Removing old WBCCI numbers?

[KHarris]

I am finally at the stage of polishing our 69 Caravel, and need to remove the old WBCCI numbers. I found refernces in the thread to removing numbers when the owner didn't want to damage the clearcoat, but that's not an issue for me. Should I tackle it with Aircraft Remover or citrus based stripper or Goo-Gone...any suggestions?

Thanks, Krista

[mello mike]

non acidic would work well like Goo Gone.

[overlander64]

Greetings Krista!

Even though you aren't concerned about the clearcoat, I suspect that any type of finish stripper may pose more problems than it solves when it comes to removing the vinyl letters. A heat gun makes quick work of removing the vinyl letters (a hair dryer will work, but MUCH more slowly) -- the adhesive would then be quickly removed with the stripping process.

Good luck with your project!

Kevin

[wahoonc]

I vote for the heat process first, then clean up any residue with goo gone. I used a Dry iron and a towel to soften mine.

Aaron

[InsideOut]

If you are just trying to remove the numbers before continuing on towards stripping and polishing your trailer, you can remove them with a heat gun as suggested, then proceed with stripping using the stripper of your choosing. We used Kleen Strip Aircraft Stripper on our '64, but I am using Citri Strip for the interior woodwork on our '56 - it's smells much better and doesn't take your skin off! I know others have used it on their clearcoat too.

The clearcoat stripper - whatever you use - should take off the "goo" and the clearcoat off at the same time.

Shari

[KHarris]

Thanks for all the replys and helpful hints.
The heat gun did the trick of loosening the vinyl and the rest cleaned up with the Aircraft stripper. Scary stuff but works well when the citrus based solvents can't cut it.

Krista

[FreshAir]

Gasket Remover works for me. It also loosens silicone too.

Neil and Lynn.

[peegreen]

I started using Goo Gone. Apparantly there are two different formulas. As you guessed, the bottle I had stripped the clear coat and didn't do much for removing the numbers. Will try the heat method next, back burner project.

[bevman]

I tried Goo-Gone but the vinyl keeps the liquid from getting to the adhesive. I used Jasco paint stripper. Found that the stripper softened the vinyl nicely. Numbers peeled off like harvesting a sunburn. The adhesive remained. Tried Goo Gone, but I've discovered a cheaper product -- just buy a gallon of Xylene at the paint store. (Goo-Gone is xylene + toluene).

The foil "caravan" sticker was harder. The foil had to be scuffed, carefully, with a wire brush so the stripper could get in there. The word "caravan" had long since disappeared leaving raw aluminum. Now I have "etched" letters there, as if sandblasted into the metal.