Most Class A coaches have a protective film on the front end usually by 3M or Diamond Shield. After some time, this film gets damaged by yellowing, cracking, or mold under the film. Our coach was no exception so it was time to start the task of removing it. I started with the passenger front bottom corner and worked about two hours a day removing the film and the adhesive. If you're lucky the bigger the piece you can peel off at a time, the less adhesive residue is left. After two days I got this piece looking from this:
To this:
I've experimented so far with plastic razor blades to start the peeling of the film, and then I used some old "Scratch Doctor" polish I had to help remove the adhesive. The polish actually is doing a good job, but I got some "Goof Off" adhesive remover to see if it will make the job a little easier. It does okay so I will use it up and then try a different product next.
I then bought some expensive "GraphXOff" and it really screwed up some of my paint. As instructed, I tried some on an inconspicuous place and I saw no problems. I then put some on by the headlight and it ruined the paint job. I contacted the company, Auto Trim Design, and it was basically "tough luck, your problem" so they really suck. I did not want to use any more since I have no idea where it may eat the paint next.
I then went to the over the counter "Goo Gone" and it made the removal of the adhesive so much easier. I peel the decal off as much as I can to minimize the remaining adhesive and the Goo Gone takes it off with very little effort. I wish I would have kept track of my hours, but total is roughly 20 hours of work. Look at the left side of the body compared to the right, this is with Goo Gone.
Overall, I enjoyed it as I save about $750 and I worked at my pace with my stereo on. I finally finished the project and she looks good. The paint under the 3M decal was still very nice.
From this
To this!
During this process I noticed the headlight lenses had fogged terribly. Using the Turtle Wax Polishing Compound the fog was instantly cleared off. What an awesome find!
The lenses turned out very nice.
