Hurricane damage to Cinnamon Girl

[XLR8]

Although everyone is probably tired of Hurricane Katrina threads, I need a place to lament/rage/blow off steam so y'all with have to bear with me.

I'm waiting on my insurance adjuster to contact me over my claim of hurricane damage to my "baby". Although there's no body work involved, I've got about a million little pine sap spots and minor scratches from flying roofing shingles and tree bark.

At the very least she'll have to be cleaned and buffed and if I'm not satisfied with that, a paint job is in order. Another thing that worries me is the cloth top... I've washed it and it did not come clean. Plus I've got a big blob of pine sap about the size of a quarter on the top too.

Anyone have any suggestions for safely removing sap from the top? I don't want to smear it around over a larger area than it covers already.

It's so hard not to take her on to the local specialty paint shop (thank goodness there's one nearby) but if the damage proves bad enough to require a paint job, I don't want to lessen the appearance of the damage before the adjuster sees it.

Anyway... just needed a place to :cry a bit. My poor baby.

Jane Ann

 

[68Roadster]

When I worked for an airline we had some stuff called "Gum and Candle Wax Remover". It basically froze the stuff enuff where you could just scrape it off....that might be worth a shot on the top. It shouldn't affect the color but I would try it someplace inconspicuous first.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

JAG,

Your pine tar blobs can be removed mostly with a cloth and some good car wax. Good to hear that's all the damage you received from the hurricane, and good to hear you're safe.

 

[67HEAVEN]

Jane Ann,

As you know, I saw your beautiful car in Bowling Green. You'll make it right again.

Then, it'll be time to pull a Lou again.

 

[XLR8]

68Roadster... Thanks for the advice. Will keep that one in mind.

Pete... Thank you too. I'm very fortunate in that I received only minor damage to cars and home. My biggest and costliest headache is going to be clean up of my property. Of course, I'll have to absorb the cost myself because insurance doesn't cover that. And it ain't gonna be cheap.

It could be worse though, the two friends I insisted stay with me during the storm both lost their homes. One is gone down to the foundation, and the other is an empty shell.

Jane Ann

 

[XLR8]

Jane Ann,

As you know, I saw your beautiful car in Bowling Green. You'll make it right again.

Then, it'll be time to pull a Lou again.

Thanks Bob. As her caretaker it's my duty to keep her beautiful! And when she's right I'll have to practice my Lou moves again!

 

[Papa]

Zaino?

This is purely from reading...not actual experience..but it seems like the Zaino site had a lot of good ideas about removing various gunk from the finish...from Dawn dishwashing liquid mix (tar, sap?) to the clay bar ... but a nice new custom paint job sounds good too and less elbow grease...might be worth checking about the top? Good luck...hearts are with you and everyone down there and scattered everywhere...about 100 of whom we'll be feeding dinner tomorrow evening at church here in DFW area..

 

[johnm]

Jane , Have your insurance adjuster look at and photograph you car Before you do anything. Let them decide what to do, If the solution fails to satisfy you, you can take the next step. Whatever you do don't try to clean it yourself. Take it to a professional detail shop or dealership to clean it. 20 years ago I had my car stolen. When it was recovered it was cover with thick dried mudd from the bog they drove it through. I washed the car and discovered heavy scratches under the mud. When the adjuster came out he said the scratches were my fault. I didn't take the proper precautions before removing the mud. He claimed I caused the scratches taking off the mud. He said I should have taken it to the dealership to be washed. He said they probably would have scratched it too, but being pros the insurance company would assume if pros can't clean it without making it worse then no one could and they would have paid. My claim was ultimately denied. johnm

 

[XLR8]

Papa,

Thanks for the advice AND the well wishes. And Bless you and yours for your caring and concern for your fellow citizens.

johnm,

Welcome to the CAC and thanks too for your good advice. Your experience is the exact reason why I've refrained from doing anything as of yet. Hopefully I'll hear from my adjuster soon.

Jane Ann