Whats the best way to get vinyl coverings on the tail lights off if they've been on for 18+ months?

 

reheat and pull off. it will be a pain but there's really no other way.

 

Was afraid you'd say that. I can't get at the edges, so I'm having to scrape it little by little as I heat it up with a hair dryer.

 

It depends on the vinyl that was used too. Crappy vinyl will be even worse to get off then a 3M grade vinyl or equivalent.

If you're careful enough, you can use a razor blade to start a section. Be careful to angle it right so you don't scrape/gouge the plastic. Just slowly nudge it until you get a good size piece to grab on to. Then slowly pull while heating it at the same time. After everything is removed, you can use an adhesive remover to get any remains of adhesive off, then dry gas/isopropyl alcohol to wipe everything clean.

I work in the graphics/print business so I know the hardship that's ahead of you. Just be glad it's the tail lights and not the whole car.

 

Thanks. LOL I'd almost rather the damn car instead of the tail lights.

 

heat+patience+ plastic razors vinyl guys use.

 

if there is residue left from the vinyl, an adhesive remover such as goo gone or anything safe for plastics will work too

 

that thing won't pump out enough heat. invest in a real heat gun, they're not that expensive and make working with vinyls much easier!

 

LOL I have one of those for working with heat shrink....just need to figure out wtf I did with it.

 

Heat and patience& tweezers.
Could be a bit by bit job.
3-M makes a adhesive remover that you can saturate the parts of the vinyl.
Its a mess.But to do it right,must be done in stages.

 

Got 2 of the 4 lights done...gonna need to refinish the tail lights on those two at some point. LOL I will get the heatgun and tweezers on the next two....