I'm in the process of replacing the stripes on my '83 Z28. What can I use to get rid of the leftover residue from the decals?

 

Try products like Goo Gone and lot of elbow grease.

 

I've had luck with WD-40

 

Yes Goo Gone and NOT Goof Off. Goof Off is lighter fluid.

 

3M Stripe Off/Eraser Wheel.

Removes stripes or rub strip adhesives & do not affect the paint. Just keep it moving because obviously if you sit still with it long enough then heat will build & the resulting heat could affect your paint.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHKN5_UfDik

 

Hey BlackenedBird, forgot about the 3M products. I've seen 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner in the stores but never tried it myself. Is that the same stuff you're talking about?

 

Dunno what the "3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner" but the wheel I mentioned is actual "rubber" wheel that you chuck into your standard drill & use. (watch the youtube video yet?).

I used one on a 5 yr old black 1997 Tahoe (factory paint) when I pulled off the factory rub strips along the side. The paint was perfect afterwards, didn't harm the paint & there was zero evidence that they were ever there. I suppose if it has been like a red & had lots of sun exposure, then what was under the strips woulda been brighter red than the sun faded stuff around it, but that has nothing to do with the wheel itself.

 

You need "Pre Cleaner" (it's used to remove all types of residue before and after you paint). That's what we use at the body shop. Plus...if you go shooting WD-40 all over your hood...and need to repaint it down the road. Good luck. WD-40 causes fish eyes.

You can pick pre cleaner up at any body shop supply store.

 

Wouldn't you prep a part before you paint it? I haven't had fish eye's since the walleye's i caught last winter.

 

Any silicone product will cause fish-eyes, thats why we prep before paint and use only silicone free products in the detail area

 

Yes....you always prep before you paint. But shooting WD-40 all over a hood doesn't help reduce the risk of fisheye's...or silicone contamination. If an area get's contaminated with silicone....it's very very hard to get a descent paint job....doesn't really matter how good you even prep the panel. At that point...the area has been contaminated with silicone and it's "in the air". That's why alot of shop require "body shop safe" products in their shop.

 

Just mess'n with ya. I've only used wd-40 on small decal residue. Probably a good idea to use the right product for a bigger job.