Painted fiberglass question

[MPHSystems]

I have a 89 C4 Vette and I’m freshinging it up here and there. Paint is in very good shape especially considering its age. I recently acquired a set of front and back NOS emblems. I’ve watched some your tube vids n stuff and it seems after 35-40 years the adhesive becomes stubborn. Even the “dental floss trick” seems to usually end up with a bunch of broken dental floss jammed under the emblem. I was thinking of using a heat gun and pyrometer to soften the adhesive. Good idea? What temp is safe to stay under?

 

[Croz]

Blow dryer would be less aggressive if heat is the concern

 

[Gelcoater]

Outside of my knowledge

Maybe hit a couple of the corvette forums? I’m sure your not the first guy wanting to do this.

 

[MPHSystems]

Outside of my knowledge

Maybe hit a couple of the corvette forums? I’m sure your not the first guy wanting to do this.

I have and most of them are pretty well confounded on how to remove them without damaging the clear coat.


I can’t imagine the car isn’t subject to 150 degrees on a hot desert day in the sun.

 

[eand28]

Not quite as old as your vette but I used the heat gun and fishing line trick on my truck to remove the door moldings, badges, and 4x4 stickers. I’ve found the older adhesive is easier to remove than the newer stuff and an eraser wheel makes quick work of any left overs.

 

[outboard_256]

Heat gun and fishing line is what I always used. Gets the emblem off easy but you have to deal with the glue left over.

 

[4Waters]

Hair dryer and monofilament fishing line

 

[Bails]

wax wheel for the left over adhesive

 

[MPHSystems]

wax wheel for the left over adhesive

What about goo gone? Or is that hard on the paint?

 

[endobear]

I believe Goo Gone is Xylene based. I'd think that would be a little aggressive.
I've had good luck with isopropyl alcohol for adhesive and sap removal.

 

[Riverbottom]

I would start with the alcohol and a plastic razor blade. Take your time and be patient.

 

[MPHSystems]

I know that when it’s gooey, WD40 does wonders on breaking adhesives down. Or at least keeps it from sticking again once you got it off.

 

[MPHSystems]

Here we go!

 

[MPHSystems]

Done! Looks great. The goo was a PITA. Heat worked better than any chemicals I tried

 

[MPHSystems]

The car is a long way from perfect, I doubt it ever will be again but replacing these was a step in that direction.