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sbrianericks · 07-02-2013, 05:19 PM

I picked up a 1960 Tradewind last weekend, and have been running a first cut (when I get to a frustrating point on the interior). The roof seems to be coated in black tar. I assume it's tar, I guess it could be something else that's just turned black over time.

So far, I've tried bug and tar remover, WD-40, mineral spirits, and MEK. The bug and tar remover at least thins it a bit, is that all I can hope for?

Thanks for any advice you can give. Love this camper and determined to bring her back to a useful state!

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Airtandem · 07-02-2013, 05:27 PM

It appears to be a "splatter", you might try using WD-40; spray, let set for ? and wipe off. This has worked for me with road tar.

reinergirl · 07-02-2013, 05:38 PM

I honestly have had good luck with Citrastrip. It removed all the black residue in my trailer. It works better if it stays wet, so apply at night and take off in the morning.

RickDavis · 07-02-2013, 06:01 PM

If it is tar coat it with a product like crisco or other vegetable spread and leave it sit for a day or so. It will absorb the oils and soften up enough to be removed.
It worked for me with 40 year old road tar

Melody Ranch · 07-02-2013, 06:05 PM

Good news....Bad news. That is not a splatter paint. It is corrosion with "crud" in the pitting. It will come out only with an aggressive polish project. Most likely will have pock marks from the corrosion.

polarlyse · 07-02-2013, 06:31 PM

I wonder if any of it's former life could have been downwind of a chemical plant ???? Is it all over or confined to the one or both end caps ???

Looks to be a messy job to clean this up.

reinergirl · 07-02-2013, 06:51 PM

If its crud the magic eraser sponges work great on dirt, grime, mold...... Then you'll at least see what you're left with.

sbrianericks · 07-03-2013, 06:02 AM

It is on a good bit of the roof, so I'm thinking it is either tar, sap, or really vintage bird poop. There is at least a spot where one of the POs was able to get a good chunk of it off, but I can't tell what he used. In the places I've uncovered it so far (the patina hides it nicely), it is above the surface. It will come off after SEVERAL polishing passes, I was just hoping for a jump start, as it also seems to be wearing out my polishing pads faster. This stuff isn't on the sides of the trailer hardly at all...

Becky B. · 07-03-2013, 06:07 AM

It could be sap from trees. Try some REALLY hot water with a rag. If it's tree sap, it should melt right off. I've tried removing tree sap with all kinds of products, but simple hot water works the best.