Cleaning Hard top/Freedom Panels

[NJbeachbum]

I’m potentially buying a used hard top from someone, and I noticed some spots on the freedom panels. Seller tried to buff them out with no luck, and believes they are hard water stains (photo attached). I’m pretty OCD about my stuff, so I’m wondering if these really look like water marks and how easy they are to get out without ruining the finish. Thanks

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[whitechocolate]

I’m potentially buying a used hard top from someone, and I noticed some spots on the freedom panels. Seller tried to buff them out with no luck, and believes they are hard water stains (photo attached). I’m pretty OCD about my stuff, so I’m wondering if these really look like water marks and how easy they are to get out without ruining the finish. Thanks

baking soda/vinegar paste.. let it sit and hangout 10mins..if it comes off hard water..if not..sap stains perhaps..was this parked under a tree?

 

[NJbeachbum]

That I’m not sure about. Any suggestions if it was sap stains? Thanks for the advice

 

[Capricorn]

That I’m not sure about. Any suggestions if it was sap stains? Thanks for the advice

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[hilljumper]

I’m potentially buying a used hard top from someone, and I noticed some spots on the freedom panels. Seller tried to buff them out with no luck, and believes they are hard water stains (photo attached). I’m pretty OCD about my stuff, so I’m wondering if these really look like water marks and how easy they are to get out without ruining the finish. Thanks

For sap stains you can use paint thinner. It won't harm your finish. Do a small sample area first!!! For hard water stains, if the baking soda doesn't work there is a product called Hard Water Stain Remover. It is produced by bio-clean products. It will work. I might try a 3m product that is meant for rubbing out clear coat finishes. As a rule do the least harmful thing first and work your way up.

 

[morph860]

https://www.chemicalguys.com/produc...-car-wash-shampoo?_pos=1&_sid=c40de8319&_ss=r

 

[Camaroboi13]

Magic eraser will do more than you think it will ??

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Be very careful using chemicals or abrasives. The hardtop is actually painted with just a single stage of matte black paint, no clear coat. You can rub through that paint real easy.

 

[vetygud]

I foam cannon my Jeep (and hard top) with Chemical Guys Mr. Pink. If you do not get on a short step ladder right away and wipe down the top, it will dry and leave spots like you have illustrated. I use soft water through my power washer and foam cannon. I believe the spots are a combination of water deposits and soap. Usually if you rewash and dry immediately they will disappear. I use Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Detailer after it is dry and that seems to help limit or keep the spots at bay. I owned several Corvettes so I have became very anal about washing my vehicles.

As for tree sap and road tar, a product called "Goo Gone" is great. Mineral spirits will work. Paint thinner has acetone in it and I would not use it because it will attacked your paint. "Goof Off" is also to strong and will dissolve paint. Magic Erasers are too abrasive along with rubbing compounds and scratch and swirl removers.

Start with a wash and microfiber dry immediately after the wash.

 

[vetygud]

OMG it's a Jeep running down forest roads and trails. Lol! That is why I got rid of the corvettes. Old habits are hard to break. They do look nice all cleaned up.

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