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How to clean this or replace it

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by shugashane562, Jan 26, 2019.

  1. Jan 26, 2019 at 3:35 PM
    #1
    shugashane562

    shugashane562 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    This plastic film drives me bonkers, can I replace it? Do I need it? Can I just pull it off, hit it with some rubbing compound and wax and polish it?

    8F22F5C1-C6A4-4074-9858-FC05FCBC5D36.jpg
     
  2. Jan 26, 2019 at 3:38 PM
    #2
    Lurkin

    Lurkin Well-Known Member

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    Get a soft toothbrush and some glass cleaner and that dirt line should come right off.
     
  3. Jan 26, 2019 at 4:36 PM
    #3
    winkel

    winkel Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, it looks like the dirt is just sticking to the adhesive that's just under the edge of the film.
     
  4. Jan 26, 2019 at 4:37 PM
    #4
    computeruser6

    computeruser6 Nuclear Janitor

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    Do you mean removing that protection film altogether?
     
  5. Jan 26, 2019 at 4:39 PM
    #5
    aleriance

    aleriance Well-Known Member

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    I had the same issue with my 2015 Lexus IS. Ended up ripping it right off, then scrubbing the area with a microfiber cloth and a dab of goo-gone. The area underneath should already be freshly waxed since these protectors are put on right after the painting/waxing process of manufacturing. Wouldn't hurt to go over it though.
     
  6. Jan 26, 2019 at 4:54 PM
    #6
    CBenfell

    CBenfell I don’t know sh*t about f*ck

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    I used a heat gun plus some Goof Off. Mine looked worse because dirt had penetrated and gotten underneath.
     
  7. Feb 14, 2019 at 1:57 PM
    #7
    FLA_Hoosier

    FLA_Hoosier Well-Known Member

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    Don't beat me up too bad for my first question.

    Mine is even worse and the door edge guard too. So Shugasshane, what did you end up doing? I'm thinking of peeling it off, but not sure how hard it is to place a new one on (I like the idea of the paint protection). Just thinking how hard it is to get a good window tint or screen protector installation.

    IMG_1881.jpg
     
    Barzini likes this.
  8. Feb 14, 2019 at 5:49 PM
    #8
    4wheelslacker

    4wheelslacker Slacker by trade

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    Not hard to put those pieces back on.Heat gun,qt of water and half a teaspoon of baby shampoo in a sprayer.Get a squeegee. Peal the old off and clean throughly as others have suggested then apply the clear film with the soap and water.Xpel films has shows a difficulty level on what they sell.Check them out.
     
    Thebubble likes this.
  9. Feb 14, 2019 at 7:37 PM
    #9
    Jonah

    Jonah Well-Known Member

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    Mine looked just like that. I peeled them off and used a lot of Goo Gone and a shitload of scrubbing to get the area cleaned up.
    I bought a roll of this clear tape to replace it but I never got around to installing it.
     
  10. Feb 14, 2019 at 7:59 PM
    #10
    steveo27

    steveo27 Ask me about my weiner

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    The same shit everyone else has.
    Having any issues pulling these off?

    Worried the 8 years/125k miles may cause some damage to the paint when trying to pull em up to replace.
     
    cleats50 likes this.
  11. Feb 14, 2019 at 8:05 PM
    #11
    Jonah

    Jonah Well-Known Member

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    No issues with the paint, just a PITA getting the adhesive off.
     
  12. Feb 14, 2019 at 8:29 PM
    #12
    cleats50

    cleats50 Well-Known Member

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    My first thought exactly.
     
  13. Feb 14, 2019 at 9:12 PM
    #13
    steveo27

    steveo27 Ask me about my weiner

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    The same shit everyone else has.
    Good to hear. I’d hate to pull up the clear/paint up when pulling thes off.

    I plan on finally redoing mine after staring at the nasty dirty yellowed factory ones.
     
  14. Feb 15, 2019 at 8:13 AM
    #14
    PackCon

    PackCon Well-Known Member

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    I removed all of mine on my truck. Its not needed.

    I had my tint guy take it off. He just used heat.

    DO NOT use rubbing compound. That is a heavy abraisive that should only be used be detailers with some experience and for serious paint damage.

    A simple optical grade polish should help clean up any old adhesive.

    Don’t use cleaner wax either. That stuff is junk and the wax can make it harder to remove the residue.

    A clay bar will be your friend here. Use heat gently and then clay what you can and polish the rest.
     
    Last edited: Feb 15, 2019
    4wheelslacker likes this.
  15. Feb 15, 2019 at 8:18 AM
    #15
    Too Stroked

    Too Stroked Well-Known Member

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    The manufacturing (painting) process does not include wax. After removing the clear plastic and adhesive, I would highly recommended that the OP apply some form of protection such as wax or sealant.
     
  16. Feb 15, 2019 at 8:22 AM
    #16
    Too Stroked

    Too Stroked Well-Known Member

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    You can remove it and a hair drier will loosen up the adhesive somewhat to make you job a bit easier. Some folks have said to remove it and leave it off, but beware. That clear film was put there by the manufacturer for a reason - to protect the paint from stone chips. So if you don't replace it, that area will be at risk for the paint chipping off. If you're not worried about that, do not replace the film. If you are worried about paint ships, apply new film. Your choice.
     
  17. Feb 15, 2019 at 9:18 AM
    #17
    lynlan1819

    lynlan1819 Well-Known Member

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    It protects your flare from rock chips,a little tiny bit of dirt around the edge hurts nothing,put your thoughts and energy someplace else on your truck.
     

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