TOPIC: pinstripe/decal removal

What is the best/easiest/least expensive way to remove a lot of pinstriping and decals? I know there are probably 3 answers to that question. I just picked up this rough 1961 G3 and would like to eliminate the clutter. Thanks for your help.

Lonnie

Welcome aboard Lonnie, glad to have you join us. I've had pretty good success using a heat gun (or hair dryer) to warm up the adhesive, then use a razor blade to get stuff like that off. Just go easy on the heat, I understand it can cause problems with the gel coat if you get it too hot. (Also want to wear a glove on the hand you're using the razor blade with, it helps to keep from burning your fingers!)

Any residue left behind can be cleaned up with mineral spirits, "goo away" or similar products.

Hello Lonnie, and welcome to the crew. Mark is correct on removing them using heat and a razor blade. My concern would be if your deck is painted. The paint may blister. But the hairdryer worked for me. There are solvents but looking at your deck you will need a lot of solvent. Plus solvents never work well for me. Approach it with caution and I am sure you will do just fine.
Al

I would highly recommend these plastic razor blades vs metal. www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/search.do?freeText=plastic+razor+blades&page=GRID&engine=adwords!6456&keyword=plastic_razor_blades They work very well with little or no heat. Looks like you have a lot of stripes, heat will save time. I've used them for many things because they do not harm the surface.

Thanks for the all the great ideas. I'm going to West Marine to get the plastic razor blades, steal my wife's hair dryer and give it a try. The sponsons have decals too so I think I will tackle them first and see how it goes. Thanks again and any further ideas are welcome.

Lonnie

Lonnie,
One more small pieces of advice. With all that stripeing to strip buy your own hair dryer. Both my Xes told me the same thing! I didn't listen. LOL, Have a Great Weekend and Welcome.