This is my first convertible and just wondering if anyone has had a damn bird leave a present while you're driving or the car is parked? Obviously it would not be wise to park under trees.

 

Happens frequently and in a black car it can spell disaster. I carry a pack of baby wipes in all my cars and as soon as I spot the damage I lay a fresh baby wipe over the area, let soak a second or 2 and wipe it off. It generally works very well. The sooner you catch it though the better.

 

~ agreed ...

the last thing you want to do is scrub at the dropping when it is dry ... this will scratch the paint surface unbelievably... but you do want to remove it asap for the damage sets in... if and when possible... saturate a microfiber towel with water and let it set/soak on the dried dropping to moisten and free the crusted dropping ... then gentle wipe the area clean...

a quick polishing may be needed... but if the paint is actually raised or etched from the dropping sitting too long... a wet sanding, buff, etc... may be required to lessen the appearance and damage...

~ if it happens to the interior with the top down ... i would go with a similar routine...

~ if it dries on the cloth top... head to your nearest diy quarter car wash for a quick blast & rinse...

cheers!

 

I think you answered your own question...never park under a tree with the top left down....I try not to park under anytrees...tree sap is murder to get off...have to clay it off...enjoy...I have been lucky dodging birds I quess...I just have trouble keeping my wife from eating in it...she spilled a coke last trip out...I banned her from her car...she is still mad at me...rules are rules...good night all...

 

Oledoc, I have to let you in on a little secret-tree sap is really EASY to remove from a car's finish. Just use turpentine or non-acetone nail polish remover on a microfiber towel. It is basically pine derived thinner. Won't hurt the clearcoat, but you will have to re-wax.

Mike-in Orange? Any comments?

 

~ the best solution for tree sap removal is rubbing alcohol... saturate a microfiber... rub lightly and let the product do the work.

cheers!

 

That is very interesting and disgusting.. having never owned a convertible I've never thought of that issue.

Has anyone here ever gotten one right in the face?

 

This is another situation where several coats of wax will serve you well by protecting the finish. Ditto for a good leather cleaning and conditioning product.

As far as poop on the top, wet thoroughly and lightly scrub off.

 

Preventive maintenance = shotgun.

 

Use only water to soak, terry cloth to rub. Lots and lots of water and it will go away...Do not use cleaning solvent...

 

Not in the face, but in in my former Mini Cooper convertible, I got it on the arm once while at a light (under power wires and a congregation of birds) and on the shoulder while moving. Risks of drops tops in the city.

David