Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: FirstTimer on April 06, 2011, 04:46:51 PM

Title: Decal Removal
Post by: FirstTimer on April 06, 2011, 04:46:51 PM
Anyone have any tips or advice on how to remove stock decals?

Thanks
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: Jeepless on April 06, 2011, 04:58:33 PM
Use a heat gun and your fingers. NOT a razor blade. I've taken off hundres of decals and pinstriping. If there is glue left on the vehice when done just use a decal remover(3m) if you have it or a little thinner on a rag to wipe off the glue. Wash the area with water when done.
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: TL-Iguana on April 06, 2011, 06:07:57 PM
Bacon grease may work as an easing agent.

Just heat them up slowly, not too much heat in any one spot or you can cause your paint to bubble. Just do it slowly, and peel them off carefully. Dental floss works too to remove moulding thats 2 sided taped on.
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: vantagetes on April 06, 2011, 06:24:09 PM
Kyle I like your decals, makes it something besides just another black TJ.
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: w squared on April 06, 2011, 07:05:52 PM
A platic putty knife from Cambodian Tire, a hair dryer, and a bottle of goo-gone. Make sure the area is clean before, and wash it with soap and water afterwards.
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: specialk on April 06, 2011, 08:12:40 PM
sand blaster or disc grinder
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: silverfox on April 06, 2011, 08:52:04 PM
http://www.mytoolstore.com/astro/astmat06.html

Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: TL-Iguana on April 06, 2011, 11:24:13 PM
sand blaster or disc grinder

Best solution to also remove alberta pinstriping, road paint splatter, and all other stickers but pink. Pink stickers require much much more to remove. You are not ready young padawan.
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: .:.Dingman.:. on April 06, 2011, 11:27:49 PM
how I used to do it is:

1. peel off most of the decal using a heat gun don't get it too hot!!!
2. use paint stripper or goo-gone
3. wet sand it but don't go too far
4. buff it
5. enjoy it.


Dingman
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: WhiteOut on April 06, 2011, 11:28:17 PM
Heat and goo gone for the residue.

Or just wait for a freezing cold day and use an ice scrapper. >:(
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: yyc_tbird_sc on April 07, 2011, 01:02:42 AM
screw the heat gun, scraping, and peeling. Go over to C-Max (right next to the NAPA in the NE near the Hooters), get a rubber eraser wheel for use with a drill. Use it exaclty as it sounds. Works exactly like an eraser. Use a little brake clean or other solvent to clean up any left over glue residue. I used these things years ago when I worked in a body shop, and have sworn by them since. I've even used them to strip entire decal packages off of fleet emergency vehicles.

Wear safety glasses. It works like an eraser does with a pencil and you get little flakes of rubber all over. If you have alot of decal to remove, I'd suggest "garage clothing". Also, when they wear down to the line, don't think you can keep using them past that point as you'll quickly find the plastic/metal plate in the middle for support.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VYAagtH-L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: Knox on April 07, 2011, 07:45:50 AM
in the past I just picked a warm day in the summer, all the decals I wanted to remove peeled off fairly easily with some pressure from a fingernail. Got more to do this summer though. Too cheap for a heat gun :P
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: LLYJ on April 07, 2011, 11:54:29 AM
Buy and use an eraser wheel - I had a ton of decals all over my jeep and scraping and goop remover worked on some but removing desert baked ones resulted in damage to my paint underneath (just took the shine off but still looked crappy)- the eraser wheel takes the decal and the glue off very well with zero damage.  I've taken about 10-15 decals and still have half of the eraser wheel left - they are well worth the invesment - just watch the heat, if it gets too hot it just pushes melted glue around instead of taking it off.

I found mine at Napa for about $28 - seemed expensive so I waited and sure enough I found one in the Golden Napa on sale for half price - after using it I would pay 28 bucks for another one if I needed it.
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: FirstTimer on April 07, 2011, 02:58:33 PM
Thanks for all the advice! 

And don't worry Jason, I am only removing a few of the APEX decals to free up some space for some better ones!  The hood decal and pin stripping is staying!
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: JackstandJohnny on April 07, 2011, 04:08:36 PM
correct me if i'm wrong but don't those stickers add, like, 5 hp? seems stupid to give up hp!

are the ones you adding give you an additional 1ohp?
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: FirstTimer on April 07, 2011, 04:36:09 PM
correct me if i'm wrong but don't those stickers add, like, 5 hp? seems stupid to give up hp!

are the ones you adding give you an additional 1ohp?

Isn't that why Mustangs, Shelby Cobras and the like have those two strip decals down the middle for??
Title: Re: Decal Removal
Post by: TL-Iguana on April 07, 2011, 08:34:58 PM
Those decals are to line your car up to the center of the lane. Look between them for the straight line. The decals Johnny is talking about are the ones that add horsepower, such as anything that says Banks Power, or Garrett. Those decals can be found on ebay, and are guaranteed to improve horsepower. Make sure you buy 2 though, as they only work for the side of the jeep that you stick them on. It needs to remain balanced for better mileage.