I have a 1996 993 that I bought used with helicopter tape applied to the rear fenders. It's cracked and looks grimy. Any suggestions on how to remove this stuff? I did a search of the forum for 'helicopter' and nothing came up.

I've read mention elsewhere about using a hair dryer to remove adhesives. Will this damage my paint?

Thanks in advance!

Appreciatively,

mtf

 

you will probably get a better response by posting this in the detailing section

 

Thanks for the heads-up. I'll go search that forum and then if I don't find anything, I'll move it over there.

Appreciatively,

mtf

 

Ditto on the detailing forum. There are also special car detailing forums out there. Application of 3M Adhesive remover to soak the tape and then a very careful removal process is probably what they'll prescribe. If you can gently peel the outer layer(s) of the tape off to where only the adhesive is left, then the 3M stuff works pretty well. The fenders will probably be pretty marred and have to be polished a little. The 3M remover will also strip any wax from the paint as well. Good luck!!!!

 

Kevin,

Thanks for the tip on the 3M adhesive remover. I'm going to try that this weekend. On the detailing forum, the only advice I got was to use steam, but with no suggestion on how to create steam in my garage.

I think the 3M product is the way to go.

Appreciatively,

mtf

 

Gloves, gloves, gloves and MEK. Methal Ethal Keytone is what the military uses to remove this stuff. I used to use it on a daily basis to remove aircraft lubes and glues. Not as carcinigenitc as once thought (I'm cancer free) it works the beans.

 

Steam is an alternative, but it too takes caution. What they are talking about is using a portable steamer. This is the one that I have: (the little brush attachment is for scrubbing - I don't often use it)


I've never used it on paint, but some do.

What I'd do with the 3M Adhesive remover is get the spray can. Spray the taped areas and then cover them with plastic wrap - the wet spray should make it stick to the bodywork; at least for a while so the remover can work on the tape. After about 20 minutes or so, try to remove some of the tape. If it works at all, just keep repeating the process.

Safety first. Make sure you have some ventilation. Gloves too for extended exposure. GOOD LUCK!!!