I just took delivery of my S2k this week and I already have some sap stains on the car and top. Are sap stains relatively easy to take out? Is the following basically all you need for routine exterior care?

1. cotton wash mitt (to clean the paint and top)
2. car soap
3. absorber (to dry with)
4. cheap sponge (to clean wheels/tires/underbody sills)

Is there anything else special I need for cleaning the top like bristles? Any other advice is appreciated - thanks.

 

do a search on this forum and you'll see a plethora of advice to this matter. I personally treat washing my car as separate entities -

(body- lower and upper) - Zaino
(soft top) - porsche stuff , or 303 stuff
(platic window) - plexus or novus .. assuming you have one
(wheels) - generic rim cleaner
(tires) - generic tire polish

and there are products to treat each individual entity but you are off to a good start. I'd compliment the first wash with Dawn liquid soap and then start with a clay bar ..

but's that just my $.02

s2ksimon

 

your sap issue depends on what type of sap...
i would first try a paint cleaner or wax to try to remove it. if those dont work, then you would use something like a citrus based solvent (blanking on the name right now- something like goo be gone?)
afterwards, a good wax or zaino job will help to protect against future saps. any sap that is left on the car can stain the clearcoat.
let us know if you are able to get the sap off- if not, we will give you some more advanced steps to take.

 

woops- just noticed that you have it on the top too- dont use wax on the top (you prob figured that out already!).
for the top you need a vinyl cleaner and vinyl preservative.

 

303 Convertible Top Cleaner works like a champ. I wouldn't use the cotton wash mitt on the top as you will get fuzz.

 

For your top, use 303 cleaner with a bristle brush. Let it dry for a day and put the 303 protectant on.

 

Thanks guys.