Removing lettering on a truck

[Roger J.]

Hey gang,, I'm working on removing some lettering from one of our work trucks, and it's going pretty slow. We're selling the truck, so I'm trying to do it without messing up the paint.
Would the pin-stripe eraser tools work for this?.
It's on the side of the box, so the lettering is quite large. So far, I've been using a heat gun and a razor blade. Sure woulda been nice if the boss woulda told me he wanted this done before the temps dipped into the teens.:eek:

Len,, are you still selling the pin-stripping eraser tools?. Can't seem to hunt them down in the store.

[Len]

Hi Roger
In most cases we use a hot air gun to warm the metal and graphic then we peel off the graphic.

http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/TN-MST-HG501A.jpg

However this heating method can create a couple of unwanted results...

1. Depending on the graphic characteristics the heat can cause the adhesive to stay on the surface which can result in a lot more work to remove.

2. The heat can cause a thin vinyl to soften and constantly break as you try to pull it off.

But in most cases this heating process will work.

We also use a 3M graphic remover that attaches to our buffer and works well to remove the vinyl and adhesive without damaging the paint.

http://www.autobodystore.com/images/post/3Meraser.jpg
The smaller eraser wheels are good for removing smaller graphics and stripes. and can be used in a standard variable speed drill. These small wheels cost about $8 each.

http://weisstool.com/store/products/TN-AP-401E.jpg
To order any of these items you would need to call 1-888-485-5008.

[Roger J.]

Thanks Len.. I'm having the exact problems that you mentioned with using the heat gun. How much is the 3m graphic remover that you're using on the makita?. The boss just moved, and changed our business number, so it may be worth getting one so I can save him some money when he changes the number on the other trucks.

[grumpy]

We got a tool made for that at the shop I think Wrist supplied it to us , It uses the eraser principle but is large and quite a bit faster
Grumpy

[grumpy]

It was suplied to us by Wurzt. Maybe you could located one
Grumpy

[grumpy]

I meant to say that It was supplied to us by Wurtz. Maybe you could located one
Grumpy

[Phil V]

Several companies sell an aerosol spray can remover for the vinyl graphics etc
I know 3-M makes a rattle can and I think SEM also etc.

[Len]

The one in the picture (that I use) is the 8" disc that would cost you $69.

They also make a 6" for $22 and a 4" for $16.

The 8" disk takes a $10 adapter to mate it with the 5/8"X11 shaft.

This tool is used with any type of finish except lacquer. If the vehicle has enamel or urethane you're ok.

[Roger J.]

Thanks Len (and others)... I'll see if I can find the spray stuff that Phil mentioned, and then get back to ya.

[replanet]

We just did several trucks at work and tryed all methods. The Spray remover didn't really work, and was too expensive to use in a ups style van truck. The wheel eraser was great, but make sure to get the 3m brand a world of difference versus the cheaper ones. It took one 6" for each truck about 25 at a paint store or 32 at napa if no paint store near you. The heat gun method was good also once you got the hang of just how much heat to apply enough to let the glue realese the vinyl but not too much to burn the vinyl so that it wont break as you pull it. With the heat gun the glue residue is normally left behind though.

As I said this has been my experience with decal on work vans.