Pine sap
 

Just got a 00 SS. When I picked it up there is pine sap on the paint and on the canvas top. What should I use to get it off without damaging the surfaces?

Go to AutoZone/ Pep Boys etc. and get Bug/ Tar Solvent. Just ask them which product will work best for your problem.

I'm not too keen on asking advice from those guys any more. Unfortunatly, most seem not to give a @hit. I'm really concerned about the top. Dont want to fade the material with a solvent. I thought about hot water to losen it up.

Hot water will not dissolve this material. There is a gum resin in Pine Sap that will attack the paint finish if left on too long. As far as using it on the top, I would try a small section first and let it dry. IF it leaves a ring, just use the solvent on a rag and spread it out over a larger area. I don't know how many of these you have on your roof, but using it over the entire top may be the best way to avoid spots.
If it has been on there for a long time, it will have bonded with the material and using a tooth brush should help scrub it out.
One more idea is to call a place that does convertible tops and ask them what they use.

Never used it on a vert top but Denatured (Rubbing) Alcohol works well on paint. Throw it on a micro fiber cloth and start rubbing it on the sap. You'll start smelling fresh sap then it will disappear. Follow it up with a wash etc and enjoy 8-)

i used butter to take tree sap off my hands it works great not sure if it will leave a stain on the top

You may want to PM Rich189. If anybody would know, it would be him. I would try the hot water/Dawn dish soap method first, personally.

This, the sap removers take FOREVER. The top would try this in a small sopt that your not gonna see to makesure it wolnt damage it.....what color is the 00 SS?

I have good luck with Turtle Wax's Bug & Tar Remover.

A claybar would be another option.

Personaly I normally go from least aggressive method up. It depends on how long the tree sap has been there but you may be in for a couple hours of work especially on the top.

Heres a small article on top cleaning... I if you do decide to use rubbing Alcohol I would use it in a very tiny area as it made fade or stain the top. I have used Ragtopp cleaner with a a medium stiffness brush and light scrubbing to get it out before. Oh and butter will stain your top so dont try it.

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-cabrio.html


On the paint my favorite bug and tar remover is TAR-X by carpro... its expensive but it works awsome and wont damage your paint and a little goes a long way. You can also try a auto store bug and tar remover or Rubbing Alcohol just make sure you dont let either dry on your paint and that you wash it off immediately as some of them can cause damage ( Guy used some stuff from pep boys on his front bumper and it took all the paint off his plastic trim). Whatever you do try not to use a ton of pressure or your going to end up with tons of swirls and hairline scratches that will need buffed out.

Thanks for your input and link Rich189!

Dark blue and a hint of purple. Not sure what GM calls it.

Didnt realize that the sap was on your canvas top. oops That rules out the claybar.

I'd use Rich's suggestion for the top cleaner...however nobody has mentioned WD-40 for the paint. It's clear coat safe and takes most gummy substances right off.

And also, thanks for every one elses input too!!