3M  makes a tool that chucks in your drill that has a dozen or so 4 or 6"(2
different models) real floppy foam/plastic discs that get stiff when the
drill rpms pick up.  Use it like you would a wire brush and it does get the
stuff off.  I think it's called  "3m pinstripe and adhesive removal
tool"  or something like that.  Any good auto body supply shop should have
one.  If not order one from Blackburn Marine out of the suburbs of
Houston.  The Roloc chuck and plastic discs run about $14 and they're worth
every penny.

  I used this tool for years removing hard crusty contact cement from the
bottom of ABS whitewater canoes when re-outfitting them for
customers.  It's possible to burn through the vinyl layer, but judicious
use won't harm paint or auto glass.  One of the best tools I own..  There
are many solvents that will get that gummy stuff off. Acetone evaporates
too quickly, so go for tolulene or methyl ethyl ketone.  The stuff that
smells like magic marker(xylene, I think)  works well too.  Wear gloves as
this stuff is nasty smelling and likes to kill off your brain cells when
you breathe it.

DM&FS

At 09:35 AM 2/4/2005, Sean Garrett wrote:
>I am trying to remove the old crappy (falling off) decals from my 1987
>Syncro. Its those funky looking racing stripes on the bottom panels. I
>bought and used a rubber (eraser type) wheel and used it at slow RPM
>last night. However it just turned the decal to a gummy substance that
>just spread all over the van panel from the wheel. Worse than before !!!
>
>Any body shop expertise out there I might be able to tap ? Suggestions ?
>
>Sean Garrett
>81 Westy (his, FOR SALE)
>95 EVC (hers)
>87 Syncro (2.5L Subie project)
>82 Parts Vanagon (need a part ?)
>Central Arizona
>
>
>
>
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