Removing Tree sap from car

[slybry]

My mother parks under a Blue Spruce (which she refuses to cut down) and as a result her car has quite a bit of tree sap on the paint. It has been on the car a long time.  

Once a year I do a complete detailing on the car myself. I have tried (really hard) to remove the sap without much success. I have tried bug and tar removing products from Crappy Tire but have not been able to get the stuff off.

Anyone know of a product or process that really works. I am thinking about trying "Goop Off" but worried it might hurt paint.

Thanks

[Wetson]

I had a similar problem with bird doo... it had left a film on the paint.  I used Mother's Scratch remover.  Worked like a charm.  Also I know you're not supposed to do this but perhaps try removing the sap with bug & tar when the car has been sitting in the sun.  It may soften the sap up a bit.  Someone better validate the bug and tar and sun thing though.

[articsteve]

Anyone know of a product or process that really works.

Varsol.

[safristi]

POISOINally I'd pray ta Mother TereSAP fer an intervention............then CUT the friggin' TREE DOWN.............
    Being ORGANIC it's MOST LIKELY  water soluble so SUCK-IT -TOO-ME........water ..water ..everywhere

[Brigitte]

Saf, olive oil is organic too, and it isn't water soluble.    

From http://www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/h454removesap.html

Question: How can I remove tree sap from my car's exterior?

Answer: Remove pine tree pitch with a wax and grease-removing product. Such products are available at auto supply stores.

Be sure to wash and dry the car before applying the wax and grease remover. Then dampen a clean cloth with the solvent and rub the affected area. It may require several attempts if the sap is very thick or extremely hard. The surface may appear hazy after the solvent evaporates, but a good wax application will eliminate the haze and complete the job.

Or, you can try rubbing alcohol, WD-40 lubricant or Skin-So-Soft bath oil. The way to use those materials is to let them do their work of dissolving (in the case of alcohol) or softening (in the case of oils), enough to rub off the remaining sap. If you use the oil, wash the car afterwards to remove it.

[safristi]

When does Olive Oil leak outa the Olives.Olive oyl....yes the (PREDOMINANTLY)inorganic residues ...after the water vapours have evaporated..are your problem.Park elswhere or cover it...
   Bridge is coming over ta try skin so soft on me and see if it's HARD....................to remove that is..........the alcohol and the hazing I take as a BONUS......

[hashole]

Autopia has detailed instructions about anything detailing...here's the how to on tree sap

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/horetasapbu.html

[articsteve]

Autopia has detailed instructions about anything detailing...here's the how to on tree sap  

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/horetasapbu.html

Good site.

Removing tree sap from a car's finish is a bit more difficult than tar, as hardened sap can easily scratch your paint.  I've found that by hand-rubbing the sap spots with mineral spirits

Varsol is mineral spirits. $1.99 at Crappy Tire for one litre.  Paper towel and lots of it is what you need along with it. Then a full wax job.

[maritime_storm]

Have your significant other take your Ma out for coffee while you sneaks over there with a chainsaw. No more pine sap. Otherwise park somewhere not under the tree.

[Brigitte]

It's Ma's car, and I don't think she cares.  Of course, she doesn't have to, because Slybry does all the work.  

[barrie1]

Its a Blue Spruce you say, you MOM is blessed as they are Beautiful Trees and should never be harmed They add a lot of value to the property. As a Faithful Son I appreciate your concern of her paint condition of her car but take the advice of these folks here on how to remove this sap problem and both of you enjoy the car. All of these products they recommend are out there at a reasonable price.

[slybry]

The Blue Spruce is 10 years past it's prime. It has lost all it branches in the bottom 15 feet. It is an eyesore that hangs right over the driveway. It not only drops sap but thousands of needles as well. The car's vents are clogged with dead needles. I like trees but this one is a real pain in the butt.

   My mom is 80 and about 4 foot 11. Tiny but stubborn like a mule. The tree stays and my ulcer gets bigger.

   A car cover would work but it would be impossible for my mom to manage that at this point in here life.

   I guess I am stuck with this issue.... Ha Ha...

   Thanks for all the feedback.

   I have tried WD40 and a number of bug and tar removal products. I will next try Goop Off. One suggested Varsol. Won't that hurt paint?

[wing]

No the mineral spirits will not harm the paint, heck you can use paint thinner and it won't harm the paint if your carefull.  But mineral spirits you'll be good to go.

[safristi]

What's wif all the  complainin some women pay big bucks ta be covered wif saf...........bluddy Lupins.!!!!!

[blue_oval_fan]

My neighbour has one of those nasty pine trees with needle-like leaves.Those @!!**#!! things get into everything when it's windy,which includes our cars since I don't have a garage. Sap from the sucker occasionally replaces the damned needles on the cars and I use straight liquid car soap on a rag. It takes a little elbow grease but doesn't harm the paint.

[barrie1]

Straight Liqoud Soap will do the job but if its not Car soap then it only removes the protective Wax coating you already have on your car. Dish type of Soap will do more harm then good as it strips the proper Car Wax's off your Cars Body. I don't think thats a good habit at all.