Tree sap on MIC hard top - how to remove?

[Searchdawg]

Anyone have a solution to removing tree sap from a MIC hardtop? Manual states to only use mild detergent when cleaning MIC HT. Yeah, that doesn’t remove sap. Don’t want to have deterioration or discoloration using chemicals. Only offer up proven solutions please. Thanks.

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[omi205]

As a starter...try warm/hot water...should render it down enough to scrub/wipe off.

 

[604Bronco]

I wonder if also leaving it outside in the sun for a bit would help loosen it up too (similar to when you want to de-badge a vehicle). Not sure what the weather is like where you are, but it could help. I wouldn't necessarily use a heat gun or anything along those lines - Could damage these delicate tops.

 

[Nobody]

Water Displacement 40

 

[BCKMRKR]

Gel hand sanitizer works to break down sap on car paint, but not sure about scarring of the top.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

Water Displacement 40

Followed by liberal use of Dihydrogen Oxide?

 

[lmarchetti]

I had this issue, I used 303 Convertible Fabric Top Cleaning solution. Took a few rounds alternating between a brush and microfiber cloth to scrub came out. Letting the solution soak as the instructions said helped.

 

[Searchdawg]

I had this issue, I used 303 Convertible Fabric Top Cleaning solution. Took a few rounds alternating between a brush and microfiber cloth to scrub came out. Letting the solution soak as the instructions said helped.

Did you use the 303 on a soft top or a MIC hard top?

 

[Searchdawg]

As a starter...try warm/hot water...should render it down enough to scrub/wipe off.

I’ll try that in the morning.

 

[Searchdawg]

Water Displacement 40

I’ve used that plenty on painted metal surfaces to remove all types of sticky residue. Not sure how it might affect the MIC or if it would leave a discoloration though.

 

[Searchdawg]

I wonder if also leaving it outside in the sun for a bit would help loosen it up too (similar to when you want to de-badge a vehicle). Not sure what the weather is like where you are, but it could help. I wouldn't necessarily use a heat gun or anything along those lines - Could damage these delicate tops.

I‘m in the backwoods of Kentucky…lol.

 

[604Bronco]

I‘m in the backwoods of Kentucky…lol.

Like the fried chicken place?!

I have zero idea the temperature in Kentucky in May lol

 

[FleshTuxedo]

Trade it in. Get new Bronco.


All seriousness, depending on the drips, use a razor blade to remove the bigger portion, then dawn, or something.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

Apologies in advance for offering this up as it isn't a "proven solution" but, if it was my top, I'd try a tar remover. I mostly have Carpro products and have some of their Tar X but have not had any occasion to use it, yet, it's just one of those things you'd rather have and not need. It's not solvent based and it's ph neutral so out of the box it's compliant with Ford's guidelines. I'm sure other tar removers with similar (no solvent and neutral) formulations could probably get it done.

 

[Searchdawg]

Like the fried chicken place?!

I have zero idea the temperature in Kentucky in May lol

yep, like the fried chicken place aye! I’d tell you the temps here, but it probably wouldn’t tell you much because it wouldn’t be in Celsius

Like the fried chicken place?!

I have zero idea the temperature in Kentucky in May lol

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