My '03 had the standard double-pinstripe which had cracked and faded, and has now been removed. My preference is to run *no* stripe (I've never been a fan), but the old stuff left visible remnants that bug me.

Wondering if anyone has suggestions for an alternative to simply re-doing what was already there. I'm looking for something fairly subtle, and so am planning on using black.

Note: The original pinstripe wrapped around back and went across the top of the tailgate, but I think I can get away with leaving that bare if another design warrants it.

Thanks in advance.

Andy

 

Hey andy, what do you mean by left visible remnants? Goo? Or darker paint? Your paint appears to be in good condition, I would go as far as to say a good detailer could blend the paint to where you never knew it was there to begin with. I have done it on multiple vehicles including black.

 

I agree with 02, you should be able to take a polishing pad and orbital to it and gently take of any 'remnants'. Can you show us some pictures of what specifically you are referring too?

 

"the standard double-pinstripe" was put on in the detail/delivery prep shop at the dealer or the PO did it, they sell the 3M stripe kits everywhere. Super easy to put on, a little tricky to keep really straight. Some cut the stripe at the gaps, some wrap it around the gap. All should set or glue down the ends with Clear coat touch-up/Nail Polish.


For Removal- Careful Razor blade to get it started, then pull it free. Any left over residue can easily removed with lacquer thinner or acetone on a cotton towel. Do not spray directly on your paint and allow to sit... unless you really want your paint to look bad.

 

I was able to get much of the "staining" up with polishing compound, but you can still see and feel where the tape was. The pic below shows my results with a bit more aggressive compound on the left. On the right is what is left in most areas. Machine-buffing might get rid of the color staining, but I think it would take 2000-grit, polish, etc. to get it to where it's no longer visible (if even 100% possible).



Andy

 

Yeah, I said "standard" because it seems like almost every truck had this added. I've done some striping in the past, and actually had it turn out well. Pros usually cut the tape. Wrapping isn't supposed to be "correct," although I actually prefer it.

No way this was going to peel up with how badly deteriorated it was. I ended up using a 3M eraser wheel, and alcohol for the residue.



Andy

 

A light wet sand(2000) and then compound buff of the clear, should take care of the light scratches. Those razor cut lines at the end my need slightly more grit (1000 or 1500)and more elbow. Also acetone works better alcohol on the adhesive.

 

Was this post really about showing all of us here, your Colorado fall colors on those Aspens?

 

No, just one of the only pics I had on my phone that shows the current status of the truck, and is a decent side shot.

Andy