Factory pin stripe removal

So I’ve been thinking about removing the pinstripes on my truck for a while now and haven’t seen many people do it. I’m referring to the silver and gray lines and not all the scratches lol.

I’ve searched for this but haven’t found much information on the 3rd gen tacomas so if there’s a thread that covers what I’m trying to do please send me in the right direction.

- Are they vinyl or painted on?

- if painted is it below or above the clear coat?

What chemicals would you recommend for removing painted stripes?

- what product would you recommend for following up after using those chemicals to strip the paint? (Waxes)?

Anyone have any tips or before and after pictures I’d sure appreciate it.

 

I assume it's a vinyl decal and not paint. You could park in the sun or heat it up with a hairdryer and slowly pick a corner and pull it off. And use some stoner tarminator after to remove any residue that remains. After you want to make sure to clean the whole truck, maybe use a clay bar or mitt and if you wanna polish the truck go ahead, if not then just apply your favorite sealant or wax. I have used a 3M eraser wheel for some decals and stubborn residue and they work really well, even the knockoff brands on Amazon just go slow and be aware of how it's coming off and that you're not adding any scratches. Once you use the wheel, follow the same steps above once the decal is removed.
If its is paint. I don't think a chemical will remove it and it will likely need to be wet sanded off. Not something most people feel comfortable doing.

 

On my 2nd gen it was the first thing I did. It was in the summer and I have a black truck. They came right off some wd-40 and not a trace

 

I removed the pinstripes on my truck. I used a haidryer and my fingernail to get it started. They came off pretty easily. Then I cleaned up the residue with Goo Gone, then washed it.
This is what they looked like before.

 

So it’s confirmed they are vinyl?

 

It's confirmed that mine were vinyl. I would assume yours are the same. You should be able to pick at it with a fingernail and tell.

 

Thank you Bob. I appreciate the help. I’ll give an update in the AM

 

Not a problem.

 

Oh, btw, if you get bored, the b pillar vinyl comes off pretty easily also. I mean, while you're at it.

 

That’s been gone man ^

 

I removed the b pillar vinyl on my taco but on my tundra I put gloss black vinyl over the OEM satin finish stuff to match my tinted windows and I like the look. The tundras window seal extends through the B pillars so removing it leaves a weird black stripe.

 

I see what you’re sayin. At the bottom of the b pillars. That makes sense

 

Yeah I have seen a few tundra with the black removed and that little strip ends up looking weird on anything other than a black truck

 

Hmmm, I didn't know there was a "factory" pin stripe option. I thought all those were applied at the dealership by subcontractors.

 

You may be right. I just worded it that way because searching “pin stripe removal” only gives scratch removal solutions. From what I’ve seen.

 

Are they gone?

 

No they definitely appear to be painted on. This is how mine looks. I notice now yours are different with the TRD on the door.

 

I just peeled mine off with my fingernails. This Southeast weather makes removing them super easy, especially when they haven't been installed for very long.

 

It’s pretty hot outside and they are not peeling up at all. I tried all the way around the truck with no luck.
I see you’re in a 17’ and Bobs truck is an 18’ maybe mines too old? Lol
It doesn’t seem like vinyl to me though.

 

Mine were very obvious they were vinyl. Makes me curious what you have...