I just picked up a used hardtop tonight and am trying to remove a stain on the top. Here is a picture of it:



Now being impatient I immediatelt went after this with my new PC and pads and some different removers.

So far I have used:
3M swirl and scratch remover
Meguiars #9 swirl remover
Meguiars Scratch X remover

Initially I had positive results. The mark got smaller and there was a gummy residue kicked out as the mark got smaller.

Well it is not getting any better. I have used an orange pad and a red pad. Hope that makes sense.

What is my next step?

Thanks,
Bill

 

simple green. or tree sap remover..

scratch x remover does not remove hard residue on the paint

 

Just tried Bug and Tar remover and also 3m adhesive remover. No change.

I am more than likely going to get the top painted in late July so I am not to worried about trying more aggressive items.

Would this be the time to use a very fine grit sandpaper and try to remove the spot? I guess then I could just PC the area out and apply some polish and wax back to the area.

Thanks

 

my suggestions...
1. clay
2. fine cut compound

i will be surprised if its still there after that. be sure to really work the fine cut (if you get that far- some chance that the clay might get it)

 

I might also try a chemical-based cleaner like Klasse All-In-One. It works great on some things. For example, it took off (with nearly zero effort) the glue from the white protective sheets they put on new cars for transport -- clay wouldn't touch it. You might also try something like 3M Adhesive Remover or Castrol Super Clean (or other high-strength all purpose cleaner).

I'd skip the sandpaper, as that's likely to leave an even worse problem (i.e. removed clearcoat, hazy spot) and require lots of work to clean THAT up (machine polishing or LOTS of hand polishing).

Good luck with it.

 

All of your polishes are light. Break out the DACP or 3m Perfect-it III RC and a yellow pad. Next up - a rotary polisher and a wool pad.

 

Thanks for all the feedback.

I am going to take another stab at it around 6 this evening.

Will update progress.

 

Here is an update. Things are not going well. I tried all the above suggested items..claying, adhesive remover, and finally rubbing compound.

I steadily made progress and the spot began to fade away from the rear going toward the front. The front of the stain was the widest part of the stain.

The stain started to get real light and then got very dirty looking. Now it has a silver/black appearance. Did I go to deep with my PC? I tried cleaner and then tried to polish the area out and it has not helped.

Here are some pictures of the spot now.

 

wow, that's really strage... it almost looks like whatever it is just picked up dirt from all that polishing... It's hard to say without seeing it in person...

 

Man, It looks like someone just layed a lit cigarette on your hard top !