Tips on Removing the Vinyl Stripe

Post by **trendyoldbird** » 17 Apr 2006, 14:02

I want to remove the dark red/burgundy stripe on the hi-top of my 1988 Auto-Sleeper. Any tips? I've just had a look and it looks like a hideous job. I'm not sure whether to start it today.....plus I'll need a new one, preferably blue....any recommendations on where to get one from?

Post by **Cate** » 17 Apr 2006, 15:10

A gentle amount of heat applied via a hairdryer might soften it up nicely and melt the glue on the back, not sure what your neighbours will think though!

Post by **trendyoldbird** » 17 Apr 2006, 15:48

Thanks. My husband has just said that we may just get a new vinyl stripe to put over the top of the existing one...maybe that'll be the best option!!

Post by **Cate** » 17 Apr 2006, 15:58

Hmmm, fine if the existing strip is ok, you might run into trouble with the two layers of vinyl expanding/contracting at slightly different rates (one being older and more brittle?) and delaminating? Just a thought.

Post by **EarthWormJim** » 17 Apr 2006, 16:09

You'd be better off taking the old one off like Cate said use a hair dryer and if there is glue left on the van Get some turps/white spirit and rub it off with that. Check the turps on an incunspicuos place of the van just to make sure it won't do any damage to the van. Its not that hard to do Ive done it loads on cars and lorries

Post by **trendyoldbird** » 17 Apr 2006, 16:45

Thanks, I'll take your advice and try and remove it.

Hairdryer at the ready!!!

Post by **trickydicky** » 17 Apr 2006, 17:42

The best way is with gentle heat and time, any sticky residue left try WD40 to remove it. If you want to keep it original Auto-Sleepers Ltd are still trading in the same location (Willersey Nr Broadway WR12 7PT) you can call them on 01836 853338 where the parts department still supply the modern decals, and from my last visit I am sure they had one in Blue.

Post by **trendyoldbird** » 17 Apr 2006, 18:03

Thanks trickydicky, I'll give them a call tomorrow. I'd like to keep it original if I can.

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Post by **thewibbit** » 18 Apr 2006, 11:32

Lighter fluid is by far the best stuff for removing any left over adhesive! I use it all the time at work (it's called panel wipe in large quantities and we use it for preparing surfaces pre spraying)... you'll be there 3 times longer with anything else. Also it's better for the surface underneath. It's a very clean fraction of crude oil.. turps etc are heavier and leave more residue. Avoid thinners... it'll melt your roof!!

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 18 Apr 2006, 14:00

I used a kettle, get a corner started then trickle the hot water ahead of where you are pulling and go slowly, very little reside was left, but the paint underneath was pristine!

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 18 Apr 2006, 14:00

wiki'd

Post by **ABBEYUNITED** » 18 Apr 2006, 21:19

soak the thing in wd 40

voila

Post by **scumpuppy** » 18 Apr 2006, 22:51

I used to do this for a living and I would say that a little heat (hairdrier) or if your really brave a heat gun ( not recomended if you havn't done this before) is best for removing old vinyl. if any of the glue is left then lighter fluid (lighter petrol) is the best for removing this. good luck

owlets · Post by **owlets** » 19 Apr 2006, 17:53

I recently removed the old Westfalia stickers from my Pop Top, used a heat gun (my wife uses it to make cards) its basically a hairdryer. Heat up the sticker and then use a wallpaper scraper to remove them once its bubbled a little. To remove any left over glue/old residue I used baby wipes, they can remove anything.......once used them to remove tar from the side of my car!

Post by **Cate** » 19 Apr 2006, 18:00

Baby wipes are great, they can be used to remove all sorts of muck, oil off your hands after playing engines, oh and cleaning babies too!

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Tips on Removing the Vinyl Stripe

Tips on Removing the Vinyl Stripe

LIGHTER FLUID