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View Full Version : How To: Removing decals/trim/adhesive


Springthing
04-30-2009, 06:03 PM
There have been a few posts about how to remove left-over glue from trim after debadging, how to remove the taped accessories, stripes, etc. Well, I replaced the wind visors this past week and thought I'd share a little.

Well, after removing (aka breaking off!!) the old wind visors I was left with what most will be faced with after removing trim, badge, decals, stripes...etc. Keep in mind that when it comes to decals and stripes you can just treat them as adhesive - no special step is necessary before hitting it with the tool below - unless you want to go through the trouble and peel bit by bit.

http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=797&pictureid=4683


There are several way to remove the left-over adhesive but the easier and, in my opinion, best way is to use a 3M stripe/decal/adhesive removal wheel (or equivalent). Essentially it's a cross between a very dense bar of soap and an eraser.


http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=797&pictureid=4684


It can be fastened to air tools or, as in this case, an electric drill.

Starting at one end, work your way down the stripe/tape/glue at a slow, methodical pace, holding the wheel as perpendicular as possible to your work surface. I hold the wheel at a slight bias and move the wheel up and down a little as I go along. I feel I miss less that way.


http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=797&pictureid=4685


Set your tool's speed at the recommended speed for the wheel you buy. Too slow and you'll be there forever, too fast and you'll create too much heat and even risk busting the wheel apart.

The removal wheel does kick up some junk so make sure to be safe (glasses or goggles...do as I say, not as I do. :) ).

Springthing
04-30-2009, 06:03 PM
http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=797&pictureid=4686


Once you have gone from one end to the other clean off the surface you worked on and then go back to hit the places you may have missed.

Clean, wash & wax the area and you should be good to go!

cascott325
04-30-2009, 09:13 PM
very good. simple. i need to take my badges off soon

TRPLXL2
04-30-2009, 10:12 PM
I love to see new and unique tools every now and then, and I must say that I have never seen that 3m wheel before. I like that idea much better than using lots of elbow grease, cool write up for sure! :great: