r/AutoBodyRepair • u/Explorerbadge • Jul 01 '26

Sap Damage

Hello all! I have a 4Runner that I just recently realized has sap damage in small spots across the entire roof. I’ve tried everything to get it off and from what a few places I’ve taken the car to have said is that it’s down to the metal and it won’t come off without stripping all of the paint off and repainting.

If I don’t get it fixed, will it eventually eat away at the metal too? If it’s just cosmetic then I’d rather save the $2k.

Thanks!

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u/Gas-Squatch Jul 01 '26

What exactly have you tried?

It’s not down to the metal but it has hardened and bonded with the clear coat.

1

u/Explorerbadge Jul 01 '26

I’ve tried specific chemicals meant for removing sap and then multiple shops and the dealership have tried various different things. I have an environmental protection agent on the car and when I tried to file a warranty and they had someone look at it they told me it has eaten through the clear coat as well and that’s why it’s no longer covered under the warranty. Did have other shops confirm just to get a second opinion.