Ducati Monster Forum

I just put my 95 Cherokee back on the road after 5 years in storage. The last 2 years it has been sitting uncovered under a row of pine trees  :'( and it is, not surprisingly, coated in sap. I've tried gasoline, kerosene and Turtle Wax Bug/Sap remover. None of those even worked. Dad said to use Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and it worked pretty good on the glass, but I'm kinda scared to try it on the paint. Will it screw up my paint if I use it there?

Is there anything that works better? You can see in the pics that I have a lot of work to do. These pics are with the jeep freshly washed, everything you see is sap.


These pics make baby Jesus cry:

(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d45/Gibsonchild/P1000839.jpg)

(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d45/Gibsonchild/P1000841.jpg)

It's a Jeep.





Go cover it in mud  ;D

I would, but the transfer case is shot.

Don't do it.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2002186_remove-tree-sap.html
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=739730

If it discolors the plastic on the fenders don't worry. Remove the fenders and paint the fenders with a black plastic paint. One can will do all the fenders and they will look brand new. Less than $5.

I'd try ice.

Just like on gum.

First try Acetone, then try MEK. Problem is the paint on that vehicle is thin and fragile at best.

Be careful with the MEK.

Sap?. It looks more like a pigeon declared war ;:|

Oh yeah, I almost forgot about a clay bar.

I read about that somewhere else. Is that something I can get at Autozone or Advance, or do I need to go to a paint/body supply shop to get one?

I think so...

I buy from PBE places...

don't like the ice idea eh?   ;D

Ice would do the trick if the sap was still gummy. At this point, the sap is dried up and hard as a rock.

In deference to my learned colleague...  ;)

I'd try something a bit milder first.

Prep-sol or a wax and grease remover that definitely won't wash the paint off.

pour boiling water on it

I worked at a detail shop for a couple years. We used Methyl Hydrate.
Not sure where you would get it.

Didn't hurt the paint at all. Spray it on with a bottle. Let it sit for 20 secs. The sap dissolves. Wipe. Repeat as necessary.

I think methyl hydrate is used in some lock de-icers.

Hope this helps  wt:

I'd... well I'd listen to Nate

definitely try the mild approach before anything chemical.

Yea, autozone carries one or two brands of claybar.  works wonders on swirl marks, but never tried it on sap.  If it was me, i'd just take it to maaco and get it re painted for 3-5 hundred bux. 

Maaco will NEVER touch anything of mine. A buddy has his Cherokee done by Maaco, and it looked like a tribe of blind 6 yr olds painted it.

Hahahah, i was just throwing out a random auto-paint shop.  Maaco has so many commercials, it just popped in mind.

Claybar won't do. It's not strong enough. It's good for spot cleaning but nothing on this level.

If you don't want the chemical route you can try 1000 grit sand paper, then 2000, then scratch remover paste, then a light polish. The 1000 will probably get gummed up quickly. 

If you want to really bring the paint back use the scratch remover all over, then a light polish. For an SUV I use a synthetic wax, easier to put on and take off.

Do not sand that thing with 1000 grit you will be sorry.

Can I laugh now?   ;)