh always try somewhere on the car which isn't noticeable to anyone but yourself. Good Luck!

 

Im surprised no one said this yet but Goo Gone should work. Ive always used it to get sap off of me when i was little and climbed trees. So i dont see why it wouldnt work on your car.Goo Gones faq says it will be safe on you car exterior if you use instructions for hard surfaces. http://googone.com/googone/faq.aspx

 

Try De-Solv-it. All natural citric remover. I have been using it for years. will not harm paint or leather. Spray on leave set. whip off. It the pine is thick it will take a couple of trys. Cleans stains of the wide white walls as well. Look it up on the internet

 

I wouldn't use dishwashing detergent on paint, something in it softens the paint and it and can do a lot of damage if you aren't careful. I use denatured alcohol cut with about a quarter water and it takes the sap off my van that I have to park under a pine, but it is clearcoated. I heard that liquid hand sanitizer works but that's just alcohol too I think.

Allan

 

Did you try Simple Green? I use Simple Green and a tire brush with nylon bristles to take the bugs and road tar off of the front of my VW. It works well with a little elbow grease and doesn't damage the paint.

 

I used 50/50 alcohol-water mix on my finger tip- seemed to work just fine, and no apparent damage to the single stage paint. I did try to use goo-gone, tutle wax bug and tar remover, and a few other things but nothing seemed to cut through it. There was so much of it it would have taken me 2 whole days with that stuff anyways. I waxed it right after and it came out great. Now im just working on getting the rest of the car clean and waxed. Terrible time to buy a new(old car) but I'll be parking it in my buddies garage for the winter in a week or so.

thanks for all the help.

 

If you have pics please post them.

 

I want to get her washed and waxed before I post some good pictures, not to mention get all of the sap off of it. I had planned on doing it all day saturday, but I work for the phone company in the Boston area and we just declared a state of emergency because of how many people are out of service because of how much rain we have had lately- so I am forced to work 12 hour days 7am -7pm until further notice-- so there goes my saturday. ohhhh well.

I did post a pic on the other thread i started shortly before I bought the car- but it was with a cell phone so the quality isnt great.

 

As already stated, WD-40 may be your best bet.