Yucky tar - removal??

2645 Views 15 Replies 11 Participants Last post by BUGSTUFF, Dec 21, 2005

CoriBug

Discussion Starter · Nov 27, 2005

I washed my bug about a month ago when the temp here was around 70 and I really tried to get the tar stuff off the car. It's favorite spot to get stuck is on the sides beneath the doors. How do you get the stuff off? I tried laying on the driveway next to the car, but how can anyone get it off without using a car jack? I tried using Bug and Tar Remover but it's so hard to get at a good angle to really scrub hard since the tar is kind of on the bottom of the car. I tried picking at it with my fingernails, but didn't do much and I ended up with black nails too!

Not that I'm going to be doing any serious detailing now...30's for awhile here.

Cori

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

Fowvay

· #2 · Nov 27, 2005 (Edited)

I use wax to get it off. Ya you read that right. This stuff works great at getting tar and brake dust off a car. Plus its ultra easy to use and doesnt streak on black paint.

CoriBug

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 27, 2005

Ah ha!! I will certainly add that to my car detail kit! Thanks!

Cori

sb_beetle

· #4 · Nov 27, 2005

Wax Shop

Fowvay said:
I use wax to get it off. Ya you read that right. This stuff works great at getting tar and brake dust off a car. Plus its ultra easy to use and doesnt streak on black paint.

Fowvay gets a thumbs up. The Wax Shop has a whole line of excellent products including haze/scratch remover, compounds, etc.

I also use Meguiar's clear plastic cleaner or NuFinish once a year car polish (orange bottle and works fast) to remove tar.

FineExampl

· #5 · Nov 28, 2005

I think i posted this same question on the old forums. Another option people suggested was WD40. I tried it the other day and it does dissolve the tar. I didn't have alot of time to thoroughly try it out, but it helped bigtime. If i recall, people said that it won't harm your paint either.

Tom, your knowledge never ceases to amaze me man. You know everything!

Fowvay

· #6 · Nov 28, 2005

FineExampl said:
I think i posted this same question on the old forums. Another option people suggested was WD40.

You are 100% correct about WD/40. I prefer to use Super Glaze as it also lays down a nice protective coat of wax and it is safe to use around the brakes.

Chubs763

· #7 · Dec 15, 2005

are ya sure it's road tar and not that bees wax goop? my car leaks that crap all over the sides in the summer. a simple washing with elbow greeses won't get it. i gotta use some goo-gone.

CoriBug

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 16, 2005

I guess I just assumed it's road tar. What is bees wax?!?

We had a snow last week so Daisy has slush/muck all over.

It's starting to dry out here a little though.

n2vdubz

· #9 · Dec 16, 2005

This may sound silly, but I read that applying (If I remember correctly) peanut butter to the tar will help remove it. I'm pretty sure that is what it called for. I could be wrong, but it doesn't hurt to try.

Now that I've written this, I'm wondering why in the hell would someone think of using peanut butter on their car??

Lnzbug

· #10 · Dec 16, 2005

You guys are gonna kill me but I used gas. It came right off. I washed him afterwards and then put on a new coat of wax. He looked great .

Chubs763

· #11 · Dec 16, 2005

might wanna check out the old forums. i think there are some threads.

i think i remember reading that the car frame was dipped in a Bee's wax solution to prevent rusting.

the black greasy substance seems to ooze from around headlights, doors etc. when it's warm it seems to soften or melt. highway speeds it tends to dribble all over the sides of the car.

i can't be the only one this happens too.

n2vdubz

· #12 · Dec 16, 2005

Chubs763 said:
the black greasy substance seems to ooze from around headlights, doors etc. when it's warm it seems to soften or melt. highway speeds it tends to dribble all over the sides of the car.

i can't be the only one this happens too.

Whenever I change the headlight bulbs in our Beetle, that black tar like greasy crap always gets all over my hands and on the front fenders. It's such a pain to do, as if taking the headlights out wasn't enough of a chore anyway....

yelojkt

· #13 · Dec 18, 2005

n2vdubz said:
Whenever I change the headlight bulbs in our Beetle, that black tar like greasy crap always gets all over my hands and on the front fenders. It's such a pain to do, as if taking the headlights out wasn't enough of a chore anyway....

Sounds like it is time to replace the rubber headlight seal with a new one.

SeeMKay

· #14 · Dec 20, 2005

Bees Wax!

My Service Manager told me that they just about dip the entire car in bees wax before shipping....Keeps everything sealed while its sitting on the lot.

I use bug and tar remover (FULLER BRUSH makes it) Stuff is awesome.......bugs, tar, gum, sap, anything gunky!

(even loosens the bees wax)

speedie

· #15 · Dec 20, 2005

Beewax is for rust protection. I agree with the wax for tar removal. Clay bar works well also.

BUGSTUFF

· #16 · Dec 21, 2005

Goo-Gone.

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

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