3M Eraser Wheel for removing older Decals/Stripes-YES!

I have tried all the suggestions: heat gun, Goo-Gone, thumbnails, Gasoline (!),etc. on the 20 year old stripe decals on my 2000 pre-Runner.

Forget all that. Go directly to the 3M Eraser Wheel (or similar) and knock that task off your detailing list. There's videos on YouTube showing how well it works, and it does not harm the paint.

You cannot remove a decal with just adhesive remover because the decal effectively protects the adhesive. EDIT 11-15-2019:Heat guns may soften the adhesive, but the older vinyl is so brittle it breaks into tiny pieces; it cannot be stripped off like a bandaid. After removing the vinyl decal with the eraser wheel, if there is adhesive remaining, use adhesive removal products and techniques.

The older the paint, the more likely you will reveal "ghost stripes" where the decal has been protecting the paint from sun, sand, salt, etc. The "ghost stripes" are virgin paint and clearcoat.

 

^^^ This. Great info!





Bud and Tar Remover for adhesive residue.



After. Note the ghost image. I used an identical decal to cover the old area.

 

@CS_AR
Great photos, thanks. The "ghost stripes" can be difficult to see, which is a good thing, and even more difficult to capture in photographs.

Unless you are entered in a competitive car show, no one but you will notice or care. Still, you are the most important observer!

• One route is to leave them, they are not that bad.
• Other route is to cover them with something similar.
• Finally, you can clean, rub, polish, buff, and wax the finish surrounding the "ghost stripes" so that it looks more like ghost/virgin finish.

Does "ghost/virgin" = "Ungrateful Dead"?? LOL

I have found Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover not effective for tar. What brand do you recommend?

 

Excellent points. I grew up using kerosene on tar and still use it on the rare occasion when it happens. It can be hard to find in the spring and summer. I need to restock and get 5gal to keep on hand for cleaning parts. I usually buy it at Tractor Supply.

I bought the Bug and Tar remover to remove the decals but that didn't work out. So I went with the eraser wheel and tried to find a use for the Bug and Tar remover after the eraser wheel removed the decals.

https://car.tips.net/T004753_Removing_Tar_from_Your_Car.html

 

I have a 19 year old 1st gen, with about 10 of those years being parked in full sun. It has silver paint and decals I want to remove. How bad do you think the ghosting would be on this?

 

I think it will be about like what I saw on my gold. It sat outside in the Texas sun for many many years. The ghost of TRD appears in the 4th picture above.