safely removing adhesive residue from body paint - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kuene · #1 08-22-2016, 05:14 PM

I recently removed my dried/shriveled up plastic/vinyl covers from the inside window frames on my petrol blue 82 300d. It actually looks like it could be a factory configuration, as the frame is fully painted and no hardware or seams are exposed after removing the vinyl. Importantly, it really looks much better than having those nasty things wrinkled up.

However, there is some old adhesive residue in a few spots were the vinyl was originally glued. I found out the hard way that using standard "goo-gone" stuff removed the adhesive as well as the outer layer of paint! Luckily, it's in a small enough and localized area that I can touch it up with my body color spray can.

So, if goo-gone is no good, is there something safe to remove sticky residue for these vehicles with original 82 factory paint? I tried simple green, but it doesn't cut through the old sticky residue at all.

Rogviler · #2 08-22-2016, 05:25 PM

I did the same thing and tried a bunch of different fluids to remove that stuff, but didn't come up with anything. I asked before and nobody had an answer (guess it can't be removed by adjusting the valves or running Diesel Purge), so I'm still in if someone knows anything.

-Rog

BillGrissom · #3 08-22-2016, 05:52 PM

No experience, but ethanol should be fairly benign to the paint, at least for <1 day. Soak a small rag, cover w/ plastic, and tape it overnight. Gasoline is a good solvent too, and won't hurt the paint in brief exposure.

leathermang · #4 08-22-2016, 05:55 PM

In the old days we could buy a can of liquid which was for taking off the asphalt a car might get in a work zone... I am trying to think of the name of the stuff... a common dry cleaning liquid I think....
might have been Naptha ...
but there is another ' dry cleaning liquid ' also...

koooop · #5 08-22-2016, 07:31 PM

3M adhesive remover. The less expensive alternative is Turtle wax makes an adhesive remover in a spray can, it's about half the price of the 3M but it's about half as good.

Mike D · #6 08-22-2016, 07:47 PM

Try ammonia. Nasty smelling but it works a lot better than you'd think. I use it to strip 40 year old varnish off wooden doors without harming the wood surface.

duxthe1 · #7 08-22-2016, 07:55 PM

Find an "orange oil" based cleaner.

kuene · #8 08-22-2016, 07:56 PM

Ok. I just want to try something that folks here have used on their visible painted surfaces. I would have thought goo-gone was safe to use.

koooop, you've actually used 3m on your w123 paint?

duxthe1 · #9 08-22-2016, 08:04 PM

I routinely use an orange oil based cleaner on customer cars to remove adhesive.

Side note: The absolute worst thing you can do when you have a window regulator failure is put any form of tape on the body work. I've literally spent more time removing the adhesive than actually repairing the window.

Rick76 · #10 08-22-2016, 08:29 PM

I use Kent Acrysol high performance body solvent. Never had a problem with it hurting the paint.

steamboatsykes · #11 08-22-2016, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuene

I recently removed my dried/shriveled up plastic/vinyl covers from the inside window frames on my petrol blue 82 300d. It actually looks like it could be a factory configuration, as the frame is fully painted and no hardware or seams are exposed after removing the vinyl. Importantly, it really looks much better than having those nasty things wrinkled up.

The plastic window frame wrap was only a US market addition. Not to be seen on a Euro model. I think they look much better without.

jbach36 · #12 08-23-2016, 12:17 AM

Get a rubber disc for a drill. Use the drill at low speed and it will take that stuff off easily. They're used to remove pin striping off of cars, among many other uses.

jeff

koooop · #13 08-23-2016, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuene

Ok. I just want to try something that folks here have used on their visible painted surfaces. I would have thought goo-gone was safe to use.

koooop, you've actually used 3m on your w123 paint?

Not on the single stage enamel on the 240D. But I've used it on gel coat on boats, jet skis and any number of cars over the decades. The product is made for this use by 3M, they also make automotive paint, auto stickers, wraps, clearbra etc. The paint is 35 years old on my 240D so I'd test it in a hidden spot first like I would with any product.

Most recently I used it to remove the traction mats on two jet skis and to get the factory SRT emblems off my 300.

You'll probably have to work goo gone so hard you'll damage the paint. 3M is probably the right product for your application, follow the instructions on the can.

Now that I think about it I'm going to try it on the cosmoline under the hood of the 240D since nothing else has worked. This might work!

ykobayashi · #14 08-23-2016, 01:22 AM

I second gasoline. Try it on an area nobody can see first.

I had to remove that nasty glue from our Accord's door ding strips that had come off leaving gooey adhesive behind. Got it right off and the paint survived.

fahrvergnugen · #15 08-23-2016, 01:32 PM

3M adhesive remover worked when my accent striping came off in the car wash... No damage to paint, just had to use my fingernail too, no biggie just tedious.