Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Savana Special, 2003 GMC Savana Camper Special, 2003 GMC Savana, 2003 Chevrolet RV Cutaway, and 2003 Chevrolet Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Important: Stripes and decals adhere to a painted surface using pressure sensitive adhesive. The use of a wetting solution aids the technician in lifting and positioning the stripe or decal during installation. A wetting solution also ensures a better bond between stripe or decal and panel. Stripe or decal replacement involving collision damage, or damage to underlying painted surface, requires that metal repair and/or refinish operations be completed before the stripe or decal is installed. Freshly painted surfaces must be allowed to dry thoroughly before installing stripe or decal. Residual solvents in fresh painted surfaces can lead to subsequent blistering problems if stripe or decal is applied before complete release of solvents. The striping material highlights vehicle surface imperfection. All dings, rough metal, paint defects and uneven two-tone paint breaklines mu

Body surfaces and decals must be maintained between 21 to 38°C (70 to 100°F) during installation.
Never apply decals when body surface and decal temperatures are below 21°C (70°F).
Stripes and decals may be applied dry. If this does not result in a consistent bubble free application, the "wet" method must be used as in the case of large graphics packages.
Stripes or decals that are applied on flexible surfaces (fascias, etc.) must be applied using the WET method. This will reduce the formation of bubbles under the decal due to the outgassing potential of the flexible materials.

Equipment and Materials

The following equipment and materials are necessary when making a quality stripe or decal installation.

Heat Gun.
Wetting solution - a foaming type window cleaner, that does not contain ammonia.
Isopropyl alcohol.
Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) naphtha.
Squeegee - 100 mm (4 in) wide, plastic or hard rubber.
Deburr any sharp or rough edges on the squeegee to prevent scratching of the stripe or decal.
Water bucket and sponge or spray bottle.
Sandpaper- 800 grit or finer, wet or dry type.
Clean, lint-free wiping cloth.
Sharp knife or razor blade.
Scissors.
Fine pin or needle.
Marking pencil.

Remove the necessary molding or trim panel.
Remove the molding attaching clips, handles, sidemarker reflector, and/or other stripe or decal overlapping parts.
Wash and clean repair surfaces, adjacent panel, and openings as required.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the paint finish, do not use pointed or sharp instruments to remove the stripe or the decal.
Remove the stripe or decal from body panel using 3M™ scotch brite molding adhesive remover disk 3M™ P/N 07501 or equivalent.
CAUTION: Use of harsh chemicals when cleaning can damage exterior lamps. Suggested cleaners are a mild soap and water, or Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) Naptha. VM&P Naptha is a specific type of naptha and should not be substituted by any other naptha.
Remove all traces of adhesive residue from painted surfaces with a Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) naphtha.

Fig 1: Removing Decal & Stripe
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.