On Wed, 26 Apr 2000, Matthew Pollard wrote:

> how do i remove silicon caulking from metal parts (ie the sun roof
> opening?)  There is a cheap solvent, but none that i have work so far.

From many years of removing just such from automotive sunroofs, i regret
to inform you thta i know of .nothing. that will completely remove it,
that wont destroy the paint underneath.. (silicone is the sunroof
installers third arm, if used correctly...worse nightmare (just ahead of
duct tape) if used incorrectly.)

if you do not intend on repainting the area in question, get some straight
edge razor blades, and mix up a solution of soapy water.

Liberally apply the soapy water to the infected area, and surrounding
areas.

Take a straight edge razor blade, and give it a gentle bend in the center,
so that it is curved a bit. (this gets the corners turned up, and makes it
easier to work with without gouging the paint.)

Now, continuing to keep the area soapy, use the razor blade to .cut. the
caulk from the paint.   With care, you can get it down to a very very thin
film...from that point you may be able to use a rubbing compound to take
that off.

BE CAREFUL!  It is very easy to slice down into the paint...which you dont
want to do.;)

If you dull a blade, dispose of it and get a new one. Sharp blades work
better then dull ones.

good luck.

....david

--
David Raistrick  '66 SO-44 Westy                keen@type2.com
                                                        in Guyton Ga