Super-stubborn sticky

[Dyaque]

The colour code sticker disintegrated and peeled off, leaving just a couple of corners to clean off before installing the new one. But can I shift them? Nope.

Have given well over an hour of soaking and scrubbing with both Terpanol and Evo-Stik adhesive remover and it has made no discernable difference. Have previously tried leaving a soaked tissue on for a few hours and coming back but that didn't work either.

The photos show how it was before, during and after my attempts!

Any ideas for what to try next please?

[mean in green]

Just had a look at the datasheet for that adhesive cleaner - surprising that a naptha / hexane / acetone mix didn’t work. 
 

You could try lighter fluid before resorting to thinners, which is the next most aggressive chemical option, but before that I’d try a different approach: careful use of a heat gun on the residue and a stanley / razor blade. 

[Nige]

White spirit or lighter fluid.

[Ian Comerford]

WD40 is usually very good at softening sticky stiff enough that it can be wiped off after a soak

[Type911]

If the evostick didnt work its not glue left over from the sticker, I suspect its superglue, try a super glue remover.

[ALEX P]

I've been removing a load of old glue recently and used this stuff which worked really well. Stinks a bit though.

https://www.gtechniq.co.uk/shop/auto/wash-decon/w7-tar-and-glue-remover/

As others have said, if someone has used Araldite you may have to get chiselling. Or just stick over the top!

[Roy M]

I use TARDIS fir jobs like this. Given what seems to be left is it worth trying a clay bar to see if that shifts it?

[Dyaque]

Thanks, all. Hadn't considered superglue but that would make sense. Why would anyone do that..? 🤦‍♂️

Will give these all a go but can't help a sense of impending doom.

Cheers

 

Jack

[Type911]

It was probably coming unstuck at those 2 corners

[Roy M]

If it is super glue then Ian's WD40 suggestion is your best bet.

Edited July 5, 2022 by Roy M

[Anil]

Just out of interest, is there supposed to be a decal / label in that panel on an IB?

[Type911]

Early IB had an Alternator decal there. Nothing on SC & later

[apesman]

1 hour ago, Anil said:

Just out of interest, is there supposed to be a decal / label in that panel on an IB?

On a 74 second panel is not used.

 

[Dyaque]

On 05/07/2022 at 12:32, Anil said:

Just out of interest, is there supposed to be a decal / label in that panel on an IB?

There was a colour code sticker there. I was going to replace it but will now check the correct position. Thanks for the heads-up.

[Dyaque]

Ha ha! Just a little way out then!  😬

[Aircoolist]

Hi @Dyaque,

I hope you’re good!

May I ask what worked in the end? I’m trying to remove very hard brown/yellow adhesive left on both the car and my sunroof before applying new seals.

its blood rock solid stuff! I’m conscious of not stripping the paint. Have so far tried WD40, GooGone and a little white spirit. Even some bathroom sealant remover. 

It’s like the stuff needs soaking overnight in something aggressive to soften it up but doesn’t attack the paint. 

Any input welcome!

 

[Nige]

Have you tried a little heat, obviously start gentle so you don't bubble up your paint accidently.  Then use a plastic scraper to see if it lifts?

[Aircoolist]

Excellent idea @Nige thank you! Just bought a superior plastic scraper and will start with a hairdryer and move to the careful and distanced use of a heat gun if that doesn’t work. I’ve been focused on adhesive remover products and totally forgot about using heat to appreciate you taking the time to write. Thanks! 

[Nige]

Maybe boiling water might help too, or a household steam cleaner if you have one?

[Aircoolist]

Ah okay, will try everything as it’s holding up driving the car! No sunroof in British summertime can easily lead to a cockpit full of water!

[SurlySurdi]

Some isopropyl alcohol might do the trick, I've used it successfully many times.

SS

[Chris_911]

Petrol?

 

[sopor]

xylene. but do it outdoors and wear a suitable mask and gloves

[Aircoolist]

Hi @SurlySurdi @Chris_911 @sopor thanks for the further suggestions! Amazon is going to think I’m concocting something as each day I order another aggressive substance! 
 

I’m eager to get the seals on, so appreciate your input as the glue is now holding me up! Guess it’s to be expected after 40 years in place. 

[Dyaque]

Any luck @Aircoolist? 

Sorry for my delay responding, I was away from the car and couldn't remember whether I had succeeded! Turns out not; I think I thought life too short to worry about these minor imperfections...