the former home owners used some type of felt which is on the hardwood and i want to restore the hardwood back to its original finish in the kitchen, there was a ton of different tiles and vinyl covering, which i now have removed but now i'am stuck with this black stuff i can't scrap up.

I have the same problem. I posted my question over on the flooring and tile section of this site. Good luck getting direct answer.Most of the questions go un answered there. Alot of guesses. One suggestion which was the best. Go ask a real professional....Go to a tile store. I did. A product called Ardex needs to be applied in a thin coat and then I can apply any floor I wish over it. As far as removal? Thats a tough one. Some suggest mineral spirits (VERY dangerous) and some as simple as very hot water. Good luck at what ever you choose. p.s. If you want to spend $20 you can click on ask the Expert section and post your ? there. An expert will get back to you for a fee. I had several offers but opted to go to a tile store and pick there brains for free............

a hair blow drier and a wide 'putty knife'?

when i redid my dining room floor, i had to 'peel' up a ton of 1'x1' floor tiles, i used a 4" wide putty knife and a hair drier to 'melt' the glue and peel them up. i wonder if it would work for the tar problem? if you could get most of it removed, then maybe try some automotive bug and tar remover to clean up the residue??