Protective tape

Hi everybody!

I'm new to the taco world. I just bought a 2012 taco TRD with the offroad package. I want to detail it (as soon as it stops raining here) and was curious as to how to remove the protective tape that came with it. I had another car that had it and when I tried removing it, the paint peeled. Anyone have any luck or know how on how to take it off properly? Thanks for y'alls help!!

 

You want to remove the protective clear bra? Do you mind if I ask why? Those clear bras are meant to last a long time, and can be treated just like normal paint, you can wax it, polish it, wash it, clay bar it, and all of the things that you would do to normal paint. The hood of the vehicle is super vulnerable to rock chips, I've only had my truck for a year (bought it brand new) and it has at least 10 reasonably sized rock chips down to the metal. I'd do anything to have one on my truck but it's kinda too late. A clear bra would have prevented that though. Unless the clear bra has air bubbles in it I'd leave it. If you really don't want to then let a professional remove it because it's easy to damage your paint if you don't know what you're doing. Underneath the clear bra the paint is perfectly clean if installed correctly by a professional, and there should be no need to wash underneath it for the entire life of the clear bra.

 

^^ I agree

My neighbors blue Tacoma has a lot of rock chips on the paint on the front bumper. My black Tacoma doesn't have a single one. That clear bra is incredible. I can't imagine having a car without it.

 

The biggest reason I'm taking it off is because it has a ton of scratches and has what looks like tar or slag on it. I just want to renew or refresh it. I appreciate your input!

 

Yeah, but that tar and those scratches could've been on the paint instead! I'd see if there was something online explaining how to care for the tape first. I agree- I wish I had that on my truck. It's not cheap either!

 

Very true, I guess I should just leave it on and clean it up.

 

I'm sure there is a way to remove it. Maybe take it back to the dealership and see what they can do. Even a little paint thinner would work. Just a little though and wash it off soon after its put on. If anything I recommend replacing it instead of just removing it

 

Op did you ever end up doing anything with this?

 

No sir, just left it on and cleaned it up.