Pin Stripe And Molding Removal

[fuel67]

Hey guys, just did this over the weekend. This probably is directed more to the V-Max guys but good info for anyone trying to remove molding, emblems, pin stripes and such. This is my first "How To".

 

The fallowing is directions on the removal of pin stripes and door/emblem moldings. Tools and hints to make the job easy, and reassure those interested that you will have NO paint damage if you take your time. My V-Max came with a pin stripe and the gay door moldings! For me a MUST remove project.

 

Here are the tools i used to remove the stripes and molding and bring the paint under the tape and molding back. Finished mod left the truck looking as if there were never any moldings at all!

• Cordless or Corded drill
  
• 3M Pin Stripe Removing Wheel
  
• 3M Adhesive Remover
  
• Puddy Knife
  
• Soft Rag or Cloth
  
• Polishing and Rubbing Compound
  
  A couple pics of the truck with molding and pin stripes...
  
  

[fuel67]

After cleaning the are to be removed use the 3M adhesive remover to wipe down the pin stripe. Use the 3M pin stripe removing wheel to to Begin the process. A tip to an easy removal is to work the 3M wheel in a direction that goes against the rotation of the wheel. A slite up and down movement works well. This allows the wheel to roll / peal the stripe up and away from the paint. Let the tool do the work, no need to press down on the paint as the wheel does a great job! After removal there will be a ton of dust and such. Wipe clean with a soft towel and then wipe area with the 3M adhesive remover. The wheel will leave some residue that will be removed during this step. A little elbow grease works good here.

 

Now its time for the door molding. Take the puddy knife and gently work one corner of the molding up. Then wrap the knife in a soft cloth and apply 3M adhesive remover to cloth. Work the knife with cloth under the molding, apply stead constant pressure letting the knife do the work. Do not pull the molding away from body as this could remove paint. Only pull and hold molding as the knife separates molding from body.

[fuel67]

After molding is removed take the same steps to to remove double sided tape. The tape is thick and will take more time to remove. I would soak about 6 inches of remaining tape down with the 3M adhesive remover and use the wheel. Due to the tape being so thick in places the wheel will start to get hot. Keep a close eye on this as to dot burn the clear coat/paint.

 

Again wipe down after using the wheel with 3M adhesive remover to remover residue and glue left behind by the 3M wheel.

[fuel67]

After pin stripe is removed there will be a faint color difference where the strip was. Here is used the polishing compound to blind the paint and to remove and small amount of glue left from the strip. As for the molding, the double slided tape will leave behind more residue and glue that will not be removed by the 3M wheel or the adhesive remover. The rubbing compound work well here. With a little elbow grease and time all the remaining tape will come off, then use the polishing compound to address any swirls left by the rubbing compound. Thats it.

[QuixSilver]

Nice job man that looks sooo much better!! I hate pin stripes.. had a friend buy a black truck with some once years ago we removed 'em with that rubbing compound what a PITA that was. Takes alot of time & patience glad to see it turned out great.

[Les Hall]

Great right up Also fishing line works pretty good on the molding too, even better if ya have a buddy pull out slightly on the molding while ya work the fishing line up and down,,,

Edited April 4, 2010 by miSSouriSS (see edit history)

[Fireman31]

Nice write up. Also, a heat gun and wax/grease remover work well on the pinstripes...

[jc06VMAX]

solid write up i've been thinkin about taking the moldings off of my doors...might have to tackle this one now. looks so much cleaner.

[streatsboy]

That's exactly how the pro's do it! Good write up!