posted 12-01-2007 10:14 AM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by Kraut:
it was installed using only water.

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If the adhesive is the same as the 3M reflective films that I'm familiar with, the adhesive coating contains millions of encapsulated adhesive "beads". The soapy water is used for easy positioning, but when it is squeegeed, the beads break and release the adhesive. The adhesive strength may vary from "Post-It Note" to permanent, but I believe that you'll find it's more than the vacuum created by squeezing out the water.

-GRROWL

posted 12-01-2007 10:26 AM                  

Once you get it off...WD-40 works pretty good at removing the adhesive residue.

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Pantera

posted 12-01-2007 03:25 PM                  

(this is one of about 50 technical bulletins)

The key sentence is,

"The 3M recommended films are available with pressure-activated adhesive that is slideable,
positionable and repositionable until film application pressure is applied."

posted 12-01-2007 08:27 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by thomas leuschner:
Grrowl.
I went to the 3M site and found the removal procedure. It looks like I wont be able to do this myself.
Reads like I need a plan B ( Professional help ). Many thanks guys.
Tom

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I doubt that the material used for the deck lid protectors is the strongest/permanent type, it should be more of a light/intermediate (but there's definitely some adhesive). Try the heat as recommended (not too much), and the 3M site says that the remainder should be removeable with mineral spirits (make sure you protect ("wax") when done).

-GRROWL

posted 12-02-2007 09:06 AM                  

The reason I want to remove the one I have is to replace it with the bigger decal for the hardtop.

posted 12-02-2007 10:56 AM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by thomas leuschner:
The reason I want to remove the one I have is to replace it with the bigger decal for the hardtop.

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First, I see you're in E. Islip - hi, I grew up in North Babylon.

Second, it's not that hard to do it yourself - full instructions over at:
http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum9/HTML/001065.html

quote:

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Originally posted by GRROWL:
Look what 5' of vinyl and an X-Acto knife can do:

It continues the black-on-yellow theme:

To answer the question of how much larger the hardtop is compared to the softtop: 2-3/4":

GRROWL's new logo:

Not all that difficult, but it did take two tries to work out the procedure. I'd be happy to answer any questions if anyone else is interested.

-GRROWL

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Third, if you're doing this for protection from the hardtop, it doesn't provide as much benefit as I originally thought:

The soft-top uses a gasket that has contact surfaces on the paint like knife edges - yes, I would strongly recommend decklid protectors to everyone for the soft-top. However, the hardtop has a soft, round gasket where it makes contact. With over 4 years using the hardtop decklid protector, the soft-top has cut deeply into the vinyl. There is no indication whatsoever of a hardtop ever contacting the vinyl. I would take pictures except for two reasons:

1. The hardtop is on for the winter.
2. The car is being stored in a friend's garage until the new home for GRROWL/Sparky is built.

-GRROWL

P.S. - Future home for GRROWL and Sparky: