Any of you out there have experience with how much of a pita it is to remove the old peeling graphics?
I'm anticipating buying a '89 40' U300, and of course the originals are peeling badly in many areas.
On cars, I have used a special tool on a buffer that looks like a conical shaped/rounded-top -- eraser.
This works great on painted surfaces, but I never tried it on a fiberglass vehicle. I was thinking that if one was careful and VERY patient it might work -- despite the fact that you have over 100 feet to remove.
Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions,
Michael
At Xtreme P&G they use a Jiffy Steamer to soften the decal and glue.
I used a heat gun to remove the "wood" decals on the side of a Jeep Grand Wagoneer, but that was steel, and I had to get it pretty hot. Have to be careful with fiberglas and gelcoat.
You should do a search on Decal Removal. A lot of people have posted on this topic. Here's a link to my post on the subject:
Decal Removal Methods? (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=9084.msg40164#msg40164)
Thanks for the comments. I think the decal remover tool I mentioned is worth a shot. I wonder if progressively wiping the graphics down with the 3M Adhesive remover directly ahead of your work area (the pure liquid in the red/white tin can -- not the spray on stuff) might make it go easier. That product can be bought at a Auto Body Repair supply store, by the way.
I watched Carrol Nelson remove all the decals on his coach in the Factory parking lot in Nac. using an iron in a few hours. Taking long strips off from front to back. I dont think there is an easier method.
Decal Removing (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/decal_removing.htm)
I used a heat gun and a scraper and took my time. Worked well for me.
I used a 1500 watt hair dryer and did it in the summer. It wasn't too hard but I only did the front Grand Villa decals. I tried a heat gun but it was too hot and I had to be too careful not to scorch the gel coat.
A wallpaper steamer works very well.
Chuck
My wife and I removed most of the faded and cracking decals on our '98 using a Wagner steamer; has a long hose and comes with an square/flat attachment that is about 6" by 8". One person heats the other strips. Worked very well.
We removed the clear 3M "bra" from the front of this '02 in the parking lot in Nac in late June. It was so flipping hot that we did not need a steamer, heat gun, iron or any other device. As long as we could bear to stand on the pavement, it would strip off with just our poor, tired fingers. Ambient temps and full sun did the trick.
We removed our stripes in the same weather condition as Carol & Jeff Sevournin, no Sweet. We, then had them painted
Niagarachip.
I removed mine on a 95 GV this morning using a heat gun I had for model airplanes. And a razor blade scraper. Slow process with the thin decals. But it's done. I'm sure a steamer would work too. Just takes time.
Just wondering what your plans are after removing the decals? New ones, or maybe paint something on in their place or just leaving it bare?
As Jerry said we used a heat gun and we are now on phase two which is wet sanding the the glue that was left behind. It is amazing how one thing always leads to another. <g>
There is a graphics company in Mesa that will make you anything you want. Exact to factory specs. Or your design. They are doing ours. They say plan three weeks to get the set made. Computer first. You can change them as they go. Delete that. Make that one wider. ETC. Guaranteed for ten years outside. He also said keep them waxed. Owner said we should get longer if we change directions parked. Inside or under cover? Who knows. I will post pictures when "Casper" is finished. For now he is snow white.