Sap removal

[Chuck]

Morning All,
I picked a '53 M37 Sunday that had been under pine trees for about 6yrs.Does anyone have any ideas on dissolving old dried up sap without destroying the paint on the hood and fenders?
Thanks
Chuck

[SOTVEN]

TOUGH CALL MY FRIEND. I HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY YARD FURNITURE ONCE, AND I USED NAIL POLISH REMOVAL (I THINK THAT IS HOW IT IS CALLED, IT IS THAT LIQUID THAT WOMEN USE TO REMOVE THE PAINT FROM THEIR FINGERNAILS) IT WORKED GREAT, AND DID NOT HARM THE SURFACE PAINT. BUT IN MY CASE NEITHER THE SAP WAS 6 YEARS OLD (WHICH MEANS IT HAS HARDENED TOO MUCH) NOR ANY OF MY STUFF HAD OLD PAINT ON IT. I SUGGEST TRY A BIT ON A "NOT-TOO-VISIBLE" SPOT ON YOUR TRUCK FIRST, AND SEE HOW THE PAINT REACTS. PERHAPS A LITTLE WARMING UP THE SAP WITH A HAIR DRYER MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA. GOOD LUCK FRIEND

[hbb]

believe it or not WD40 will take it off! spray it on and let it soak for 30 seconds and wipe it off, do small areas at a time.
hb

[k8icu]

They make a product called goof off. It might remove the sap and not hurt the paint.

[Master Yota]

I know that a little margarine will remove sap quickly from your hands. Whether you want to "butter up" your truck though is up to you...

[Rick C]

I've always had good luck with rubbing alcohol. Doesn't touch paint on my car but can't speak for your truck

[Chuck]

Thanks for the help,I'll try some of these tomorrow and let you know what works.
Chuck

[powerwagontim]

Chuck,
Goof Off is a weak paint remover, used to clean up fresh paint "goofs" Nail polish remover is Acetone, be careful with those two! I would try the WD40 first, and or the Alcohol.
Tim

[Chuck]

I think you are right.I might try warming a spot with a hair dryer,then the WD-40.What do you think?
Chuck

[powerwagontim]

Whats the worst that can happen, right? Ha ha ha.
Let us know how you make out.
Tim

[Josh]

depending on the amount of sap, a clay bar used for detailing will work, and doesn't harm the paint. if it is bad though you will spend a small fortune in clay bars.

[SOTVEN]

THEY SAY WD40 IS MOSTLY FISH OIL, NOT SO MANY CHEMICALS IN IT. I HAVE USED IT TOO MANY TIMES TO REMOVE STICKY RESIDUE FROM BUMPER STICKERS OF CAR PAINT. IT WORKS MIRACLES, YET I NEVER THOUGHT OF USING IT ON SAP.

[WarrenD]

I posted this reply earlier, not sure why it disappeared a few hours later.
Anyway, sap is organic so you'd be best with an organic solvent (most auto products are mineral based). Turpentine is an organic solvent made from pine. Denatured alcohol is also organic and works great on old, congealed castor oil. As usual, always try a small area out of view first.

[Chuck]

I tried the alcohol today,slow process on each spot.As the sap started to dissolve,you could actually smell the pine!A lot of patience and moderate circular motion with a alcohol wet paper towel got the job done on the front fender ,now for the hood.
The WD-40 did nothing.I'll try mineral spirits next.
Chuck

[ron hardin]

I've used kerosene with good results on pine sap about 2months old