THSCC Forums

On a 8 yr old car, what are the chances that a pinstripe can be removed with decent results?

Should I try this myself or pay someone to do it? Considering that it's 8 yrs old, the paint seems to be in pretty good condition.

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In need of car.

I had a pinstripe professionally removed on a 94 Prelude in 98. Left a raised line you could see from a few feet away. I didn't care, though, because the car was kindof scratched &/or faded in a few places.

He agreed to do it for $30, I think, and he would've ended up getting the shaft - took about an hour & 45 min of HARD labor (I added a little extrey).

I would imagine at 8 years it would be quite tough, but I guess you can always try. I've heard to use a hairdryer on the pinstripe/badge/adhesive first to heat it up. After the adhesive becomes soft it should peel off? (The pinstripe peeled right off on my fiance's new car, but it was brand new). Next, use something like "goof off" to remove the excess adhesive. Finally, apply a coat of wax to the area.
just my 2 cents...

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2001 Honda S2000 - SOLD
2012 Boss 302
2003 BMW 330i

Well, if you're planning to do it yourself... the pro used a liquid spray cleaner and some sort of silly putty-looking wad of stuff to remove the pinstripe/ adhesive. Then he waxed the area that had been sprayed.

(I stood around and talked/ watched him work, since it was right around closing time)

sounds like he used a clay bar or something similar. car wash soap and water is used to lubricate when using a clay bar which might have been what was in the bottle.

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'88 bmw 535is
'98 honda civic ex

Jason,

I believe that 3M or someone else has a "wheel" type abrasive specifically designed for removing pinstripe tape. Try a professional auto paint supply store or maybe even Pep Boys, Napa, etc. Note that the paint underneath will be a different color since it will not have faded.

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Dick Rasmussen

FS 50 2018 Mustang GT

Yes Dick is right except there is no abrasive in the rubber wheel, it's just a tough sticky rubber that pulls the tape off like an eraser without damaging the paint. There is a hand version too which may be what the other guy used. The professional bodyshop adhesive and bumper sticker remover liquid may remove the pinstripe if you can work in a cool shaded location so it doesn't evaporate too quickly. Claybar would not take off a pinstripe, but may be useful for removing any wax ridge along the edge of the tape. Amount of fade show will depend a lot on the original color. Might try something like 3-M Hand Glaze to blend it in.
Check here: http://www.eastwoodco.com/itemdy01.asp? ... ey1=PinCus for the wheel or at an auto body supply place.

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