[Z06] Best way to remove BSM?
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 62
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From: Coatesville PA.
Best way to remove BSM?
I am thinking of removing body side moldings from 2001 Z06. Torch red with excellent paint and garaged. Any thoughts on best way to safely remove without damage? My first thoughts are using a hot gun to heat up and then pull off. I'm worried the paint under the moldings will be damaged and not look right. I like the look without moldings but wonder if I should do it. Thanks for suggestions and experience.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 14,639
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From: Winston-Salem North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I used a household blow dryer. I have an industrial heat gun, but it gets too hot. After I heated the area well, I pulled it off with steady pressure. Some people use fishing line between the molding and the car, along with the heat. I got most of the tape/sticky stuff off by rubbing it with the tip of my finger. I figured that the fingernail would scratch. After it was all off, some cleaner wax, buff and done. No fade at all, and it was on the car for 4 yrs.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,847
Likes: 10
From: Bartlett, IL
Cruise-In XI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
I have pulled moulding off of other cars, luckily my Z didnt have it when I got her. I use the heat gun meathod to remove the moulding itself, kerosene, prep solvent or a paint safe bug/tar remover to get the glue stuff off. You may need to skate over the area lightly with a buffer to remove any haze you may get in the paint from removing the glue, the haze is so light that you can usually get away using a foam pad and polishing glaze.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 13,292
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From: Hockessin Delaware
Originally Posted by GeorgeZNJ
I used a household blow dryer. I have an industrial heat gun, but it gets too hot. After I heated the area well, I pulled it off with steady pressure. Some people use fishing line between the molding and the car, along with the heat. I got most of the tape/sticky stuff off by rubbing it with the tip of my finger. I figured that the fingernail would scratch. After it was all off, some cleaner wax, buff and done. No fade at all, and it was on the car for 4 yrs.
except mine were only on for about 2.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 129
Likes: 1
From: Parry Sound Ontario
Don't use a heat gun, too hot. A hair dryer is safer. I used 10 # fishing line to start for about 8". After that use the dryer and slowly pull them off. The short pieces are mostly fishing line and I found the hardest to get off. First side took me an 1/2 of an hour, the 2nd side about 10 minutes.
Took longer to get rid of the glue. I used 3m contact cement remover & varsol. Also used duct tape to pull some of it off before I used the chemicals but I think chemicals are safer than the duct tape.
The car looks so much better without them and you cannot see any signs that they were on.
Took longer to get rid of the glue. I used 3m contact cement remover & varsol. Also used duct tape to pull some of it off before I used the chemicals but I think chemicals are safer than the duct tape.
The car looks so much better without them and you cannot see any signs that they were on.
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 129
Likes: 1
From: Parry Sound Ontario
Originally Posted by bob guzzy
If you can, let it stand in the sun, helps heat the side up, and then you only need a little heat from a hair dryer..
That's a pretty good tip, I took mine off in Oct in the garage & I live in a pretty cold area. Letting it soak up some sun really would have helped.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,920
Likes: 2
From: North Bend WA
I've done it recently, and used a hair dryer, fishing line, and 3M adhesive remover. It's not difficult work, and you'll likely be happy with the end result if you're already considering removing them...I know I was! 
Picture of finished product:
http://www.suprahardtopregistry.com/Z06/Z06_004.JPG
Picture of finished product:
http://www.suprahardtopregistry.com/Z06/Z06_004.JPG
