Old racing decal removal

[bobs63wagon]

Want to try and remove old (since 1993) decals from my race car. There are some nostalgic ones I would like to save if possible. Not to use on the car again but to mount on something to hang in my garage. Anyone out there tried this? Would like to get them off without tearing them as they can't be replaced. Thought I would give it a try. Have read of several ways but want to ask for advice. Not worried about the paint. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[toolmanmike]

A heat gun and a razor blade.

 

[mmissile]

^^^^^^^ This, but I'd use something a little duller than a metal razor-blade.

 

[Lionized]

You may be able to use a sharp, clean putty knife as well.
Heat gun for sure.

 

[WesleyK]

Heat gun, razor blade, a friend to help, and go sloooow.

 

[davek]

removed mine with heat gun and finger nails. It was over ten years old.Car was stored inside.

 

[kiwigtx]

I have heard that brake fluid will soften up stickers enough to gently scrape away, without damaging inks.

I have not tried this myself, but is was what a lot of people used to do here with their Vehicle safety Check stickers (Warrant of Fitness)

 

[The Rebel]

Maybe this stuff to remove the glue/adhesive?

 

[zyzzyx]

WD-40 removes and softens old adhesive. Use it to soften the adhesive on one edge and use a nylon scraper
or a small yellow Bondo spreader with the edge sharpened so you can work underneath the decal without
damaging anything, and you can also use the heat gun. Just don't use too much heat or you'll stretch out
the decal that you want to save.

 

[Photon440]

Be careful with the razor blades. I'd recommend plastic razor blades instead, they're more flexible and less likely to dig into the paint.
https://www.amazon.ca/FOSHIO-Scrape...s&qid=1550380220&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

 

[VANDAN]

Could you just remove the old window and hang that with the stickers, and find a replacement for it ? Better safe than sorry...

 

[bearman]

i have removed them with plastic spreader and wd-40 and took my time. also seen clear tape over decal then heat gun after removed the clear tape was cut to decal form glued to wood or metal then clear coated.

 

[zyzzyx]

Thanks for the suggestion on the plastic razor blades! Didn't know such an animal existed.
Just ordered a box of 100 off of FleaBay. At least I won't cut myself anymore!

 

[bobs63wagon]

WD-40 removes and softens old adhesive. Use it to soften the adhesive on one edge and use a nylon scraper
or a small yellow Bondo spreader with the edge sharpened so you can work underneath the decal without
damaging anything, and you can also use the heat gun. Just don't use too much heat or you'll stretch out
the decal that you want to save.

Trying plastic scraper, WD40, and some heat on a couple of decals I can practice on and see how it goes.

 

[coloradodave]

You can always take GOOD close-up pictures of each one and have them replicated by someone with a digital graphic decal machine. Doesn't cost much and they'll be perfect.
Most suggestions above are okay but having applied and removed hundreds of sponsor decals from race cars, I have my doubts about being able to save them without damage. Good luck...