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    Quick Links: Mud flaps Grease Help Please. Ram Tough Track for mounting on the dash of '19 Tacoma Can someone recommend a switch? Upgrade Your Sound, Do It All. 2023 tailgate replacement

Tailgate Insert Delete - Adhesive from Hell

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by mikesixtysix, Oct 30, 2022.

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  1. Oct 30, 2022 at 5:17 PM
    #1
    mikesixtysix

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    mikesixtysix [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I decided I didn't want these anymore, they've been in there for 3-4 years. This crap won't come off... tried heat gun, goo gone, goof off, vinegar, alcohol, wd-40.

    IMG_5350.HEIC.jpg
     
    mikesixtysix, Oct 30, 2022
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  2. Oct 30, 2022 at 5:20 PM
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    hiPSI

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    hiPSI Laminar Flow

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    It looks like a lot of the plastic is on there still. That has to go before any adhesive removers will work.
    Really hot heat gun man.
    If it is just adhesive left, you will have to soak the glue with alcohol or whatever you are using. Maybe slip the tailgate off, put it in saw horses and fill the letter inserts with rubbing alcohol?
     
    hiPSI, Oct 30, 2022
    #2
    na8rboy likes this.
  3. Oct 30, 2022 at 5:25 PM
    #3
    brian2sun

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    brian2sun Well-Known Member

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    Carb cleaner maybe?
     
    brian2sun, Oct 30, 2022
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  4. Oct 30, 2022 at 5:26 PM
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    AncaGrind80

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    AncaGrind80 Well-Known Member

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    3m adhesive remover. This is what I've always used and had good luck with. You'll still need to put some elbow grease into it, scrubbing with shop towels, but it'll do the trick. Should be able to find it at your local Advance Auto, Auto Zone, etc.
     
    AncaGrind80, Oct 30, 2022
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  5. Oct 30, 2022 at 5:34 PM
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    Irons

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    Irons Outlaw Prospector

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    Were the inserts OEM or aftermarket?



    .
     
    Irons, Oct 30, 2022
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    Chew and hiPSI like this.
  6. Oct 30, 2022 at 5:36 PM
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    mikesixtysix

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    mikesixtysix [OP] Well-Known Member

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    mikesixtysix, Oct 30, 2022
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  7. Oct 30, 2022 at 5:42 PM
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    Irons

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    Irons Outlaw Prospector

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    I went back and forth between OEM and the many aftermarket options before I just said F-it and had the dealer install OEM before I got the truck.
    Yours is the first real horror story I heard about aftermarket inserts. I hope it all comes off without ruining your tailgate.




    .
     
    Irons, Oct 30, 2022
    #7
  8. Oct 30, 2022 at 5:51 PM
    #8
    mikesixtysix

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    mikesixtysix [OP] Well-Known Member

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    i'll give this a go, thanks
     
    mikesixtysix, Oct 30, 2022
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  9. Oct 30, 2022 at 5:53 PM
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    TwinTaco31719

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    TwinTaco31719 Well-Known Member

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    I’ve had decent luck with hairdryer and clay bar followed by wax
     
    TwinTaco31719, Oct 30, 2022
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  10. Oct 30, 2022 at 6:06 PM
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    splitbolt

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    splitbolt Voodoo Witch Doctor

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    I've never used one, but some swear by the 3M adhesive eraser wheel.
     
    splitbolt, Oct 30, 2022
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  11. Oct 31, 2022 at 1:46 AM
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    Old goat1914

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    Old goat1914 Well-Known Member

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    You might be able to put adhesive remover of some sort on a paper towel and temporarily tape it on so it can soak in.
     
    Old goat1914, Oct 31, 2022
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  12. Oct 31, 2022 at 4:10 AM
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    22Coma6MT

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    22Coma6MT Well-Known Member

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    stop by a local reputable body shop and ask them what they use
     
    22Coma6MT, Oct 31, 2022
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  13. Oct 31, 2022 at 6:07 AM
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    Dave3359

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    Dave3359 Well-Known Member

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    How about one of those rubber eraser wheels for adhesive removal?
     
    Dave3359, Oct 31, 2022
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  14. Oct 31, 2022 at 6:22 AM
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    Lerry

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    Lerry Well-Known Member

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    Lerry, Oct 31, 2022
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  15. Nov 1, 2022 at 12:57 PM
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    mikesixtysix

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    mikesixtysix [OP] Well-Known Member

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    The 3M Adhesive Remover worked out... as AncaGrind80 said, it took some effort, but the spray loosened things up to the point that i could break it down using the edge of a credit card and then with a microfiber towel, with some pressure. The finish wasn't damaged.

    Thanks everyone for the assist
     
    mikesixtysix, Nov 1, 2022
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  16. Nov 1, 2022 at 1:20 PM
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    Chew

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    Chew Not so well known user

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    I bought a bed topper used w PO’s stickers, since I was at my buddy’s dealer rotating tires, I asked what he’d use (I didn’t want scratch window, wasn’t sure if they were really glass). The detail guy got his cart with a steam machine and had em off in no time. I’m not saying they come off in no time, but you might need steam rather than more chemicals.
    I think some aftermarket companies use cheap adhesive that’s not intended for body panels. I bought some cheap blind spot stick on things, when one broke in the carwash, the adhesive was crazy strong.
     
    Chew, Nov 1, 2022
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  17. Nov 1, 2022 at 1:34 PM
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    forana

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    forana Well-Known Member

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    No money, all went to truck...
    x2 on hair dryer. I'd say heat gun but you run the risk of getting it too hot.
    You'd be surprised what a little heat will do to adhesive...
     
    forana, Nov 1, 2022
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  18. Nov 1, 2022 at 6:43 PM
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    AncaGrind80

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    AncaGrind80 Well-Known Member

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    Glad you got it done!
     
    AncaGrind80, Nov 1, 2022
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  19. Nov 1, 2022 at 6:46 PM
    #19
    mikesixtysix

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    mikesixtysix [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Great tip, thanks man
     
    mikesixtysix, Nov 1, 2022
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  20. Nov 2, 2022 at 5:06 AM
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    Gearheadesw

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    Gearheadesw must modify

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    Happy thread with a good ending.
     
    Gearheadesw, Nov 2, 2022
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