My girlfriend recently bought a 06 JCW (OK I admit it, I talked her into it!). I have started to remove the stripes from the car as the plastic/vinyl material has degraded to the point where I can see base colour through fine cracks in the decal.

The boot and rear bumper came off easily using a hairdryer but the roof is turning into a bit of a nightmare! I'm scraping them off with my thumbnail, as I dont want to use anything too hard in case I damage the paint. Unfortunatley its coming off in 2-3 mm wide pieces.

Has anyone successfully used any form of scraper or tried the following.

Removing Decals | Remove Stickers | Vinyl Sign Removal (http://decalstickerremover.com/)


Thanks

I used a liquid product successfully called 'Vinyl Off' from ebay, not sure if its still on sale in small amount?

Vinyl Off (http://www.vinyloff.co.uk/)

Looks like it is available in smaller bottles, although the seller is based in the USA so would be a longer delivery time. How did you rate it?

Vinyl Stripe & Racing Stripe Remover Vinyl Off It Works on eBay (end time 07-Apr-11 16:02:22 BST) (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vinyl-Stripe-Racing-Stripe-Remover-Vinyl-Off-Works-/170525549569?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27b41d6401)

Worked well for me in the end getting some old worn viper stripes off a Mini roof without damage to paintwork below, like yours they were coming off in tiny pieces before, probably worth getting some if you can wait for delivery. I guess the roof stripes get baked on in the sun!

Ordered a bottle today! Thanks for the advice.

I'm sure I can find some other little jobs to keep me busy until it arrives. :)

Dunkers, did you receive the Vinyl Off yet, did it work?

Im looking to do the same thing.

Thanks

I used a heat gun and the mark 1 finger for the removal of my Black jack roof not a bad job either
http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww216/crawfordl1/STP60046.jpg

http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww216/crawfordl1/STP60009-25.jpg

And for that fact the rest of my vinyl too
http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww216/crawfordl1/IMG_0133.jpg:D

The Vinyl Off worked in that it did soften the adhesive but the vinyl was so degraded it was coming off in tiny pieces. Very time consuming.

In the end I resorted to this.

DECAL REMOVER ERASER WHEEL & ADAPTER on eBay (end time 01-Apr-11 14:01:02 BST) (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280638219810&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT)

It was much quicker at removing the old vinyl BUT (and it is a big but) you have to be VERY careful. I got some minor scratching and what looks like yellowing of the laquer in a couple of places. I suspect I went over the same area or held it on one area for too long. They look like they will come out if the car is machine polished and you wouldn't notice them unless you walk around the car and view it from different angles in good light. I will probably get this done anyway at some stage as there is still some "tan lines:)" where the stripes have been removed. I tried removing these using Metallic T-Cut. That helped but has not removed them completely.

I hate to say it but the safest (and most time consuming) way and the one that caused no damage was to use a hairdryer and slowly scrape of the vinyl.

It really is a matter of assessing the condition of the vinyl. The stripes on the boot and spoiler were still in good condition and came of easily with the hairdryer. I removed the glue residue with white spirit. The vinyl on the roof was so degraded I could see fine black lines (the paint) underneath the vinyl. I will take some photos this week if I get a chance in daylight.

Thanks for being honest, i didnt bother buying any.

I found a company who will remove the vinyl for £75. I might just use them, I am a bit heavy handed with things and probably take all the paint off.

As well as bonnet stipes, the previous owner also put like a checkerboard vinyl above the sideskirts. So there are loads of small pieces. I think this will take ages to remove.

With hindsight I would have happily paid someone £75 to remove my stripes especially if it included polishing out any fading in the laquer. Having said that, on our Mini they are over the entire car. :D