Author Topic: Prep for adhering decals  (Read 2022 times)

lreppond

  • Full Member
  • Gold
  • *****
  • USA, CA, San Leandro
  • Posts: 639
Prep for adhering decals
« on: August 26, 2022, 16:18:19 »
I’m going to be replacing my warn decals on speed relays with new reproduction ones. I know the proper placement or orientation but I’m not sure how I should remove the old adhesive that’s literally bounded to the tops.  I was thinking about using denatured alcohol but I don’t want to damage the relays.  Any advice?  Goo gone? Orange oil? Etc.   
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

Jonny B

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, San Marcos
  • Posts: 4198
Re: Prep for adhering decals
« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2022, 16:28:31 »
I have used goo gone (or similar) with good results. Be sure to clean that off with some light solvent. If you put the stuff on a clean cloth that avoids the potential for an "oops" of liquid on the relay.
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor

GM

  • Associate Member
  • Gold
  • *****
  • USA, CA, San Pedro
  • Posts: 584
Re: Prep for adhering decals
« Reply #2 on: August 26, 2022, 17:04:24 »
Peel, then WD-40
Gary
1971 280SL - Sold
(98 from the end of production)
DB180 Silver Gray Metallic
Black MB Tex

ejboyd5

  • Associate Member
  • Gold
  • *****
  • Southold, NY
  • Posts: 510
Re: Prep for adhering decals
« Reply #3 on: August 26, 2022, 18:18:53 »
3M Prep-Sol, none better.

lreppond

  • Full Member
  • Gold
  • *****
  • USA, CA, San Leandro
  • Posts: 639
Re: Prep for adhering decals
« Reply #4 on: August 26, 2022, 20:02:45 »
I had both GooGone and WD-40 in my garage.  I started out with just a little spray of WD-40 on a microfiber cloth.  It took a little time to soften the adhesive but once it did it came off with not much effort (rubbing). After it completely evaporated, I wiped it down with 90% IPA.  As an added bonus, it left the plastic shell of the replay looking new.

Unfortunately, I looked up 3M PrepSol and it’s unavailable in California even though it’s water based and low VOC!  Shouldn’t surprise me! 

Thanks gentlemen for your suggestions. 
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

DavidAPease

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, CA, Chico
  • Posts: 385
  • Audit Committee
Re: Prep for adhering decals
« Reply #5 on: August 28, 2022, 00:04:55 »
Len,

I'm very fond of a good IPA,  and have even brewed a few decent ones myself,  but using one in this way is a new idea to me!   ;D

      -David
-David Pease
 '66 230SL (Originally sold in Paris)

66andBlue

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Solana Beach
  • Posts: 4735
Re: Prep for adhering decals
« Reply #6 on: August 28, 2022, 02:38:48 »
...
Unfortunately, I looked up 3M PrepSol and it’s unavailable in California even though it’s water based and low VOC!  Shouldn’t surprise me! 
Thanks gentlemen for your suggestions. 
I have used a 3M product in a spray can that is quite good, gentle on paint surfaces and available here in CA:
https://www.amazon.com/3M-03618-Adhesive-Remover-oz/dp/B000BQYA7W
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

Pinder

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, NJ, Edison
  • Posts: 1032
Re: Prep for adhering decals
« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2022, 01:38:15 »
i just replaced mine. I just pealed them off and used Eastwood pre clean. You could also just rube it off with goof off or other solvent.
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.
1997 Corvette C5 Silver. automatic
2015 BMW 320i xdrive
2021 Mercedes GLS450 Silver