Hey,

The RX330 been in the family for a long time. I personally hate the pinstripes on it, looks kind of cheap to me. And it also doesn't help that its faded out. Is there any DIY to remove it, or do you think I should get a professional or maybe even the dealership to get it out? I'm not even sure if you could remove it, at times I think it's actually painted on there. I don't know, but I would love to clean up the look of this RX by removing it with any of your guys opinions.

Thanks.

 

If it is lines, then they are most probably decal. With an old credit card or nail (thumb or index finger) you can pry off from a starting end. Light heat-gun can soften up the adhesive [dont burn the finish].

Caution: Once you remove the pin-stripe, you may be worse off as the color under the stripe will be different.

Salim

 

+1 Salim, a friend of mine had bamboo pearl, removed the decal taped lines, very noticable, used Zaino products to buff out

 

Suggest u leave them on. Will not look good unless u spend lots of time & or money.

 

If they are stick ons, lots of buffing required, but doable. If painted on, that's anither story.

 

Ha, okay so I find out it is actually painted on there. How do I go on about this?



How much do you think it'll cost to paint over the pinstripes? I don't know if it is that easy.

I also have many plans for this car. But I'll subtle about it till I get it done.

 

would touch up paint do the job?

 

Looking at the pics, don't think touch-up paint will work

 

Saw this thread & Yes IK its a old one......I used aircraft paint stripper & then compounded & polished the area......

 

Nice!

I trust the paint stripper won't remove the paint & clearcoat?
For removing stickers and decals, would a heat gun help a little if someone doesn't get the paint too hot?

 

Can't believe anyone would use aircraft paint stripper that stuff removes almost anything. At least it does for me.

datasheet says:

 

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Yeah, I wouldn't use paint stripper. If the stripes are plastic, then either the heat gun or decal remover will work without hurting the base paint. If the stripes are an enamal, then lacquer thinner will usually take it all off w/o harm to factory paint.

When mine had some sections that flaked off, I had a sign shop pinstripe over the bad sections and you can't tell at all. You can also have the pinstriper add to what's there to make it a decoration you like. I'll post some photos if I can make it work.

 

When I rebadged my RX330 and removed the old badges, behind them was some kind of impossible glue.

I was worried anything used would pull the paint.
Tried decal remover and the glue just laughed at me! haha

Next I tried straight acetone and was cringing the whole time.
While it slowly softened up the glue I was worried it would ruin the clear coat but I only used enough to get the job done and washed it off asap and did no damage.
Heat didn't do much to soften the glue(maybe a little) but old crusty pinstripes probably need sanded off I'm guessing but just a guess.

PS- Felix is a paint & finish guy so wasn't trying to embarass my friend with my questions above, I only know I had to use measures that probably would not be recommended too. lol

 

Say hey Phil, Lacquer thinner on a paper towel would do the job. I used a plastic razor blade & lacquer thinner to remove the lettering on the rear hatch. The price for those ''330'' emblems are spendy, wow.

 

Lacquer thinner instantly removes some clear coats be very careful.