taking off graphics.... - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

RedPolaris97 · 01-09-2007, 08:17 PM

Hey guys, So I was really bored today and i went outside and started taking off all the graphics on my sled, seeing as they don't even match it any more. They are hideous teal green and purple...yuck

So....so far i took all of the graphics off the sides of the front, There aren't really any on the hood since its not the original hood, and i started taking the stickers off the tunnel that run right along the bottom of the seat...there a pain in the ass, but it will be worth it once im done. So far it looks a million times better. I'm also getting custom number stickers to put on so i dont have to have the ugly licence plate sticker the state gives out. Once I get it finished, probably thursday, I'll post up some pics! Thanks guys...hopefully im not boring you..lol -Dave

SnowBunny550 · 01-09-2007, 08:38 PM

Nope, not boring - just waiting for pictures!

80JD440 · 01-09-2007, 10:37 PM

What are you using to take the stickers off? A heat gun would probably work marvels. We used a heat gun to take the stickers off of my truck. It was a snap.

RedPolaris97 · 01-09-2007, 11:24 PM

Yea, i dont have a heat gun...so im just using my hair dryer..lol works just as good.

powderhound · 01-10-2007, 09:53 AM

I got a 05 Stock Rev 500ss and i just bought a new grapchis kit for it, but the question i have is what would be the best way to take of the old graphics without hurting or melting the body? I though about using a heat gun they do work good on cars but with with the rev the body is like a hard plastic material do u think it would damage it? I need some tips so im open for anything. Thanks

SnowBunny550 · 01-10-2007, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powderhound

I got a 05 Stock Rev 500ss and i just bought a new grapchis kit for it, but the question i have is what would be the best way to take of the old graphics without hurting or melting the body? I though about using a heat gun they do work good on cars but with with the rev the body is like a hard plastic material do u think it would damage it? I need some tips so im open for anything. Thanks

You should be able to use the same process. Just be careful with that heat gun. If you have a hair dryer try that - I don't think they get quite as hot, but it still works.

badbrad · 01-10-2007, 06:44 PM

you don't want to hold the heat gun too close you are going to melt the plastics and make it look worse use a hair dryer or be careful, hope it works well for you.

RedPolaris97 · 01-10-2007, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powderhound

I got a 05 Stock Rev 500ss and i just bought a new grapchis kit for it, but the question i have is what would be the best way to take of the old graphics without hurting or melting the body? I though about using a heat gun they do work good on cars but with with the rev the body is like a hard plastic material do u think it would damage it? I need some tips so im open for anything. Thanks

yea im just using a hair dryer...like what they said its not as powerful as a heat gun. when i was doing mine it was gettin pretty cold out so i dont think it would have done any damage if i held it on there all day long. it workd really good. what i did too was hold the hair dryer in one hand and use ur other hand to peel the sticker off. while doing so, aim the hair dryer at the sticker when ur peeling it off cause it keeps it nice and warm and it heats up the glue so most of it comes off once u peel the sticker off. once i got the stickers off i just used some rubbing alcohol and a cloth and wiped the gooey stuff off. hopefully that helped!

now i have a question...there is a big sticker that runs along the tunnel on my sled right below the seat. it is one piece and runs the whole length of the tunnel. i started taking that off too, but its taking me FOREVER!! i was wondering if anyone knows of any other tips i could use to get this thing off. oh..also this is just bare aluminum not plastic...i believe this is why its giving me a hard time. idk...as of right now its just gonna take me hours to get this one stupid sticker off...hopefully u guys have some tips!

the end result is soooo worth it

**RJ Gleason** · 01-10-2007, 11:13 PM

Spray wd-40 on the exposed glue. It will help it to release.

IndianRvrShiver · 01-11-2007, 06:30 AM

Being it's on aluminum, a liquid/gel paint stripper should work.

allisonmo2 · 01-11-2007, 07:55 AM

i own a sign shop and have found the more heat the better. that being said i usually use hairdryers and not heat guns. we have 2 or 3 on hand at all times and the life span for both is around 6 months of normal use so we save a lot by going to walmart and getting whatever is on sale. on aluminum go ahead and heat it till your fingers burn, on plastics of any kind wether it is abs, lexan, acrylic or any other if you are watching closely the plastic will slightly expand before you will do any discoloring. it will look like the surface is raising up 1/4". as soon as it happens rmove all heat or you will start bubbling and browning.
fiberglass is a different animal. it all depends on wether you are working on factory panels or repaired ones with paint that may not be adhering very well. use less heat and more patience because there is no warning. one second everything is ok and the next you have bubbling paint.

just my .02

RedPolaris97 · 01-11-2007, 02:05 PM

Ok so today i finished taking off all the graphics, and putting on my custom numbers. Let me know what you think!

Heres a before and 2 after pics. Enjoy!

tamacat · 01-11-2007, 02:42 PM

Looks good!!! How about rear red idler wheels?

RedPolaris97 · 01-11-2007, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamacat

Looks good!!! How about rear red idler wheels?

Yeah...i was thinking about that. But i think im done putting money into this thing..lol The only reason i took off the graphics was cuz i had to put the custom numbers on it and i wanted to get rid of the ugly colors. Plus i was just plain bored..lol Since i bought it i've put like 400 bucks into it and now im just gonna ride it! Maybe next year(if i still have it) I'll put new red idler wheels on.

But until then, shes stayin the way she is!

IndianRvrShiver · 01-11-2007, 06:22 PM

Looks much better!!

Yer right, those was some ugly decals!!

I would use a black spray-bomb on those rear wheels, tho!!

RedPolaris97 · 01-12-2007, 01:02 AM

what do u mean..just like spraypaint them black?

IndianRvrShiver · 01-12-2007, 06:27 AM

Yup!!