IndustryLeech

My car came from the dealer with a small amount of pinstriping over the front fenders and along the top of the door. I've always hated the look of pinstriping and I've decided i want them gone.

In the cursory research I've done I've found that most people have good results using a wheel like this to remove pinstripes.


Is there any reason not to use one of these? Has anybody here removed pinstripes that might be able to offer advice/tips?

MarcHarris

Is the pinstriping painted on or is it more of a vinyl graphic?

IndustryLeech

It's vinyl or something. Definitely not painted on.

Kevin509

If it's just vinyl, heat it up with a hair dryer and peel it off.. Just be careful not to scratch the paint if you use anything like a razor or what have you to get it started.

MarcHarris

^ Bingo.
Of course I'd keep a razor away from your paint....

You can always try to lightly soak a leading edge in a solvent based cleaner (won't hurt your paint, but keep away from your plastic trim / rubber) like an auto paint prep product, goo-gone, adhesive remover, etc to allow the leading edge to come up easier. If you don't have a heat gun try a hair drier. Go nice and slow: you only have to do this correct once!

AlsCobra

The eraser wheels work great. I've used them quite a few times in the past. I would probably follow up the job with a good polishing but they do a great job with very minimal if any harm to your paint.

IndustryLeech

Thank guys! I think I'm going to try to peel it up using the methods described. If that doesn't work I'll try the wheel.

AlsCobra

I was really afraid of that wheel the first couple times I used it. It really is pretty safe. A little bit of mild adhesive remover and a rag is needed for final cleanup.

Mark Fergel

Use the eraser. I did the same thing this spring and tried other methods first. That thing is so awesome. Just note you might have to still polish/buff the area where the stripes were.

IndustryLeech

I took the eyesores off yesterday using the wheel I linked in the OP. It worked like a charm and took 20 minutes, which included taking off the side mirrors to gain better access to the door striping. I only see 2-3 small patches that will require special attention. I'll paint correct and polish these next weekend.