Removing the sticky stuff (1 Viewer)

[Jim_Phillips]

This is not really a specific 80 related question but I used to own an 80 and this is the most active forum so I thought I might get an answer here..

I have wind deflectors fitted on the windows of my truck and I want to take them off because I don't like the look - and the car wash doesn't wash whe windows with them on..

They are glued on using a sort of sticky pad - same as all the badges on the rear of the truck. I can slice through the sticky pad easily to remove the deflectors but what is the easiest way to remove the sticky stuff that remains stuck to the paint work? Are there any chemicals that are strong enough to break down the rubber but not too strong to harm the paint?

I am sure someone will have the answer... please

Cheers, Jim

 

[elmariachi]

They are glued on using a sort of sticky pad - same as all the badges on the rear of the truck. I can slice through the sticky pad easily to remove the deflectors but what is the easiest way to remove the sticky stuff that remains stuck to the paint work? Are there any chemicals that are strong enough to break down the rubber but not too strong to harm the paint?

The OEM sticky is 3M VHB (very high bond.) What NASA has yet to figure out is if they were to use this stuff, nothing would ever fall off of the Space Shuttle. I have not been able to find anything to break it down and I have tried acetone, mineral spirits, various other solvents etc. The hotter it gets, the stickier it gets, so the blow dryer/heat gun is a waste of time. My experience, after peeling off numerous pieces of badging and wood grain is that your best bet is to roll it off at room temp with your dry fingers, because it likes to stick to itself. I did something different on the last badge I removed, which was the long "Land Cruiser" badge on the tailgate. I managed to get some fishing line betwen the VHB and the paint and once I got it separated from the truck, the whole thing came off slowly in one piece, for the first time ever. That will be my approach next time instead of separating the badge and then trying to remove the residual HVB.

 

[trainrech]

You might check for a citrus-based remover/cleaner - look in home cleaning section at wallyworld. I've successfully used it for tar.

 

[beaufort-fj60]

try a

3m stripe off wheel, part number: 051131-07498

i took off a 23 year old pin stripe with one this weekend.

 

[Jim_Phillips]

Elmariachi

Good tip. Your id on ht e tape led me to this on the 3M website:

Removal
The 3M™ VHB™ Tapes are intended for permanent applications. However, there are a variety of removal techniques that can be considered for breaking a bond and cleaning the adhesive residue from the substrate surfaces.


Because the 3M™ VHB™ Tapes stay soft and resilient the foam can be cut with a variety of tools, from a textured piano wire to a 3M SMART Tool. Because the 3M™ VHB™ Tapes are sticky all the way through use of a lubricant, such as soap, will make the job easier.
With small bonds the strength of the tape can be overpowered by prying or twisting. Removing at slower rates or at higher temperatures is generally easier.
The residue can be removed by abrasion such as with a 3M™ Stripe Off Wheel, can be softened with a variety of solvents, or can be baked off with high temperature.
For details, consult the 3M™ VHB™ Tapes Technical Bulletin "Disassembly of 3M™ VHB™ Tapes Bonded Materials and Removal of Residue Adhesive". For applications that require regular removal the 3M Dual Lock Reclosable Fasteners with 3M™ VHB™ Tapes adhesive should be considered.


Thanks all

 

[elmariachi]

I'd like to know what solvent they recommend because I threw everything but the sink at it. My 20 lb test fishing line success is a take off of their piano wire I guess. But the Stripe Off wheel makes the most sense and though I've never tried one, I'll be getting one soon. Thanks.

 

[beaufort-fj60]

I'd like to know what solvent they recommend because I threw everything but the sink at it. My 20 lb test fishing line success is a take off of their piano wire I guess. But the Stripe Off wheel makes the most sense and though I've never tried one, I'll be getting one soon. Thanks.

the wheel worked great

 

[Jim_Phillips]

The 3m site also suggest the stuff you can buy for removing tar and bugs. I will be trying that since the stripe wheel is not available in the UK. I'll also try the fishing line. thanks

 

[beaufort-fj60]

Jim,

I have no idea if this will work, but the wheel material is very similar to an ink drafters eraser (white opaque and hard). That is, the type used by drafters before the invention of CAD. I would think that any office supply store or drafters supply store would carry an eraser. Might be worth a try if all else fails.

 

[trojan_knight]

try a plastic razor blade.

most detail shops have them

 

[firetruck41]

I usually use lemon juice, citrus based cleaner or rainx to remove adhesives like that, they all work pretty well and haven't damaged any finished surfaces. Soak the adhesive for 30 sec.-1 min, then start removing, it will be messy and take a few applications.

 

[Jim_Phillips]

Jim,

I have no idea if this will work, but the wheel material is very similar to an ink drafters eraser (white opaque and hard). That is, the type used by drafters before the invention of CAD. I would think that any office supply store or drafters supply store would carry an eraser. Might be worth a try if all else fails.

My daughter has one in her crayoning set - I'll try that as well. Cheers

 

[AllenTenT]

I did exactly that removed them,, Im still trying to get the sticky stuff off its months now, that stuff is HARD CORE elmariachi comments are on the nose

 

[Trapper]

After removing the roof rack strips last year and the 40th Anniversary side molding and flares last week, I have spent a good deal of time cursing the sticky stuff. I have found through trial and error that a plastic bondo knife and a large can of 3M professional adhesive remover will do the trick. Once you pull the trim piece off, you can remove the large pieces of tape with your hand/bondo knife. Next use a rag to rub some adhesive remover onto the sticky residue. This breaks up the adhesive considerably and allows you to further rub/scrape it off with your fingernail, putty knife, etc. There is the theory that this stuff could soften the paint if it is not cured but I haven't run into any problems yet. I'll look when I get home for the 3M part #. It will still take some work removing it even with this stuff.

 

[beaufort-fj60]

My daughter has one in her crayoning set - I'll try that as well. Cheers

now you just have to move you hand back and forth 500 to 2000 times per minute , that is the recomended operating RPM for the 3m stripe remover