dbox

my lexus has a very annoying gold pin-stripe on it and its driving me insane. in some parts it's kind of worn out a bit but it others it's still pretty fresh looking. the fucking thing has got to go though... please someone tell me i can get it off.

thnx for any/all help

ktgumbo

I think some people have suggested goo-gone. But i am not sure if that is safe for the paint.

dbox

here is a crazy story for ya...

i had a 94 eclipse that was caught in the mist when my step dad was painting the damn garage(wagner spray gun). my entire BLACK car was covered in white little paint pieces. i tried everything and i couldnt get it out for shit. finally thinking i was getting a new paint job anyway... i used nail polish remover to take off the paint specks. it worked but left my black car grey looking... i then go to HI-LO and by some ZYMOL wax. holly shit! my car looked brand new... better than ever before. an amazing but true story. i'm just scared to try the same with the lexus.

CLpower

clay bars work great w/ overspray, but not on a pinstripe

Loseit

iTrader: (1)

if it is painted you an probably buff it off. I have done that with success.

Jens H.

as long as the paint is still the factory i use plain old brake parts cleaner.
Jens

Loseit

iTrader: (1)

wont that remove the body paint as well?

dbox

could you be more specific please?

what should i do after i use this brake parts cleaner? just wax it?

Jamz

dbox, I had my painted-on pinstripe removed a couple months ago.

Took it to a local bodyshop here and they had it done in a couple hours...and it only cost around $60.

They do a real fine wet-sanding and then just buff it out.

With the clear coat on the base paint I think it comes off fairly easy without leaving any damage to the paint underneath.

My pinstripe went down both sides and around the trunk and you'd NEVER know it was there...it looks beautiful.

Call a local bodyshop in your area and tell them you know a guy who had it removed for $60 and see if you get a good quote from them.

dbox

thnx jamz! will do...

BSK181

take it into one of those indoor parking structures

find a nice concrete column and line the car up with the pinstripe adjacent to the column

now just put in drive, no gas necessary and run along column.

if you do it just rite, you will take off just the stripe

g/l

dbox

ooooooooooooooooooooooooook

darrinb

take it to the shop that fixed your s2k

Jens H.

Always try the brand of brake parts cleaner on an unseen bit of paint first .I have used CRC brand brake parts cleaner .I just spray some on a rag and carefully work on the stripe till it's gone then just buff out the area and rewax.You can also obtain from most better stocked parts houses a rotary buff pad that is really good for gertting rid of stripes.Go tot he parts place and ask the people there is they have it.Most parts places that carry paint supplies etc. also carry the buffers and sometimes even the correct stripper to remove painted on stripes without harming the paint beneath .
Jens

dfreder371

Brake parts cleaner? I don't know about that, and I am a paid professional in both liquid and powder paint on an R&D level. Brake FLUID, on the other hand, will instantly destroy your paint. Not only the pinstripe, but the clear coat and beyond.

Take it to a body shop after washing your car really well (saves you $$$). They will probably use rough rubbing compound ( the orange stuff to remove the stripe, and follow it up with fine rubbing compound (the white stuff). This is the guaranteed correct way to do it. While you are at it, have them do the whole car with the white stuff. Your car will look like new. You bought a Lexus, you can afford it.

Do not try and do this yourself to save a buck or two. Rubbing out a car is an art! The correct amount of pressure with a buffer (or by hand) on a flat surface like the hood, is WAY TOO MUCH when you get to a sharp angle like where the trunk turns downward. Rub too hard? Now, we are talking "repaint". $$$$$. Leave this job to the seasoned pros!

4pumpedCL

I used brake cleaner on my old 94 4Runner back in the day and it ate the clear coat. Be VERY carefull before using this technique. I'd just get some abrasive rubbing compound and use a little elbow grease. That's the safe way to do it.

-Aaron

mattg

if it was me, first i would make sure no part of the pinstripe was clearcoated over. if all is well i woud use urethane thinner, the same thinner that is used to thin automotive paint, and wipe the stripe off w/ that. most likely you would be able to see where the stripe was after this process. then you would have to use some rubbing compound to get rid of the ghost lines. it would be easier w/ a high speed buffer.

if you are not comfortable, or do not have the tools or materials to do the job, i would recommend having a pro do it. just don't pay too much.



ps, if you were around here, i'd do it for you. ya big ol' pimp