Really bad tree sap.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DieselHead · #1 10-10-2003, 10:52 AM

Hi,
I only get to see my W123 once a week since I've been living in an area where I don't need a car. Last weekend when I went back to it, I noticed that the tree above the car dropped lots of leaves or whatever that left tons of tree sap stains and spots on the car. This weekend I plan on giving the car a thorough once over but I have a few questions about the sap. I plan on running my car through Meguiar's paint cleaner, then through a claying, then a polish (or two), then a wax (or two). Is this procedure proper? Should I do something to get rid of the sap first? Or will the paint cleaner take care of that well? Thanks for the tips!

Alex

placo1 · #2 10-10-2003, 01:20 PM

Alex,

I'd use the following steps to get your car looking perfect!

1. Clean the exterior thoroughly to insure no grit is on the car.
2. Don't bother drying the car after you've washed it. Get the car into the shade and start using your claybar. Be gentle with the claybar and fold it over frequently. Start at the top and work your way down. Cars are always dirtier near the bottom. Wash the car again and dry it thoroughly.
3. Use the Meguiars Polish to remove any scratches left by the washing/claying and normal wear and tear.
4. Add the wax of your choice as a topper. Two coats will help to insure full coverage.
5. Buy a car cover!

Good luck, take some before and after pics if you can.

Cannoli · #3 10-10-2003, 03:07 PM

Alex:

I've been using a Ultraguard Covercraft Car Cover for the past 6 months. It's a amazing how clean the car stays when I use it. The cover I purchased for the 500E was a custom fit ... and it fits tight. There is even a pocket for the hood ornament ... overall, great quality, and it can be washed (I've done this several times) in a standard large capacity washer/dryer.

I paid just under $300.00 for the cover ... outdoor type. Here is a link of the same cover that I purchased but configured for your 300D.

http://www.autoanything.com/carcover/product.asp?make=Mercedes-Benz&year=1983&model=300%20D&prID=168&submit=yes&cat=

Listen to Afshin, GET A CAR COVER!

DieselHead · #4 10-10-2003, 04:47 PM

Thanks for the info! I'll definitely look into the car cover, it's something I really should get for all my cars.

Regarding the clay bar, if I'm going to use it while the car is wet, should I still use as much spray lube as if I were doing the car dry? Thanks again!

I will definitely try my best to take good before/after pictures.

Alex

placo1 · #5 10-10-2003, 04:54 PM

Naturally you should require less lubricant to keep the clay moving. Not to mention using this method insures cold paint which prevents clay from sticking to paint.

I'd suggest taking a capful of your car soap and adding it to a spray bottle full of water, gently shake and you've got a great cheap lubricant.

DCM · #6 11-13-2003, 06:39 PM

I just had that problem with my suburban. Tried many products but had the best luck with that liquid orange cleaner from Home Depot. Easy to use. Then followed up with wax.

DieselHead · #7 11-14-2003, 10:06 AM

Was the liquid orange cleaner damaging? I said I'd post pictures and haven't yet because I never really completed the job. It took me a few hours of constant rubbing with Meguiar's paint cleaner to get out only most of the stains on the hood, roof, and trunk. I bought an orbital buffer but haven't had the time to use it yet. I'm getting closer to just having it professionally detailed as there are other paint problems that need to be resolved.

Alex

DCM · #8 11-14-2003, 11:39 AM

I did it a couple of months ago and do not see any damage to the finish.

It was not on there very long because as soon as the sap was off, I washed off the orange cleaner.

Don't know if it would matter but the part with the sap does not have a clear coat. The suburban paint was peeling on the top of the hood and top of the cabin as was common in 1980's GM products. Those areas were repainted a few years ago and the painter said he did not apply a clear coat. I don't remember what kind of paint that he used.

Alcohol worked on the tree sap too but was very slow.

rookie · #9 11-23-2003, 12:10 AM

we live in the mountians in the summers and a lot of sap has fallen over the years the best and easiest way is best foods real mayonise... for real...a soft toothbrush and some mayionse will not harm the finish and will take it off right now!!
good luck
lunch anyone??

Dan Smith · #10 12-01-2003, 08:49 PM

Rookie's answer is great for tree sap. I'm from Doug Fir country, the Pacific Northwest. I use Best Foods and or, simple butter, the dairy product or a butter replacement. They do zero detectable damage to the paint. Do not use any paint thinner. Thet damage the clearcoat. Mayo or butter will also take pitch/sap off your hands. If left on your paint, doug fir pitch will eat right through your clearcoat and paint to bare metal. Nice stuff, but not on your auto.