Best way to remove decals from gas tank?

[Dammit!]

I just ordered a decal kit for the 250sx from Harlan. I'm going to have to remove the decals from the gas tank. Anybody got any tricks for doing that without messing up the paint?

[Kintore]

Ive had luck using a hair dryer and holding it there till shes nice and warm, and SLOWLY peel it back, Then when its off, use some goo gone and clean up all the decal residue (the stickey crap).

Whats nice about your doing, you dont need to save your decals. I tried peeling mine off the shrouds and gave up!

[350Xhilaration]

100% agree with Kintore. Hair dryer is the best way to remove decals.

[Yamahauler]

I use a heat gun and a plastic razer blade. Then to getthe sticker residue off, Ive used WD-40, or goo gone.

Be sure to test an area with whatever you use to get the gooey stuff off, dont want to mess the paint up.

[Kintore]

I personally would not use a heat gun IMO,

I find myself concentrating to hard on peeling the decal, then you leave the heat gun and you start smellin funny stuff lol

[Yamahauler]

Ive never burnt paint before with a heat gun, I usually heat up the decal, turn off the heat gun then start peeling. But your right, a hair dryer would be safer.

[playboy]

I have a sign and graphics shop and we have to remove vinyl decals all the time.

Ideally if the decals don't rip into little shreads when you try to pull them off it would be the best. As it won't leave as much glue behind. just remember, the slower you pull it the less glue it will leave behind and the less likely it is to tear. Kind of like peeling the sticker off the back of a lighter.

Otherwise. Use a heat gun or a hair dryer to soften it up and pull 'em off.

Then you'll have to use an adhesive remover to get off the glue.
Like "goo gone" or "oops".

[Red Rider]

Couldn't you just pop the gastank in the microwave for a few minutes until it's nice & warm? :rolleyes: :lol:

[Kintore]

I like red riders Idea, then put a few eggs down the filler hole, close it up and shake when the microwave is done! Scrambled never tastes better with gas! mmmmm

[BigReds Forever]

Its probably to expensive for you guys to buy, but my dad works at a shop where they re-chassis ambulances and have to take the old graphics off on everyone. They use a "crud thug" with a rubber wheel, its kinda like a big giant 180psi eraser. It takes the stickers off in layers, but not the paint...as long as you know what your doing. Ill try to find an ad for one so i can show you guys.

Edit: heres a link

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=yes&tool=all&item_ID=76499&group_ID=13078&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

[Liquid-Darkness]

Eah if the tank is worth a hoot, take it to the car wash and gently use the pressure washer to zap it off. Beware of pinholes and dont use the pressure too much. That always works well.

[Yamahauler]

Its probably to expensive for you guys to buy, but my dad works at a shop where they re-chassis ambulances and have to take the old graphics off on everyone. They use a "crud thug" with a rubber wheel, its kinda like a big giant 180psi eraser. It takes the stickers off in layers, but not the paint...as long as you know what your doing. Ill try to find an ad for one so i can show you guys.

Edit: heres a link

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=yes&tool=all&item_ID=76499&group_ID=13078&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I used those before at the body shop I worked at, but I always preferred the heat gun and DX-330 (adhesive remover). It seemed to work the best for taking off the old dealer stickers.

[dufrain]

Some of the old tanks like 70s models ,I couldnt get the glue to melt with a hairdryer.The sticker would just shred.I ended up using the rubber wheel.Spin the sticker off with the wheel ,it wont remove the old adhesive then take solvent to the glue.Most adhesive remover like all the stuff at walmart is just naphtha based with some lemon smell in it.For the price of a little bottle you can get a quart of naphtha.I think a gallon is 8 or 10 bux and it works as good as any walmart type.

[bondoboy]

Its probably to expensive for you guys to buy, but my dad works at a shop where they re-chassis ambulances and have to take the old graphics off on everyone. They use a "crud thug" with a rubber wheel, its kinda like a big giant 180psi eraser. It takes the stickers off in layers, but not the paint...as long as you know what your doing. Ill try to find an ad for one so i can show you guys.

Edit: heres a link

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=yes&tool=all&item_ID=76499&group_ID=13078&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I use the eraser wheels, too. Just make sure you don't use them on lacquer paint. It WILL take the paint off.

[gottahaveaUS90]

I faced the same problems removing the decals from a US90 tank - after 37 years the sandblaster couldn't remove them. At the endof the day - the wife came to the rescue - she said, "Have you tried nail polish remover? That takes off anything."

So I had a look at the bottle and bingo - acetone. Got the bottle of acetone out and within minutes.......

Before the acetone:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k52/paulmarr/lookslikeitwasadecaloriginally.jpg

After the treatment:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k52/paulmarr/afteracetone.jpg

I hope this helps someone!