PCA SDR

We will be applying graphics to Tuffy soon and need some opinions. There is a ½” wide rubber door ding protector that runs down the length of each side. The number sections on the doors will have to take that into account somehow. I see a few choices:

1. Remove them, then the ancient adhesive holding them on, then put a stripe of some kind over where they were as I would guess that the paint will get munged up (that’s an official paint tech word).

2. Cut the rubber strip and remove just the section and adhesive where the number plate will cover, figuring that the paint damage that might happen will be covered anyway.

3. Leave the rubber strip and work the graphic over it carefully and accept whatever distortion of the numbers may occur.

What are your thoughts folks?

Thanks,
Mark

Mark,
My suggestion is to remove them. As a race car, they just get in the way! With different numbers and classes with different organizations, you will need the flat space, and gettting the graphics cleanly over them is a major hassle.

I also suggest using 3M adhesive remover (or another that I bought, but can't remember the name of right now). That will soften up the "ancient adhesive" and allow you to remove it with a plastic paint scraper or (carefully) with a putty knife. If you let it soak in, the strip should come off without taking any of the paint with it.

If you can't find the 3M adhesive remover (It is a little difficult to find in CA), let me know and I will get you the details on the other stuff I bought which does work.

There is also a rubber wheel that is used with a drill motor that you can get at a Detail Supply Shop which will remove the adhesive. I have seen it used on one of my cars but not used it myself. Just check with a Detail Supply Shop.