I'm gonna replace the IROC-Z door decals and IROC stripes pretty soon. What's the best way to take them off? Any special solvent to use that'll do the trick?

 

take it to the body shop and have them do it. i just had all the decals taken off my 85 trans am and they said it isnt too hard to take the decal off but the glue is the really hard part. it took them three hours to do all the decals.

 

im in school for autobody, we use this thing my teacher calls an "eraser". basically its a big pencil eraser wheel, with a shaft that goes into a drill, you use it the same way u would use a grinding wheel, right over the decal, it takes decal and glue off not even harming the clearcoat

 

The "eraser" is the best way to remove decals. You can pick one up at your local paint & body supply store. Ask for a pinstripe eraser wheel. If that is not an option use a heat gun (prefered) or a hair dryer to heat the decal. Do not over heat it, just get it hot enough so the adhesive will become soft underneath. Peel an edge with your finger nail or a razor blade (careful with the blade not to scratch the paint) and continue to peel off. I use laquer thinner (can get at Home Depot) to remove the adheisive because it works fast but it can soften the paint. If you are worried about that then use mineral spirits (Home Depot) and start rubbing. Take your time because you can't rush this job. In a few hours you will be done and ready to apply the new ones.

 

ouch...laquer thinner, my freind splash a bunch of it in his face today in school cause the paint gun cleaner was all gone and he dropped the gun while cleaning it, laquer thinner is old school, and very strong, his eyes were oozing this stuff that looked like snot for a couple hours after and was in extreme pain, id advise against using it near paint, your eyes or anything u dont have to.

 

I can have both decals removed and all the adhesive removed in 30 minutes. I work for a Sign shop and do this ALL the time.

1. Go to a Vinyl sign shop and ask for a "LiL' Chisler". It's a plastic knife/tool designed to peel graphics but not hurt paint. Cost is less than a buck. Then ask for a adhesive remover called "right off". I'm sure there are other names for this chemical, but this adhesive remover puts all the other "big name" cleaners to shame. They might refer you to a sign supply shop. My shop doesn't sell supplies, but you get the idea.

2. Use a heat gun and the chisler to peel the actual decal, and then use the "right off" to remove the adhesive residue. You may have to go over the adhesive with the "right off" a few times.

3. Clean with soap and water when you're done.

The Eraser works fine for removing graphics like an M-60 works for shootin' soda cans off the curb. WAY TOO MUCH...but it does get the job done. The hair dryer works too. Just like a spoon works for digging post holes.......well, you get the idea.

Here's some links:

http://www.beacongraphics.com/lil-chizler.html

http://www.beacongraphics.com/adhesive-remover.html

that link to the remover is the same chemical as the "right off", but just under a different name. We've used that brand too.

 

Can any of these methods hurt the paint at all if the decals are original?? I'm afraid if I attempt to do this I'd see a visible outline of the decals on the doors or the back bumper.

 

Well, I've learned that NOTHING is forever, and NEVER say never, but most of these methods should be fine.

I've seen problems with people using the eraser, but didn't have any problems the one time I tried it. I didn't like it though. A lot of people say it's no biggie, so.....who knows.

 

I should just wait until I have it painted (whenever that may be). Since I know nothing about body work I'll probably end up messing things up.

 

use a heat gun it doesnt mess the paint it took me a half hour to do the whole car

 

Cool, thanx.

 

I just used a flat head screwdriver.

 

...and a hammer?? didnt that scratch the paint?

 

HAH!

You're killin' me!

 

Screwdrivah!!!

Hammah!!!

:sillylol:

 

Better yet, lets just break out the air chisel. That should do the trick!

 

buy N.O.S. parts to replace any panel thats got a sticker...that's twice as good an an air chisel, or even better, get NOS stickers and plaster them everywhere

 

I heard WD40 will work What i've been told is to heat the sticker, peel an edge and spray WD40 under the edge and let it seep in. After soaking for a hour or so it will peel right off.

I have never tried this, so don't take my word for it, but I have heard from a few different people that it works.

 

id get them off the same way i got off all my other eyesores...........powersanding time!!!

 

an angle grinder should do the trick.

but i have heard about the heat gun and the 'eraser' method, both work real well.

 

Yes...I know this may seem wierd...because it sure did to me....but I was told by this guy that Vinegar is the best for this. I used to work at a grocery store(waldbaums)..and all the customers liked to talk to me for some reason..and well this guy was tellin me that he uses vinegar for a lot of things. He said it worked great for removing stickers from windows and paint. I never tried it personally, since I didnt have any stickers to remove from my car(you know I like keepin them babies on since the added hp and torque they give me). It cant hurt to try...let me know if you try it.

James