Removal of OE body stripes

olympia57 · Post by **olympia57** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 9:40 pm

In the process of prepping the front spoiler/bumper for repainting I had to remove the factory thick / thin bodystripe from the lower edge of the spoiler.
I had to use a heatgun, hair dryer, selection of scrapers and eventually an orbital sander . Even then the residue left had to be removed with tar & glue remover, thinners and then petrol applied by toothbrush. It was surprisingly difficult.
I'd like to replace the weathered body stripe along the full length of the car but unlike the spoiler I will have to find a way that doesn't damage the paint underneath.
Has anyone any tips or methods on removing these decals without damaging the paint ?

Pod · Post by **Pod** » Mon Jul 21, 2014 11:23 pm

I was cleaning my Highline with a pressure washer the other day and it took the stripes off! Maybe it'll work for you too

Quendil · Post by **Quendil** » Tue Jul 22, 2014 6:58 am

My 2 year old did one side of mine while I wasn't looking

The other side came off easy as well but I don't think they where the original ones

Da_Hose · Post by **Da_Hose** » Tue Jul 22, 2014 3:31 pm

You can try a "decal eraser wheel". Look on youtube for videos.

Finish with a decal remover spray and then polish and wax.

Jose

olympia57 · Post by **olympia57** » Tue Jul 22, 2014 6:25 pm

Da_Hose wrote:You can try a "decal eraser wheel". Look on youtube for videos.

Finish with a decal remover spray and then polish and wax.

Jose

I seen one of them on U tube and have to say I was a bit sceptical but it did seem to remove the broad bonnet stripe the guy was working on.
I'd need to take some " courage " pills before I used one though , but it may be the only solution.....
Have you used one Jose ?
Don

Beaker · Post by **Beaker** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 2:59 pm

Pod wrote:I was cleaning my Highline with a pressure washer the other day and it took the stripes off! Maybe it'll work for you too

Ha! Same.

Da_Hose · Post by **Da_Hose** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 3:26 pm

Never tried one myself, but I do have an RV that needs a repaint and the old decals need to come off.

Jose

olympia57 · Post by **olympia57** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 4:55 pm

Da_Hose wrote:Never tried one myself, but I do have an RV that needs a repaint and the old decals need to come off.

Jose

I've ordered one so I'll let you know if it works .

deacs · Post by **deacs** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 5:54 pm

Be interested to see if it works, I have some body stripes to remove too

sideshowbob · Post by **sideshowbob** » Thu Aug 14, 2014 12:14 pm

Be very careful, if you are referring to a rubber wheel that you put in an electric drill.
I bought one to remove some stripes before a repaint.
It is very easy to 'burn' the underlying paint.
Eventually gave up as I thought it was causing too much damage to underlying paint and left it to the body shop to remove prior to repainting.

m6dave · Post by **m6dave** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 8:36 am

I have used these wheels they are terrific. We call them a "caramel" wheel down under because they are a light brown colour and smell like caramel when you use them. They work really well but do generate heat, on a 2 pack paint this is no problem but more care is needed on acrylic paints.

Brucey · Post by **Brucey** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 8:43 am

BTW if you go with the 'pressure washer solution' try to use a hot wash.

I used to use a 70C hot wash on my bikes (every day in the winter) and I could have taken off all the decals with no difficulty. As it was some of the lesser ones came off even though I didn't mean them to.

I'd say that you have a pretty fair chance of shifting any decal that way provided it isn't under a good layer of clear coat.

cheers