Removing old stripes

[jserr052]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to remove stripes on a 2006 mustang that I bought 3 years ago. The stripes have been on for probably 12 years and I cant get them off.

Disclaimer- the pic is on a spoiler I plan on replacing anyway and am using as a test spot.

Can anyone help tell me what's going on in the pic below? I chipped away some of the stripe to reveal a matte white residue. Adhesive remover and wd40 wouldn't touch the matte white stuff, but the red paint is underneath it seems.

I used a heat gun to get the top vinyl part pliable enough to chip off.

Any help is welcome!

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[01GreyStangGT]

It's probably factory. Lots of those had factory stripes.

[jserr052]

It's probably factory. Lots of those had factory stripes.

Normally I'd agree, but these are not the normal fat stripes from the factory and I was able to connect with the orginal owner at one point who said he had them put on.

They're also crooked which is why I want to remove them lol

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[rlmccarty2000]

That’s strange. You pulled off part of the white stripe but there was white under it? Unless you are prepared for a repaint I would leave it alone. Even if you do get the stripes off be prepared for “ghosting” where the stripes were removed.

If you do decide to attack it, try to remove part of the stripe in an inconspicuous area just to see what it will look like. I would use a heat gun (on low) and a plastic razor blade. I’m guessing this will be a tedious job with the stripe coming off in bits due to its age. Post a few pictures for us as you go along, please.

[Trip]

I had a buddy that wanted his ghost stripes taken off the back end of his truck box. It was a 2006 Dodge Ram. I used my wife’s clothes steamer to heat the decal and take it off. The residue was actually minimal and no paint damage. I used the same machine to take window tint off my house windows. Much safer than a heat gun

[Coatingsarecrack]

Agreed on the steamer unless your real good with the heat gun. 12 years old your definetly going to have “ghost stripes”. Even with the best protection, uncovered paint will oxidize where as that paint under those stripes have not seen sun in years.

Definetly not factory stripes. If you do remove, recommend restriping.

Good luck


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[jserr052]

Thanks for the input so far. I'm willing to try a steamer just to see if that white coating underneath will even come off.
I expected ghosting as well and was curious if enough compounding and polishing would help even it out?

Man... I'm bummed these are so cemented on the car, it's not worth enough to look at repainting.

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[Klasse Act]

Normally I'd agree, but these are not the normal fat stripes from the factory and I was able to connect with the orginal owner at one point who said he had them put on.

They're also crooked which is why I want to remove them lol

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My GOD are those aweful

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[Desertnate]

Polishing might help the ghosting, but I don't think they will ever go away. I removed some thin pinstripes along the sides of my daughters car a couple years ago after we bought it and the ghosting is noticable. Considering they had been on the car 7~8 years I wasn't too surprised. I was just happy they were in an area which isn't as noticable.

[RaptorGT]

As mentioned those are not factory. I took off an aftermarket strip off my 03 mustang when I got it 3 years ago. It pulled the paint off. Vinyl is terrible for a car, if doesn't leave ghosting it pulls off paint. I had to repaint my 03 mustang. Cost me about 4k for a repaint at a local body shop that did it when they where slow.

Unfortunately your options are limited. Have to live with them or get ready for a repaint. Even wet sanding will just dull ghosting and not take them out if your lucky no paint comes off.

Sorry there isn't an easy answer on this one.