Need help removing Tar

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Hokie335i

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Hey guys,

So I've never encountered tar that I can't remove so this has me stumped. I am working on a 2007 Audi S6 V10 and here's the tar behind the front tire. The tar is rock hard and I think it's been there for a few years. I can't even pick it off with my nail. The owner says he hasn't washed it in the past couple years either...

Untitled by Chris Merritt, on Flickr

So far I've washed the car and tried Tarminator and GoJo. I don't have time to order something as I have to detail and coat this car before Monday morning. I'm wondering if it's some sort of road paint as it's splattered all over as well as the main streaks.

Any ideas? I've heard WD-40 is a solution but there are mixed reviews about it.
 
Thanks for the link. I guess I'll go look locally for another solvent. I'm more curious what it is since it's white...

Tomorrow I'll go searching and see if I can find something stronger than Tarminator.
 
hard to tell from pics, but looks like dried cement or paint. Keep us posted.
 
I'll definitely keep you all posted.

If anyone has recommendations for products that can be sourced locally please let me know!
 
Try some 3M adhesive remover. It comes in an aerosol can, at any auto part store.
 
Try very fine clay. DP makes a good one, TarX, or 3M in a can and steam (why not) If it's dried concrete, lots of clay and 2 hours of your time should do it.

Oh and a hefty bill!
 
If it's white, I'd say the customer drove over a white painted lane marker, that stuff hardens and it's a ##### to get off, it's like cement.
 
How long did you let the Tarminator dwell? I find longer dwell times give better results.
Does it feel soft and pliable or rigid? Believe it or not, and I know this sounds completely insane but, you could try (and this will require some elbow grease) Megs #7. I've used #7 to remove road tar, road tar spatter and etched bugs. But you'll get a work out for sure.

If it's concrete, Mediscott is right. You may have to spend some time working on it with different techniques and product, such as steam. You may even add goo-be-gone to the list, or I hate to say WD-40 or pb blaster (read the instructions first to make sure it's safe on paint). in conjunction with the DP Bug Scurbber
Detailer’s Road Kill Bug Scrubber, bug and tar sponge

Please update the thread when you have solved the issue so we know what worked.
 
Wash area first really good,then use lacquer thinner on a white terry cloth don't kill it by rubbing it to hard,let the thinner do its job.Becareful of that texture on the bottom.
 
What you want to use is the clear mineral spirits. Most if not all tar removers are mineral spirits based
 
Well so far I tried some mild solutions. Goo gone, 3M adhesive remover, claying it with nanoskin medium for a while and wd-40 in conjunction with my DP bug scrubber sponge. None of it made a big difference. Guess I'll try some thinner or mineral spirits or dentured alc next.


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Get some thinner not mineral spirit and be done with it.
 
Ok so update: Tried mineral spirits/paint thinner. No luck. Tried old school laquer thinner that my dad had laying around, helped some but still didn't get it all. Spent a good 45 mins working on it. Not sure what to do next..I don't know what the hell this stuff is!

ec5aa4c189e19c92c206c1e617dc1b03.jpg
 
Maybe you could try using a heat gun over it to try and loosen it up/soften it. Then go over it again with mineral spirits, thinner, etc. Just make sure you don't overheat it and don't stay in one spot too long.
 
keep using thinner go and get a plastic razor blade.
 
If all fails if your experienced start sanding it off.
 
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