Sticker/decal removal

[tacrac]

I checked the archives without any luck but I am sure some of you have some experience with this. Prior to repainting the tanks I have, I would like to see how they look with a good cleaning and polish but without sanding the old decals off has anyone got an oil/solvent recommendation that will remove them (decals) without ruining paint.

Thanks
Ron

[cubfan1968]

Hair dryer or heat gun and your fingernail. Its a slow process but it works.

Rod Whitman

[Rocket]

Heat gun and razor blade, very carefully!!  For the leftover glue, I use contact cleaner or Wilbond.  Wilbond you can buy at paint stores, type of a solvent.
Rocket

[Tony Price]

Once you have the decal off Isopropal alcohol will help on the residue and not attack the gel coat or paint.

If you know any one in the vinyl sign business they have some really spiffy glue removers.

Tony

[James]

I liked to use the back or non leading edge of a plastic body filler spreader to scrape and agree on the alchohol it is also very cheap.
James

Yamazuki-Kawahonda all sounds the same to me.. Real bikes were made in Europe

[tacrac]

thanks for all the suggestions and ideas. Since the weather here is a balmy 10 degrees I believe I'll be in the garage this weekend cleaning up some tanks. Now all I have to do is get the rest of a bike to put the tank on, but one must start somewhere right ?
Thanks again
Ron

[scott brogan]

If you go to a good auto parts store, one that handles paint and body supplies. You should be able to find an aeresol spray can of whats called woodgrian and stripe remover. you spray it on the offending old decal wait five or ten minutes and then scrape off old decal with a plastic bondo spreader. Then to remove the leftover adhesive look for a spray can of adhesive remover and repeat the process. I've used the stuff with great success. Will not harm the gel coat or painted surfaces.
Scott