Blue Stripe

[John&Vicki]

My 1990 25’ Excella has the blue stripe around the center. I realize that it’s currently a bit de classé but I’m not very tuned to current fashion (I’m old) and I really like it. However it’s getting somewhat bedraggled in spots and is far inferior to the still intact clear coat. Time to do something.

I have done some research here have noted suggestions that include replacing the tape with new original tape (which is still available), painting and using modern reflective tape. Those all seem to have merit. The big however, however, is first removing the old tape which is dry and brittle. I tried using the rubber piece that is mounted on a drill to remove pin stripes which presented no challenge whatsoever to the blue tape. I tried using a heat gun with zero success. I’m reluctant to use chemicals as I’m worried about affecting the precious clear coat.

I’ve thought about installing something over the old tape but the surface is very uneven from wear and tear. I’m largely a DIYer and have success at times. But I’m flummoxed by the blue stripe and would appreciate ideas.

Cheers,
John

[AlinCal]

Removing the stripe on our 91 was a challenge, and to do it while saving the clearcoat would be tough to do.
Good luck.

[r carl]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3zH1hMoxqs

[Bill M.]

Removing the blue tape was the hardest single job I have done on my 2 1988 model trailers. I used chemical stripper after I tried everything else I could think of with no success. Ctri strip or Blue chem strip. 3 applications with scuffing and time under the right weather conditions. Plastic scraper. I taped and papered off the area under the stripe to try to limit the clear coat damage.

I have not put anything back where the strip was. I have come to like the look without anything there,

[AtomicNo13]

Use plastic masking tape not paper. Use a pressure washer against the seam grain as to not cause a leak. Blue stripe is gone!

[AlinCal]

Did the pressure wash remove the "ghosting" too? The stripe seems to etch itself into the Aluminum, if replacing the stripe that may not mater much though.

[AtomicNo13]

No, I had to use a solvent to get rid of the adhesive residue. I wet sanded with 1000 grit to smooth everything down.

[John&Vicki]

Thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated. #13 - the pressure wash idea is interesting. I think I’ll try it this Spring.

Was the adhesive residue bumpy or could you tape over it?

Cheers,
John

[AtomicNo13]

The adhesive didn't pose as much problem is the clear coat spray. It seems as though at the time of manufacture the stripe was applied and then the clear spray over it which in the end left a raised ridge. sanding the whole area flattened everything out and made it so that I could reapply the sticker.

[John&Vicki]

I’m still wrestling with this and I had an idea. Removal of the old tape is just too big a task for this old tired body so I’m thinking of going over the top of it. The main problem is that the old tape is pock marked and rough so I need something to smooth it out. I have two ideas:

(1) Tape over it with duct tape then possibly a second layer of smoother tape. Then paint it with Chrysler Blue as suggested here in another thread.

(2) Cover with some sort of thin flexible solid material that has been pre-painted. Maybe even aluminum.

An idea that I read about here was to use reflective tape and I bought some. However it’s very thin and I doubt I could apply it without bubbles and wrinkles.

Open to ideas and suggestions.

Thanks,
John

[kmayer]

We are in the same boat (well, trailer). Our 95 excella classic looks fabulous with the exception of the deteriorating stripes. Wish we knew what to do.

[John&Vicki]

Yeah, I’m in the same boat. The aluminum is great, clear coat still intact (!). But the stripe has serious acne. I’m trying thick duct tape right now. It comes in variety of colors, including a close blue. It has potential - certainly the laziest (err, most efficient ) way.

I’ll update here, with pictures, from time to time.

John

[kmayer]

I talked to an Airstream and RV body shop here, and they said takes about 40 hours using the 3m wheel. I suspect that might be the only truly effective solution. I don’t have 40 hours to spare and don’t relish the idea of paying for their time either. Jeez I wish they never put those on.

Kevin

[John&Vicki]

I tried using the wheel and it appeared to do nothing. I thought I actually heard it laugh.

John

[Bill M.]

Citrix strip or Blue chem stripper will take it off. It takes a while to work and it took 3 applications. Put it on in the shade about 4 feet at the time and let it sit until just about dry. The cooler and the longer it sits before drying the better. I used a plastic scraper and was able to do it without much scratching of the Al. The ghosting still shows. I considered several alternatives but ended up clear coating. Have not had the urge to put on the decal and I did not like the solid painted ones I have seen.

[rmkrum]

Try “Rapid Remover”.

It’s designed to remove vinyl and adhesive from outdoor signs.

Available from Amazon for one.

Follow directions carefully and don’t let it get on any other vinyl stuff you don’t want to remove.

[kmayer]

Good input Bill and Rich . Bill, how long did it take you to do? Did you just use a spray can of clear coat when you were done? The Rapid remover product looks similar to Citrix strip.

Kevin

[Kvsterling]

Just finished removing the blue stripe...It’s not for the faint of heart. All the rub rail was removed as is is installed over the decal edges. The heat gun will remove most of the stripe; heat the sticker to loosen the adhesive. Once it’s loose, move the heat forward. The blue came off this way, silver pin stripe remained. Removed that with 3m rubber wheel, then all remaining adhesive required chemical adhesive remover. There is some haze in Plasticoat, going to reinstall rub rail this weekend

[kmayer]

Nice work! I would think that ghosting May fade a bit with time. You might be able to polish it put too.

Kevin

[Kvsterling]

Originally Posted by kmayer

Nice work! I would think that ghosting May fade a bit with time. You might be able to polish it put too.

Kevin

I hope you are right. Not sure how the Plasticoat from the 80’s will polish up vs wet sand. Strip and polish seems to be the approved approach. Not going to worry about it for now