A sealant has been applied under the trim strip all around (which connects the body panels). It swells for weeks, even months and years after purchase. While unsightly in itself, it also attracts a lot of dirt. How do you remove it?

The trick is to first use a spatula that won't damage the Eriba's paintwork. Then, use WD-40 to buff away the sealant residue.

We sharpened some expired plastic bank cards. This allows you to remove the soft adhesive and polish away any residue with WD-40. You're not done in one go: the swelling continues for a while.

 

Afterword:

1) We initially used white spirit, but thanks to a tip from Cees P. (many thanks!), it turns out that WD-40 works much better and, unlike white spirit, contains no solvents.

2) A sealant that tends to leave a lot of stains was also used on the awning rail around the roof. It is a soft, black sealant that turns almost into a paste at high temperatures. You should leave the sealant itself in place, but the best way to remove the stains it leaves behind is with make-up remover (acetone-free!).

 

Comments en questions

Eleanor_and_Victor: What a mess. It's indeed annoying, it keeps going on. We are still removing sealant after three years, never ending story... Nevertheless, nice website: thnx!