Removing tar from Airstream

[AggieStream]

My front rock cover got some tar on it from the road. Before I attempt to remove I came to the all knowing forum for tips on removing. I though it might be tricky to get off.

[SeeMore]

The nice thing about this forum is the volume & breadth of opinion on any given subject. The SEARCH function [found in the blue bar above] works well to really dive into the historical record. In the interim, you might find these sample threads insightful:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...val-41266.html
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...val-50126.html
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f45...al-101237.html

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

It’s a stainless steel guard, we wash first then end up using goo gone or nail polish remover. Eventually the guards are meant to be replaced, they are pricey but something to keep in mind.

[Airtandem]

WD40. I had lower curb side covered with tar. The WD comes in an aerosol (fogger); worked great and finished wiping I washed with Turtle car wash. Good as new.

[Wayne&Sam]

What Airtandem said. WD-40.

[Heckler56]

X3 on WD40.

[ROBERT CROSS]

X 4 WD40...

Bob
🇺🇸

[Mollysdad]

Did you ever wonder what became of WD-1to WD-39?

[AFTER TAXES]

Originally Posted by AggieStream

My front rock cover got some tar on it from the road. Before I attempt to remove I came to the all knowing forum for tips on removing. I though it might be tricky to get off.

citrus juice, or min. spirits , thx

[Daquenzer]

X5-WD-40. Shines them up great.

[BayouBiker]

Yep WD-40 fantastic at removing bugs. tar, sap, gum. stickers, etc.

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Did you ever wonder what became of WD-1to WD-39?

It took them 40 attempts to get their water displacing formula to work, but on the 40th attempt, they got it right in a big way. WD-40 was born. WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. That’s the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed the product.

[Airtandem]

Did one know WD 40 was invented in 1953 and we are still finding NEW uses for it ?

I have used it as a polish; wipe on, wipe off.
moke

[JCWDCW]

Or you can use Varsol or paint thinner
Since it is just uncoated stainless, any tar removal product will work but not on the Aluminum which might be affected y a stronger solvent
JCW

[greenflag]

Mineral spirits should also work

[n2916s]

Probably difficult to find now that we are all being healthier but cigarette lighter fluid works great as well.

[AggieStream]

Thanks! It worked like a champ on the rock guards! Now, what would you recommend to use to get the bugs and other grime off the other parts of the trailer? I didn't want to spray WD-40 on the aluminum without asking around if it's OK.

[suncoasteng]

Auto parts stores sell Bug&Tar remover. If that doesnt get it, you can always try kerosene

[Hans627]

I had something like tar on my guards but it was very hard and extremely difficult to remove. WD-40 would not cut it. So I got some tar remover and rubbed it a little too much and ended up with a few "polished" areas on my rock guards.

But then again they are theoretically disposable!

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by AggieStream

Thanks! It worked like a champ on the rock guards! Now, what would you recommend to use to get the bugs and other grime off the other parts of the trailer? I didn't want to spray WD-40 on the aluminum without asking around if it's OK.

40 is fine on the aluminum.
A trick I have used on small tar spots...spray it cold or wait 'til Winter and scrape it off with a fingernail.
Griot's One Step also can work and is also good for minor scratches that haven't compromised the Alcoa coating.

Bob
🇺🇸