how to remove pinstrips?

so i have the 4runner with pinstrips and want to remove them... I know heat gun would do the trick. but is there anything else I should know or try to speed up the process? It's going to take FOREVER for heat gun alone!

Leo

 

Arnt pinstripes a paint?

 

these are the one they stick onto the paint surface...

 

Can't you just peel them off? I had a car many years ago and I was able to remove them by peeling them off. Then polished the surface to cleanup. Did notice a a little difference in colour though after it was removed.

 

Maybe just a blow dryer and peel them like shiny said. Finish off with some goo off and polish it up.

 

this car is like a 98 or something... the pinstrips are ON the car... So far heat gun is the best way, but I want something faster... even with heat gun, it breaks every 1/4 inch or so... So it's not like I can pickup one end and pull it off all the way down...

 

yeah, that's what I tired, heat gun (same as blow dryer)... just taking too long... the pinstrips are too old...

 

best i can do

 

Will a plastic scraper help?

 

i am afraid that would scratch the hell out of the paint...

 

Use platic razors blades, works everytime

 

where do I find those?

 

Any autoparts store or a better choice would be a autobody supply store. If that doesn't help I believe topoftheline.com has them.

 

sweet! thanks! I haven't ordered from topoftheline.com for a while since I've ordering from DD. thanks again!

Leo

 

3m pinstripewheel

 

interesting... wonder if i can get it from a local store...

 

the problem with the vinyl pinstripes is the moment they are exposed to the heat from the sun they immediately dry out and turn very brittle. which is why you see them break every 1/4 inch.

the only SAFE way you'll get it off is if you use a heat gun and a plastic scraper and a lot of patience.... if you find it somewhat difficult to remove/lift the next piece, a razor blade at one corner and slide just enough under to get a finger to grab and LIFT, it will do the trick just nicely; but be sure not to move against the paint because the heat gun can soften it up and you could make some damage

 

unless i can find that wheel at a local store... looks like i just have to take my time...

thanks all!

 

If you can not find the wheel get the plastic razor blades, they will not damage the paint when used against it.

 

I suggest the scraperite blades.