Tree Sap of fail

Django x2 · 17 Jul 2009 at 12:12

Gents,

When I was in France, the car got a fair bit of abuse from Pine Tree sap. It's like the stickiest glue / adhesive i've ever seen.

Warm water = FAIL
Washing up liquid = FAIL
Clay bar = FAIL
AG Tar remover = FAIL
Household adhesive remover = FAIL

before I kill it with steel wool and then rotary out the scratches, is there anything else on the planet I can use to at least break it down if not fully remove?

Hmm, reading around, its more likely to be Honeydew from the bottoms of insects that live in the trees.

Phil W · 17 Jul 2009 at 12:13

A good TFR? AS Tardis maybe?

Sime · 17 Jul 2009 at 12:15

Use more sap...Only way i know...

*WARNING - The above technique MAY not work*

wassap · 17 Jul 2009 at 12:24

Sonus Grey clay bar is what i have used in the past, but this leaves marring so may need a going over with a polish afterwoods.

Use TFR and let it really soak in, it will strip your wax off tho.

Cosmic182 · 17 Jul 2009 at 12:26

without sounding weird......the best way to ge rid of a sticky residue is vegetable-cooking oil and a bit of elbow greese, poss might work

-Ad- · 17 Jul 2009 at 12:28

Parents house has about 8 of the massive things over the drive. Have lived with this for 25 years !!!

Solution

1.) Use an old credit / store card to scrape off as much of the dried resin as possible.
2.) White spirit on rag and rub.
3.) Wash area thoroughly, then proceed to detail.

Have done this on the 6 cars we have at the house for donkeys years, no other method has come close to the speed and reliability. Actually went and used this method on my Sunny a few weeks ago and it still works a treat.

GeX · 17 Jul 2009 at 12:29

i've heard brilo pads are good

L0rdMike · 17 Jul 2009 at 12:52

Replace the body panel, its the only way to be sure.

Mat · 17 Jul 2009 at 13:24

Can you heat it up in any way... try to make it more workable perhaps?

Toker · 17 Jul 2009 at 13:27

http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=202&idcategory=4

http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=198&idcategory=4

that'll do the trick

Django x2 · 17 Jul 2009 at 13:29

L0rdMike said:
Replace the body panel, its the only way to be sure.

Really? Is nuking it from orbit also viable?

merlin · 17 Jul 2009 at 13:32

Don't laugh but I have had this problem in the past (lime tree iirc) and got it off with....wait for it..................

Johnsons baby wipes.

Don't ask - I just know it works.

Django x2 · 17 Jul 2009 at 13:33

teehee

merlin · 17 Jul 2009 at 13:38

Someone suggested vegetable oil and it's basically the same principle as the baby wipes - the wipes I guess are sprayed in johnsons baby oil?

miniyazz · 17 Jul 2009 at 13:55

Fire. Fire fixes everything.

/pyro

Disclaimer: This may destroy you, your car, and anything nearby.

TaKeN · 17 Jul 2009 at 14:04

Tried WD40? it gets road tar off

andrewdodd13 · 17 Jul 2009 at 14:13

I've found glen's vodka will dissolve anything. It's very good for thermal paste as well...

Unfortunately it also thins paint

Scrutinize · 17 Jul 2009 at 14:36

Lucero said:
Gents,

When I was in France, the car got a fair bit of abuse from Pine Tree sap. It's like the stickiest glue / adhesive i've ever seen.

Warm water = FAIL
Washing up liquid = FAIL
Clay bar = FAIL
AG Tar remover = FAIL
Household adhesive remover = FAIL

before I kill it with steel wool and then rotary out the scratches, is there anything else on the planet I can use to at least break it down if not fully remove?

Hmm, reading around, its more likely to be Honeydew from the bottoms of insects that live in the trees.

sounds like you have just been a bit namby pamby in your attempts and not given it some propper elbow grease.

Alex*TLR · 17 Jul 2009 at 14:37

Hot water on a tea towel and leave it for aslong as its hot then scrub off with more hot water

Freefaller · 17 Jul 2009 at 14:47

I have this amazing product for my bike helmet for removing bugs and squashed crap - it disolves it effortlessly. Go to halfrauds or somewhere like that and look for bike bug cleaner or something of that ilk. It won't damage the paintwork either.