23 year old glue removal

[dossbag]

Hi, I got a 93 Katana GSX600F in a pretty good deal, but the plastics pretty beat up and purple on red just doesn't do anything (apart from make me want to heave) for me.

I peeled off the gory offenders with a heat gun and a bit of patience, but the glue is a different matter.
I have so far tried.
Goo Gone
Acetone
Vinegar
De-greaser (going through the cupboard here)
Gasoline....
Release oil - like WD-40 but not actually WD-40

Nothing is really doing it.. I have kinda scraped off a very small section but the time it took means this isn't really a viable option.
Does anyone know a way to get this crap off? If you have had surefire success with something, please let me know.
Thanks - Jeff

 

[dossbag]

Add Kerosene, Windex, Furniture polish and fly spray lol to the list
Oh.. and CLR I'm about to hit it with the grinder grrrrrrrr

 

[chuck hahn]

Rubbing Alcohol has taken any decal residues off for me. Dont know what yours is made of but its worth a shot I guess.

 

[dossbag]

OK.. I seem to have a few flavors of Alcohol around.. I'll give it a whizz.. Thanks

 

[chuck hahn]

Not drinking alcohol....too weak and its for your liver anyway.....LOL

 

[dossbag]

Ahh.. didn't work.
This stuff is baked on.. rock hard. I did get a sleight reaction with gas but there must be something that can do the job.
I'll nip out and get some WD in a bit. If anyone has a rock solid method of doing this PLEASE let me know

 

[chuck hahn]

Wonder if its actually set into the clear and thats why it wont come off??? May need to GENTLY sand it with some 1500 grit and reclear it.

 

[steve murdoch]

I have used a bug and tar remover from Turtle Wax with good results.
A lot of work but i heated the residue/glop with a hair dryer and used the edge of a plastic credit card along with the remover.

 

[Guest]

If it's still kind of tacky, try 3M adhesive remover. I use a soaked rag and scrape it with a old credit card, your finger nail, or razor blade (with caution.) It may take several applications to get it all off. I used to have a business replacing vinyl graphics on RVs and this worked well for me. I had to buy another side cover, and the original decal was on it. That's how I got the glue off.

 

[dossbag]

3M adhesive remover... about 14 - 15 bucks on Amazon.. Reviews look good and free plastic razor blades

(plastic razor blades?) :/

I was looking around and Rustoleum has one too.
Permatex...
And Turtle wax.

The glue is on top of the plastic fairing.. and it's not a fine layer, it's almost as thic as the decal was.. pity it didn't stick to the decal as well as it stuck to the fairing.
I have a 4" square patch after messing about for hours... and there is a LOT to go. Ever wish you never started something.

Thanks Steve, Deuce (nice motor)
And Chuck for the input... It looks like I need something specialized like you advise. Of course I'll start with the cheapest option first lol
....after a read a few million reviews. I'll report back with the best I find and at least it might end up being a "tip" in the end.

I ordered some..[h=1]Turtle Wax T-529 Label & Sticker Remover - 10 oz[/h]
Jeff

 

[Nessism]

I've had good results with WD-40. You may have to lay a napkin or similar over the spot and then saturate with the sauce and let it dwell for a while to soften the goo.

 

[Guest]

Sometimes fingernail polish remover works for me but not always.

 

[BurntKittyForge]

Sometimes fingernail polish remover works for me but not always.

Fingernail polish (EDIT:Remover) is acetone...The $1 store kind (when just need a little bit) is acetone w/ water, dye and sometimes girly scent...

 

[Guest]

just be aware acetone will melt abs plastic.

 

[Guest]

I used an orange smelling paint remover on the side cover (after I got the glue off) and it didn't like the plastic either. I kept thinking I was scraping off black paint, but it was the plastic that was being scraped off. Had a lot of sanding to do afterwards to get it smooth.

 

[BurntKittyForge]

Just to clarify, I was adding info. about nail polish remover/acetone was all.
NOT suggesting using it.
I've had good luck removing sticky residue with "Goof-Off" spray or liquid.
A little pricey but works ok.
but don't blame me if it melts/strips something. It's more mild than any stripper IMO.

 

[dossbag]

OK, thanks for all your input, Thought I would report back with what happened...
I used the Turtle wax label remover stuff and after leaving it on for 20 - 30 minutes it did gel up a fine layer. I scraped with a scraper and got a "coat" off.. repeat.... repeat... repeat and I was starting to lose paintwork. So be aware, it "may eat your paint job. I don't really care as I'm going to respray anyway but might be a nasty surprise for someone who wasn't planning it. I got more off when I switched to a wide chisel lol

I can't say it works well.. just that it works as well as you have time to put into it. I got enough off so that I could use my sander and give my paint something to stick to.

 

[uk gs nut]

View attachment 47191
The lads at work that remove decals and glue use tar and glue remover with these plastic razor blades.. No good for a close shave before a night out .