Need some Solvent or Some Kind of Idea!

[rmoore]

The previous owner put some chrome strips on that cover my rocker panels... don't know if it was because they looked bitchin or to cover up rust, maybe a bit of both? At any rate, I want them off, and for the life of me can't remove them... I have no idea what he glued them on with, but I'm wondering if any of you guys know of any kind of solvent or whatever that I might be able to squeeze in behind them and dissolve whatever kind of glue he used. Any thoughts would be much appreciated! Sorry for the stupid question. Thanks!

 

[tshep911]

No question is stupid, the answers, that's another story. Have you tried heating the area with a blow dryer? That may loosen the adheasive enough to pull off the strips.

 

[rmoore]

No question is stupid, the answers, that's another story. Have you tried heating the area with a blow dryer? That may loosen the adheasive enough to pull off the strips.

No I haven't, and that's a pretty good idea!!! Will try it... thanks!!!!

 

[blubuckaroo]

I've removes factory installed emblems by heating it with a heat gun and cutting through the adhesive by pulling a heavy monofiliment fishing line under it.

 

[Explorer]

If you are sure they are just glued on, dental floss works well. Being waxed it slides easier, just take a piece about 16" long, slide the middle under edge and use a sawing motion and should come right off.

 

[22213evl]

if your not worried about the paint a can of carb cleaner might help along with the heat and line, remeber your fire safty rules LOL

 

[Chief Master Sergeant]

If it were me, I would heat it with a propane torch and then try to peel it off first. If that didn't work I would try something like "Oops." It removed about anything. I've only seen it in small cans though. Perhaps paint thinner would work as well, but it's also going to affect the paint. Good luck. I'll be following this to see what works.

 

[Pedestrian]

Heat should do the trick

 

[allenfahey]

To remove emblems at work I use prep solvent and a emblem scraper ( a putty knife will work). I've also had to use a heat gun, prep solvent, and the scraper. You might find a hair drier doesn't get hot enough.

Once the chrome strip is off you will still need to remove the left over glue. The safest for the paint and easiest way is to use a die grinder or drill and an eraser wheel. http://www.autotoolexpress.com/sgt17900.html You can also use adhesive remover and a rag and let it soak to loosen the glue.
If your not worried about the paint then do like some of the bodymen I know and use 80 grit

 

[72-Madisyn]

all the others have said....heat heat heat. hair dryer wont really get hot enough but a heat gun will. Putty knife works great but you have to be sure not to dig corners into the paint. As for the left over 2 sided tape or whatever he used to stick an eraser wheel would be ideal but either Speedy 500 or Sem solve are both good at getting stuff off while not hurting the paint under it. Little time consuming but work well.

 

[rmoore]

Great ideas guys, I really appreciate it!!!! OK, gonna try a heat gun first, see if that loosens them enough where they can just be pealed off, may also work in a combination of some dental floss/fishing line if need be.... If that doesn't work, on to more potent options! I'll let you know! Thanks again, knew you guys would have great ideas...

 

[rmoore]

Propane torch! A little heat and they came right off... Now to clean up all the residue! Thanks again guys!

And much to my surprise, very little rust, really only one spot... guess the previous owner just needed a little bling!

 

[wildbill]

When you have them off I find GOO BE GONE works very well on the glue good luck and have fun.%) %) %) Bill %) ;D

 

[rmoore]

When you have them off I find GOO BE GONE works very well on the glue good luck and have fun.%) %) %) Bill %) ;D

cool... thanks!!!

 

[Broncobowsher]

3M makes stuff called "adheasive remover" that works real good and is the most aggressive stuff I found to removing tape residue while still being as gentle as possible to the paint. Most of the damage I have done was from the cloth that I was using with the adheasive remover.