Removing 3M Auto Adhesive Tape/Residue from Car (Side Scoops)

Ohio Detailing

Ohio Detailing

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Mike/Gentlemen!

Long story short, a person I was referred to for body work on my supercharged California Special was inept, so I'm left fixing little things like removing the side-scoops and aligning them properly with the curvature of the side-panles.

I did a full search of the entire forum, and only came up with removing 3M tape adhesive from shelving, using a rotary or steel wool. Since I'm removing the residue from a delicate surface/clear coat, I don't want to grind it, haha! QUESTION, BELOW!

Q: What method/product would be best to remove the left over residue from 3M double sided tape that was left behind after peeling off the tape itself... so as not to disturb or thin/mar the clear coat/paint?

Note: I am reinstalling the same side-scoop, just refitting it... so worse case scenario if I have to use any 0000 steel wool, and it leaves micro-scratching, no biggy, because everything will be covered back up when I reinstall it. Thanks! :)
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that 3m double side tape is a pain if u ask me . I've done my fair share on removing it. the bad part, as sticky as the glue is then u have to deal with the foam core of it . do a good google search on it , I do remember seeing lots of info of it . for me I simply used heat from hair dryer /heat gun , then use plastic razor blade along with mucho rubbing with fingers till your flesh is gone to the bone , lol jk , finish up with adhesive remover solvent and a rag . good luck . it's a pain . hopefully u don't have a whole lot of it .
 
poweraid said:
that 3m double side tape is a pain if u ask me . I've done my fair share on removing it. the bad part, as sticky as the glue is then u have to deal with the foam core of it . do a good google search on it , I do remember seeing lots of info of it . for me I simply used heat from hair dryer /heat gun , then use plastic razor blade along with mucho rubbing with fingers till your flesh is gone to the bone , lol jk , finish up with adhesive remover solvent and a rag . good luck . it's a pain . hopefully u don't have a whole lot of it .
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Thanks :) The good news is I only have a few strips that didn't come off when peeling, that are maybe four inches long... not a huge undertaking, but I really hit a wall with that final bottom layer of adhesive glue that stays behind.

Also, the 3M packaging says to use alcohol to prep the painted surface for when I reinstall the side-scoop. WHAT KIND of alcohol is best, I know bodyshops use isopropyl, right (?) but can I use common household rubbing alcohol?

PS: Is Goof Off useable on a car's painted surface?
 
Goof off works perfectly well and is safe.

For alcohol, plain old isopropl is fine. $0.88 a bottle.
 
Dynamic Detailing. Do you have pictures of you're Stang posted? I'd love to see it. Been a Mustang lover since the mid 70's
 
I've always used a 3m eraser wheel, takes it off fast and never had trouble with damaging the paint.


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Spiney said:
Dynamic Detailing. Do you have pictures of you're Stang posted? I'd love to see it. Been a Mustang lover since the mid 70's
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I don't actually, the funny thing is, the pictures of it DON'T do it justice. The car in person seriously looks better than something from a magazine, it's breathtaking. I still have a LOT of plans for it, however, I'll go dig up a picture from last summer after I got all the work done to it and post it here in a moment :) Thanks for asking.

Db1987 said:
I've always used a 3m eraser wheel, takes it off fast and never had trouble with damaging the paint.
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Never heard of that product, thanks a lot for the suggestion!
 
Hey Spiney, here's a picture one of my amazing mechanics and tuners took after the project was complete (at lease Phase-1, haha!) His company is Smokey's Dyno, based in Ohio... absolutely phenomenal, over-the-top service and quality. The kind of quality that customers want and wish for but never seem to actually get - WONDERFUL COMPANY. I am saving up for a forged engine and Supercharger Upgrade to something INSANE around 2013 when I can lay down 850hp. Smokey's Dyno | High Performance Car Tuning

The 360 degree burnout was awesome, there's a video of it on YouTube somewhere, I'll look for it.

Here's one video I was able to find... this was shot on the Dyno, put out almost 600 at the crank, but the bodywork and upgrades were no where NEAR DONE! [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrTDeG0mitw&list=UUOfFYNGge3gWaU-W6LuIgEg&index=12&feature=plcp]Kenne Bell Supercharged 2009 Ford Mustang GT Tuned By Smokey's Dyno - YouTube[/video]

PS: I have a lot of posts chronicling the entire build process and some other pictures over on Mustang Forums :)
 
Which Mustang forum are you on?

May I ask what does a Dyno tuneup cost?

Right now I have a Super Chip but I want to remove it and get a custom tune. Thanks for the pictures.
 
Dynamic_Detailing said:
Great, thank you. Looks like plain old Rubbing Alcohol
we already have, is the same as "Isopropyl Alcohol," according to some Googling and
Wikapedia Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Hi DD - Some rubbing alcohol has additives (lanolin, etc.) so they won't dry out the skin. It
may leave a residue behind. I wouldn't chance it. Isopropyl alcohol is cheap and readily
available.

Rick
 
Spiney said:
Which Mustang forum are you on?

May I ask what does a Dyno tuneup cost?

Right now I have a Super Chip but I want to remove it and get a custom tune. Thanks for the pictures.
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Hope you liked the pictures and video! Also, I think I may have mentioned this but I'm on Mustang Forums! Great place to really learn a LOT about Mustang specific information from some super educated and passionate guys. A lot of the guys tried to belittle my car, because they wanted me to fit within the restrictive confines of what they deemed as appropriate when it comes to modifying - but that's obviously NOT the point, it's an individual pursuit. Of course I know 22'' wheels won't hook up on the quarter mile, but I have never taken any car to the quarter mile, haha, oh brother.

As far as a custom tune, they are the best... the give you print outs, and even let you sit in the car while they tune at their amazing shop location, so it all unfolds right in front of you. I don't know how much Smokey's Dyno charges though, because my project was in 2011, and it's different for every car, plus my tune was extensive with the full exhaust along with the throttle body and Stage-2 Supercharger. I would shoot them an email though, you can contact them by phone 330-644-0021 or email by clicking here: Smokey's Dyno | Contact Us Today

rcomito said:
Hi DD - Some rubbing alcohol has additives (lanolin, etc.) so they won't dry out the skin. It
may leave a residue behind. I wouldn't chance it. Isopropyl alcohol is cheap and readily
available.

Rick
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Thanks Rick! I have some alcohol prep-pads, those look like they'd be perfect! That would only be for prepping the side-scoops and side panels on the car before reinstalling them though, as far as removing the last bits of residue, I think I'll just use Goof Off, thanks!!

PS: DOES ANYONE KNOW OF ANYTHING STRONGER THAN 3M TAPE? I think my only other option would be to use something permanent like a glue, or even screws?
 
Stang is sick dude. I'm so caught up in the car, I don't even have a answer for your question. Keep living the dream brother..
 
bigdriver4u said:
Stang is sick dude. I'm so caught up in the car, I don't even have a answer for your question. Keep living the dream brother..
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Thanks so much, really nice of you to say! It's been a lot of fun thus far! I get excited when the weather's nice enough to bring him out.
 
HI EVERYONE - UPDATE

I wanted to let everyone know thanks to the VERY HELPFUL advice in this thread, I took a while today, using a large amount of Goof Off and elbow grease, and finally removed all of the remaining residue from the 3M double sided auto adhesive tape! :)

Now... the only thing I have left to do is buy some more of the tape, and reinstall the side-scoop.

Does anyone have any suggestions on the STRONGEST bonding material short of using a nail gun so they don't pop off anymore... and, does anyone have any suggestions for the actual installation process (aligning the side scoop on the car, placing the 3M tape on the side scoop, etc)?
 
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