RAPGARD, inspection: Removal and disposal

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From my 2.02

Service

Within 48 Hours after arrival at Dealer:

Inspection

Inspect RAPGARD for damage or peeling.

If RAPGARD is disturbed (dented, scratched, etc.):

You must note the damage on the Carrier Delivery Receipt, including damage type, extent and location. Failure to note damage on the Carrier Delivery Receipt will result in non-payment of the repair.

NOTE:

RAPGARD must be removed from the vehicle no later than six months after application. See sticker (location on vehicle body varies) for detailed information.

Within 72 Hours prior to delivery to the Customer:

Remove RAPGARD from vehicle.
Wash vehicle exterior.
Inspect paint surfaces, moldings and glass.
Protect the paint surface of all new vehicles by applying 3M Perfect-It Paste Wax (3M Part No. 39526) or equivalent.

Removal

Vehicle must be at room temperature.
The ideal body surface temperature for RAPGARD removal is 60F (15.5C) to 80F (26.6C).

If body surface temperatures are below 60F (15.5C) or above 80F (26.6C) then:

Removal procedure should be performed indoors after surface temperatures have been allowed to stabilize within the given range.

Rinse vehicle thoroughly with water to remove surface dirt or dust and to help stabilize body surface temperatures.
Starting at the corners of each panel, carefully remove RAPGARD from vehicle.

RAPGARD, paint inspection after removal

Inspect painted surfaces under one of the following lighting conditions:

Indoors under fluorescent lighting.
Outdoors under bright sunlight.

Important!

If any defects on the exterior have been identified (scratches, dings, dents and other types of body damage):

Contact your Service Manager and arrange to repair defects immediately.

NOTE:

After removal of RAPGARD, some vehicles may exhibit temporary paint discoloration or paint swelling (caused by trapped moisture under the RAPGARD).
This temporary swelling is caused by the paint finish absorbing moisture trapped under the RAPGARD film.
This swelling will disappear with exposure to the sun or heat lamps within 2 - 3 hours. Severe Paint swelling may require 2 - 3 days to recover.

DO NOT buff or refinish paint for this condition!

Adhesive residue removal

WARNING: Always read and follow manufacturer Cautions and Warnings regarding use of product.

If RAPGARD adhesive residue remains on paint finish, remove with a non-abrasive polishing product such as, (3M Part No. 59.5) light colors or (3M Part No. 5996) dark colors or equivalent.

Thick lines of adhesive residue can be removed with general purpose adhesive cleaner (3M Part No. 08987-aerosol, or Part No, 08984-qt. can) or equivalent.

NOTE:

Paint discoloration (looks like shaded or dark magic marker lines) can be removed with a heat gun using the following procedure:
Hold heat gun approximately 3 in. away from affected paint surfaces and apply heat using slow oscillating motions until discoloration is gone.
If discoloration remains, wipe the heated area with Isopropyl alcohol and repeat procedure to increase surface drying.

Important!

After inspecting and removing RAPGARD, washing vehicle, inspecting and repairing any defects in paint surfaces, moldings and glass:

Protect the vehicle paint surface by applying 3M Perfect-It Paste Wax (3M Part No. 39526) or equivalent.

RAPGARD Disposal

RAPGARD can be disposed as normal paper waste. If unsure about proper disposal procedures in your area, check local regulations.