Undercoat - Tar Removal

[Norm C.]

I've been told by a couple of people that there are products out there (neither of them could remember the product) that can gently but effectively remove tar and or old undercoating without removing the finish under the tar.

I've already accepted that it most likely will be a time consuming and dirty job to do it carefully. This is NOT a "body off frame" project, so the more aggressive products and or processes probably are not feasable.

Thanks in advance for any help on the products and or any "tricks of the trade" that anyone could share!!

[Bob D.]

Re: Undercoat - Tar Removal

I have had good luck using mineral spirits. I put it in a spray bottle and spray it liberally over an small area. I try to keep it fairly wet and after 40 or so minutes the stuff usually softens up enough that I can scrape it off using a plastic putty knife. The mineral spirits are less aggressive and so I have been able to preserve some of the overspray and markings hidden by the undercoat. As always work in a well ventilated area. Good luck it is a dirty job.

[Steve Wallach]

Re: Undercoat - Tar Removal

"greased lightning" from just about any auto parts store works GREAT. YES it is a very messy job. If you leave it on, it will take the paint off. You may want to dilute it in water also. It won't hurt fiberglass, or paint if you remove it and clean surface with water and towels.

I've used it a lot and it works great.

Good Luck,

Steve

[Duke W.]

Re: Undercoat - Tar Removal

Mineral spirits is cheap and effective at dissolving petroleum based products such as undercoating. I keep a spray bottle of it around and use it all the time for light cleaning/degreasing jobs - small parts, oil spills, etc.

There is no "finish" on the underside of the fiberglass floor pan, but the "asphalt paint" on the frame remains soluble to just about any petroleum solvent including mineral spirits.

Duke

[Alan Drake]

Re: Undercoat - Tar Removal

After you get most of the stuff off with the mineral spirits and still have some areas that need more - try Brake Parts Cleaner. Works great and does not remove any original markings or over spray.
Oh, make sure you have fresh air, fan.