Technical What is the safest way to remove dried tar?

I was checking my tire pressure on my old beater and noticed tar on the side of the car, I haven't noticed it in the past , the car being black it really doesn't stand out like a sore thumb but I do need to remove it, it almost looks like chewing gum with the exception of being black.

Recommendations? HRP

 

Citrus based solvent, like Goo Gone works great..

 

I would use Safeway Dried Tar Remover.

 

WD40, peanut butter. and WD makes a great sammich.

 

Wax and grease remover, kerosene, BBQ starter, diesel. All will work and none hurt cured paint.

 

Mineral Spirits works

 

X2 on the mineral spirits. It will not hurt automotive paint.

 

This is the BEST stuff I've used for removing tar and glue etc. I'd definitely try it on an inconspicuous place first though. I've never had problems with paint with it. Go to a body shop and get a cup of it. It goes A LONG ways. I've had this can for over 15 years. Just a bit on a rag.

 

I used WD40 on a yellow car and it worked great!!!...……..

 

Yep Mineral spirits.

 

Unless your paint is uncatalyzed enamel everything above will work just fine.

 

Prep-all

 

I used WD40, spray it on and let it work, wipe, repeat.






Bones

 

Whatever you use from the above grocery list, reapply the car wax you just removed along with the tar.

 

Diesel

 

I have used most of the techniques above at one time or another, and all the ones I have used, have worked well. Another cleaner that I would add, that fits in the same category as paint thinner, is solvent.
I have also used vinyl cleaner successfully on sensitive areas.
Bob

 

Turpentine , I prewash with it before sanding and as prep before spraying paint

 

I sprayed carb cleaner on it, and wiped it off just as it started to run down the side.
Not really recommending it as Im not sure what it could possibly do, but I got by with it and would do it again

 

I always used Turtlewax bug and tar remover

 

The wife drove through fresh tar last fall and had a generous spatter down both sides of her new car & wheels. I used Coleman camp stove fuel to take the tar off that is a naptha. I have used it before as it won't affect paint and it will quickly soften the tar and will wipe off clean without any streaking. It is in the same vein as mineral spirits but less oily. My mother used Rosonol lighter fluid to take off gummy substances and goo off everything and it is naptha based with no harm. The Coleman camp stove fuel is my large can of lighter fluid.

 

Also removes chewing gum from your hair when you accidently fall asleep with the gum in your mouth! Yep, been there, done that.

 

my wife drove her van through tar and a friend told me to use avon skin so soft. It worked and didn't hurt the paint

 

Surprised nobody has mentioned gas! Cleaned many a car with regular gas. Wouldn't want to use it while smokin' a stogie though! Just a little on a rag will go a long way. Rubber gloves if you don't want it on your hands. Follow up with a good wipe of WD40.....

 

I thought of it, but because it is so volatile, that I didn't want to be the person responsible for some guy, with a cigarette in his kisser, cleaning the tar off his truck with a cup full of gasoline.
One cup of gas equals 3 sticks of dynamite.
Bob

 

Try goof off.

 

With 3W John you goof off.......

 

I used to do that a lot in the military. Lost a stripe too.

 

OK wise guy, this is the product.

 

Hoppes #9...

 

Whatever you use take your time and test in a out of the way place.

I know your car was last painted around 1960 and is it lacquer?