Graphics

[ksrunner]

This question could probably have gone in general topics, but here it is anyway: What is the best technique for removing the factory graphics from your truck? I'd like to go ahead and remove them, but I have some concerns about technique and the aftermath. Given the age ('91) of my vehicle, will the paint under the stickers be a different color due to exposure...or lack thereof? I was thinking something along the lines of acetone or similar, MEK, etc. Shouldn't hurt the paint...not that I'm worried about that, but should be poison to adhesive. It's just that I feel differently about damage inflicted on the trail than that from my own stupidity or someone else's for that matter. I'm sure whatever wax is left would be stripped off by solvents too. I'm sure there are legions of graphics lovers since Toyota kept slapping them on trucks for so long....still do I guess. Anyway, they're not my thing. I guess I could take the razor blade to them and then drive it back and forth through the woods a few times to 'match' the new scratches on the 'preserved' paint. Thanks for the advice.

[DeadlyPeace]

I'm not sure what would be the best thing to use. I have done the razor blade, but you just got to be careful of the paint unless you plan to repaint.

Anyhow, my brother-in-law own a body shop. I'll see if I can get ahold of him tonight and see what he says.

[Daniel]

I do work like this pretty often.
the easiest way is to go to a hard ware store/paint supply store and pick up a soft rubber wheel attachment for a rotary drill and use it at lower r.p.m.
if you can`t find one use a hair dryer to warm the surface(not super hot ) with a new exacto knife gently pul up and edge pull a bit then warmtakes a bit to get uthe hang of it but it works real well.
good luck
Daniel

[4x4banger]

I've always used a hair dryer or heat gun. It takes a little bit of patience but it works really well and won't damage the paint. Then get some adhesive remover for anything left behind.

[4xfred]

;D The heat gun trick works well. I know Snap-on makes a kit for this very thing. You can also check out this link. Hope it helps! Later...

www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Stripes.shtml

[ksrunner]

Thanks for the info, has anyone who has done this seen any color difference between the exposed and newly exposed paint? On the link that was given, the guy said his white paint wasn't any different, but my truck is dark green....has anyone done this with a darker truck? or know someone who has? I'm not really that vain, if it is going to look worse, I can live with the graphics. Thanks again.

[Mike Kelly]

Mine looked a lot worse.

I did this on my BLACK '88 truck. No hair dryer, no heat. I just pealed the sucker off. It sucked. Under the decal the paint was darker. HOWEVER, it would appear that the truck had been repainted because when i removed the decal, it left a ridge where it looks like there is another layer of paint.

Does that make sense? I buffed and buffed and buffed, but couldn't get it to blend. Then I said screw it and decided i didn't care anymore. From that day forward, i was a lot more care free with regard to scratches from trees, rocks, or whatever.

It may be different on your ride, but if I were doing it all over again, and really cared how my ride looked, i would keep the decals, or take it to someone who could blend the paint for me - or just get a $89 paint job at Maaco.

[DeadlyPeace]

Well I stopped at my brother-in-law's body shop this morning and said that they use a heat gun for it. And as far as color difference, it depends on how much care was put into it. Waxed monthly, parked in a garage or out of the sun, etc, etc. The less the care the more the change in color.

[ksrunner]

Hmm, I'll have to think about it. I'm confident that it's not a repaint, and the paint looks good. The sticker is along a body line and if the paint were a little darker, it may just look like a shadow. I dunno, I guess I'll live with them for the time being. I'll see if my girlfriend likes them...if she does, then they can stay on the condition that the running boards come off! I'm gonna be really good at compromising. ;D

[DeadlyPeace]

Was looking through some of the archives and came across this. Thought it might help.

Diggertoy
Decal removal Posted 5-14-2003 04:35

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I'm a Professional Detailer and have owned my own business for 10 years and also own a yota 4 x 4

Either you can use a heat gun........and carefully heat the decal and peel it off or I usually use Laquer thinner and rub it slowly over the decal......if you can hold the rag on the decal for a while ( longer the better )....it'll come off easier, you may have to start and edge with a razor blade, but be careful not to cut the paint.....follow with some polish to blend the finish back to a shine. Get everyday Laquer thinner for $ 4.00 from anywhere ( home depot, lowes, etc. )





madscientist
erase your decals Posted 6-19-2003 19:54

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you can go to any auto paint supply store, probably even Napa or other parts stores, and get an erasor for decals. Looks like the same stuff that is on a standard pencil, but its a big wheel that mounts in a die grinder or drill. It will literally erase the decal without ever harming the paint! then just buff and wax like normal