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Topic: Removing old factory stick-on graphics (Read 1324 times) previous topic - next topic

Removing old factory stick-on graphics

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

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #1 –
At Xtreme P&G they use a Jiffy Steamer to soften the decal and glue.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #2 –
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.
Steve & Ginny Hill
96 U295 36'/Wrangler
Tampa

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #3 –
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?

Gayle McNeece

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #4 –
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.

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #5 –
Quote from: speedrace54 –
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

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
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #6 –
I used a heat gun and a scraper and took my time. Worked well for me.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #7 –
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.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #8 –
A wallpaper steamer works very well. 

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #9 –
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.
Chad & Judy
'98 U320 - Build #5315
Motorcade 16317
Wickenburg, AZ

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #10 –
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.
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #11 –
We removed our stripes in the same weather condition as Carol & Jeff Sevournin, no Sweet. We, then had them painted

Niagarachip.
niagarachip 
1997 U320  40'

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #12 –
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.
Jerry Elkins
2004 Holiday Rambler Scepter
2018 Mini Cooper Clubman
Border Collies Isabelle & Baxter
Kerrville Tx.  78028

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #13 –
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?
Jim Monk
1997 U270
East Texas

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #14 –
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>
Coleen Elkins
Former 95 U240
One retired husband &
two Border Collies Isabelle and Katlyn
 

Re: Removing old factory stick-on graphics

Reply #15 –
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.
Jerry Elkins
2004 Holiday Rambler Scepter
2018 Mini Cooper Clubman
Border Collies Isabelle & Baxter
Kerrville Tx.  78028