Sap!!!!

[wis99ski]

Spring is here and the trees are shedding a ton of crap. I just bought a new runner and I have noticed small drops of sap all over my 4runner. The regular hand wash didnt remove it.

What is a safe way to remove it from the vehicle without using anything abrasive??

 

[Conspearasea]

My local carwash/detailer, uses mineral spirits to get it off of mine before they wax it. I get Oak sap on mine sometimes and they have always used it w/ no visible harm.

At home I would probably just spray some nanowax on afterwards to be safe. Or any protectant for that matter.

 

[wis99ski]

mineral spirits???

 

[4runr30]

rubbing alcohol works well. it is what we always used when i worked for a detail shop. Make sure to rub over the spot with a damp cloth after removing the sap since the alcohol will leave a haze.

 

[Conspearasea]

mineral spirits???

Yep...they just put a small amount on a cloth and wiped the sap right off.

I've yet to notice any ill effect from it. I guess the rubbing alcohol trick might work too......just my experience thus far.

I've never tried it but I would guess some of the assorted citrus based cleaners on the market would work also.

Too bad Billy Mays isn't a member on the forum, he could fix you right up!

 

[wis99ski]

My whole hood and roof is covered with these small spots of sap or bug dew. What would you guys suggest to do. The alcohol leaves a haze but does this have an ill affect on the clear coat, and do you need to wax the vehicle after, or use a cleaner wax first...

As for the mineral route, what would be your method for having to do the hood and roof?

Which route would you guys choose? and the safest way?

 

[4runr30]

My whole hood and roof is covered with these small spots of sap or bug dew. What would you guys suggest to do. The alcohol leaves a haze but does this have an ill affect on the clear coat, and do you need to wax the vehicle after, or use a cleaner wax first...

As for the mineral route, what would be your method for having to do the hood and roof?

Which route would you guys choose? and the safest way?

The alcohol has no effect on the paint other than leaving a haze that wipes off with a damp cloth. I would apply a wax afterwards just bc it wouldnt suprise me if the alcohol removed the wax along with the sap. Like I said before this is what we always did at the detail shop on dealer and private vehicles with sap. Its quick and easy.

 

[bull]

I use an ice cube to get the sap of my truck. Once the sap is frozen it can be scraped off with your finger nail.

 

[MikesToy]

My whole hood and roof is covered with these small spots of sap or bug dew. What would you guys suggest to do.

That will take a lot of time and effort to do especially if it's been there for awhile. IMO, i'd take it to a detail shop and have them do the elbow work.

 

[wis99ski]

I think I am going to use the rubbing alcohol and then clay bar it! How's that sound?

 

[gorbonzobeans]

I use an ice cube to get the sap of my truck. Once the sap is frozen it can be scraped off with your finger nail.

Just tried this out, although I thought it wouldn't work, and it did! I grabbed two ice cubes out of the freezer, rubbed them on the sap until melted and used my finger nail and it came off suprisingly, thanks a lot.

 

[wis99ski]

I claybarred my runner. That took everything out, so smooth

 

[bull]

Just tried this out, although I thought it wouldn't work, and it did! I grabbed two ice cubes out of the freezer, rubbed them on the sap until melted and used my finger nail and it came off suprisingly, thanks a lot.

You're welcome. Glad it worked for you.