removing tree sap from an A400 top

First I’d try rubbing alcohol mixed 2:1 with water. If that isn’t strong enough, try straight rubbing alcohol. PPG makes a water-based paint prep cleaner that would probably work : SWX350. It’s very good at removing water-based and natural contaminants like sap and it won’t affect sensitive surfaces.
 
I should have asked, how much sap is on the top? A few big drops of it or is it a bunch of spots? I’ve heard of freezing bigger drops with an ice cube then scraping the majority of it off first.
 
If its fresh it will still be sticky. If old it will be crumbly and brittle. Problem is pine tar is not soluble in many detergents, that why I suggested the Pine Sol. Perhaps turpentine? Good luck!
 
Regular paint thinner disolves sap. I had a friend who lived part of the year at Cape Cod. Their house was surrounded completely by pine trees. The trees provided lots of protection from the sun but also dropped sap on their car. They tried many liquid cleaners to remove the sap and found regular paint thinner to be the best for softening and removing the sap. It did not harm the paint but I don't know how it will affect a cloth top.
 
Hitman said:
What’s the solution within the YouTube video?

Asking because this is a searchable forum, and links break, pictures and videos disappear overtime.
Click to expand...

Consult a professional. DIY carries a number of risks including, discoloration of the cleaned area, stretching and/or delamination of the top layer and damage to the fabric fibers. It's not enough to just dissolve the sap, it has to be properly extracted. Once clean a Scotch Guard protectant can be applied to minimize future penetration of stains into the fabric fibers.

Top fabric is a woven cloth bonded to a Waterproof layer. A solvent/cleaning agent alone will just dilute the staining substance and spread it over a wider area, without suction, or full flushing, there will be some residue left. It may look clean, but are you sure the solvent and stain residue won't be photo-reactive or cause longer term damage?

My many years working with fabrics of all types have taught me that cleaning is part science, part art. That tag with care instructions on most fabric items is there for a purpose.

If you do want to DIY, This page from Haartz corporation, maker of the most popular automotive soft top fabrics is a must read. Summarized, it says to use a specialty product, or non-degtergent soap, clean the whole top, and then use a protectant.

https://www.haartz.com/cleaning-guide/cloth-top-cleaning

Considering the cost of a new top, proper cleaning and maintenance can be a sound investment over the long run.
 
Hitman said:
What’s the solution within the YouTube video?

Asking because this is a searchable forum, and links break, pictures and videos disappear overtime.
Click to expand...

What CleaningtheGarage said so perfectly. That is the answer.
 
Thodge said:
I should have asked, how much sap is on the top? A few big drops of it or is it a bunch of spots? I’ve heard of freezing bigger drops with an ice cube then scraping the majority of it off first.
Click to expand...

There is an aerosol product made to spray onto gum to freeze it solid so it can be lifted off surfaces. I used it to get gum out of the synthetic turf on our football field. Worked like a charm.
Sorry I don't remember the brand of it but a call to your local school maintenance department would get you the info on what they are using.
 
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