Advice when debadging..

z20k · Post by **z20k** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 6:04 pm

Don't use a heat gun, you're better off without it. When removing my back ones, it left an indention of the buddy logo whereas the side that didn't get heat gunned looks fine. Luckily I was putting on a 170i badge in its place so it looks fine now, but just a heads up.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 11:01 pm

I think I remember someone posted about using oiled pieces of dental floss. (Pygmy pony optional)

z20k · Post by **z20k** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 11:06 pm

Yeah that's what ended up working best. And upon closer inspection it's less of an indention and more of an impression that will probably go away with enough time. (I'm a bit OCD, so that's what I'm telling myself!)

thatvwbusguy · Post by **thatvwbusguy** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 11:11 pm

A normal hair dryer is a better choice than a heat gun unless you have a lot of practice with the heat gun. Try to keep the dryer at a sharp angle (not 90 degrees to the badge) and heat it in sections to avoid warping any panels.

The oiled floss idea works pretty well too. You can also use GooGone or another label release to lubricate the floss. Be careful to test any chemical you choose on an inconspicuous spot before attacking the main panels with it.

z20k · Post by **z20k** » Sat Sep 22, 2012 11:28 pm

Well I wasn't the one using the heat gun, but I did ask the person using it to do so. Hah.

I really do think it'll eventually 'wear' the impression out though.

gilbee · Post by **gilbee** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 1:58 am

i recently debadged my stella.
my wife's hair dryer, some dental floss, some pry sticks and some spray on car wax worked perfectly.

the hair dryer softened up the adhesive enough to get the floss under it and when the floss got stuck, i used the paint safe pry sticks (i got from work

)

the wax was perfect especially for cleaning up the residue adhesive.
i couldn't be happier with the results

VinylDoctor · Post by **VinylDoctor** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 6:09 am

yeah no heat gun?
did anyone think the plastic panels are made with heat? and prolly less then a heat gun would put out too. I repair vinyl and that cures at around 1100 degress. prolly more then enoght to turn a plastic scooter body to a large puddle.

z20k · Post by **z20k** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 1:08 pm

Yeah it makes sense now.

Also, after looking at the area yet again I'm less optimistic about it. I'm going to replace the panel.