Best way to remove decal residue without harming paint?

So I picked up a new Taco as a christmas gift to myself (17 DCOR) and the previous owner decided he/she didn't like the factory OR decals and added some ridiculous TRD "Punisher Skull" MOLON LABE EDITION decals. Needless to say, they had to go. The truck only has 8000 miles on it, so they couldn't have been on there for too long. I got the decals off just fine, but I want to get the residual adhesive off without damaging the paint. I had a bottle of "automotive" goo gone, but not sure if I trust that.

Any recommendations?

 

3M aerool adhesive remover works great. Spray it on, let it dwell, then wipe off with a microfiber. Repeat if necessary. I usually run a polisher over the area to clean up any swirls induced by the process and then hit it with some sealant.

 

WD40

 

Try Turtle Wax Bug and Tar remover, on my last truck I had removed the pillar tape between the doors on my Ram Crew Cab. It cleaned up the old adhesive residue with minimal effort.

 

The Goo Gone will not damage the paint. I've used in the past on numerous occasions without any issues. I've used the full strength stuff also without issues. Make sure you wax that area after you're done.

 

WD40 is awesome. It takes a few minutes to sink in but with a little elbow grease and a clean rag it will work. Take your time.

 

I removed all stickers and emblems last week and goo gone works. I followed up with some scratch remover and wax.

 

Wash the area of the truck well. Clay bar the adhesive to see what you can remove. Then hit the area with a microfiber applicator bad and a by-hand cutting compound like Mequire's Scratch X 2.0.

Do not use any harsh chemicals on the paint. First of all it's not necessary to buff off the adhesive, secondly you will damage your clear coat. Use the above process. It works very well and will not cause any lifetime damage to your Inferno paint job.

 

Turtle wax bug/tar remover

 

Whiskey Delta 40

 

Regular old mineral spirits and a clean cloth.

No microfiber, multiple step processes or specialty products required.

I'm sure you'll be cleaning/waxing the whole truck anyway, so just treat this area the same way as you to the rest of the bed after the glue is gone.

BTW, good call on pulling that stuff off.

Truck looks like it has several other mods. Wheels/tires/sliders/roof rack, etc.

Curious though on an 8k modded ride. Why was it available? PO get in over their head financially? Or move on to bigger and better?

 

Previous owner traded it in because it “had no power” and moved up to a Ram 2500 Diesel. Not sure what he meant by no power, but I’m guessing he was towing somewhat regularly.

He was kind enough to install an Icon stage 4 lift, Method NV’s, dirtytracs 285/70-17, and sliders. I carried over the roof rack from my 15, and am in the process of modifying my CBI bed rack to fit (if it doesn’t sell first)

 

I will give the clay bar first and see how that goes, thanks!

 

I’ll definitely give this a shot too. Did you follow it up with wax I’m guessing?

 

Yes I used Mequiars one or two coats to match what I already had on my truck.