How-to: Pinstripe Removal *pics-56k*

crappled · 11-01-2005, 07:36 PM

Well, I used to detail cars for people haha... so most of this is foolproof.

What: Removing Dealer/Aftermarket Pinstriping.
Cost: $28
Time: 30min-2hours
Effect: Perfectly removed pinstripping with NO paint damage
Note: This process requires absolutely no chemical rubber removing compounds. Depending on paint fade, effects may vary. 97+ paint should be perfectly fine, this is not guaranteed haha.

Tools/items needed:
- 500rpm+ corded drill, something that wont burn up on you either...
- your brand polish
- your brand wax
- microfiber towels... it's all i use =)
- polish/wax applicators, you don't need a buffer today...
You should have all of the above anyways... so they're not included in what you need to buy =)

What you need to buy:
- 3M Stripe Off Wheel PN: 051131-07498 (those last digits are the only ones you'll need)
Available at ANY NAPA Parts store. You should be able to haggle them down to $26+tax. There usual price is $36 I believe.

Alright, here's a before pic...

I HATE the gold... so i removed it

Presteps: WASH YOUR CAR, that's about it haha

Step 1: Attach the de-stripper to a drill...
You deff don't want to do this with a cordless one, as you'll be using it at 500rpm+ for 30 min.

(yes, i have a pic for everything haha)
It's very easy to attach, just screw it on and tighten it onto your drill...

Step 2: Removing the pinstripe...
NOTE: The destripper should always be used in the 'fwd' direction of the drill, or it may unscrew...
so... on your passenger side, you'll start from the hood moving your way to the tail. assuming you position the drill like i did...

Now, to get to step 2...
Unlike buffing, always have the drill moving when you start/remove the attachment from the paint... this is to keep the melted pinstripe from cooling to the paint.
so, with the drill started, touch the end of the destriper to the pin stripe... moving left/down the car, at the same time, moving up and down... to better explain it...
<v^v<v^<

Just ensure you keep a decent speed on the drill...
AND you keep with the same direction...
AND you touch the attachment to all of the pinstripe.

Step 3: Remove the Destriper/Pinstripe Dust

Wipe that area off with 1 of your microfibers... don't use this cloth for anything else but to remove the eraser/pinstripe dust.
(at this point, you've probably realized, all the destripper is, is just a big giant eraser haha)

...

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crappled · 11-01-2005, 07:37 PM

...

Step 4: Remove the destriper residue
Using one of your polish/wax applicators, gently rub your polish into the de-pinstripped area. wipe clean with ANOTHER one of your microfibers...
See the above pic, you'll see the residue where i've already cleared the dust.

Step 5: Removing pinstripe you missed
Follow Step 2 again, this time touch those areas you missed... there will always be some :o
Here's the pinstripe i missed on the front right fender...

Step 6: Finishing up
Re-wipe/polish the areas you re-did. Then wax and voila... all done.

You may want to rewash the entire car, as all of the surfaces will have dust.

Here is the entire gallery of pics took for this write-up/how-to, it's as easy as it looks, I promise!
Pinstripe Removal Gallery

Note: 1 wheel will remove the pinstripping off roughly 3 cars/trucks given they aren't huge!

Here are some of my after pics, ignore the fact i removed the emblems, that's another use for this tool, but that's in another how-to.

Please let me know if you have any questions about anything haha.

gthorne · 11-01-2005, 07:45 PM

Man, its kind of scary taking something like that to the side of your truck. It looks great though. I really like the debadged look!

I don't have a pinstripe but would like to remove the residue from my emblems on my 4Runner. You said you used the same wheel to take the residue from them off also? Thanks.

crappled · 11-01-2005, 07:49 PM

Wait about 10 min for me to write that up

Seriously, you may doubt it, but NOTHING works better *shrug*
Nor will it be safer... it's just a big eraser... it works via friction, rubber on rubber pretty much.

Chapman88SR5 · 11-01-2005, 07:50 PM

how bad would paint damage be on my 88 4runner, i want to remove the "zebra" stripes

NathanBERG · 11-01-2005, 07:50 PM

Looks great!

Do you think that thing would work on my factory stripes???

crappled · 11-01-2005, 07:51 PM

Also, THIS WILL WORK on all 2nd gen stickers/graphics whatever the hell they are...
it'll take it off.

MarkieMark · 11-01-2005, 07:51 PM

awesome! i did that to my t4r a year ago. it's much easier using the "eraser" than trying to use a razor.

gthorne · 11-01-2005, 07:51 PM

Hahaha....no problem.

I was looking at the rest of the photos. It did a really good job. Thanks for the write-up.

crappled · 11-01-2005, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cacattack

how bad would paint damage be on my 88 4runner, i want to remove the "zebra" stripes

This depends completely on if your paint has faded. Honestly, the de-striped look > the possibility of having the paint under the stripes being slightly darker.

Also, there is a 90% chance that if your paint is faded, a good clay/polish/glaze will make it match *shrug*
I only deal with certainty's, so i didn't post that earlier.

NathanBERG · 11-01-2005, 08:00 PM

Thanks for this write-up and for taking the time to take great photos!

I have wanted to do this but was unsure how it would work.

Rivalred · 11-01-2005, 08:00 PM

The pinstriping actually looked good.

Localmotion · 11-01-2005, 08:02 PM

man..only if i could do taht to the pinstriping left behind by the trees

good post!

garrett1478 · 11-01-2005, 08:05 PM

gold on green....gold on anything

looks good

rearviewmirror · 11-01-2005, 09:12 PM

Just curious, BEFORE you debadged the rear why is the 4WD emblem before the Limited? I've never seen it like that before... All the 4Runner's I've seen say "Limited 4WD".

crappled · 11-01-2005, 09:51 PM

^^ hell if I know, i've seen 1 other limited like mine with it the exact same way *shrug*
and to violate the following...
i'd like to keep all comments about the debadging in the other thread
for search purposes of course =)

crappled · 11-01-2005, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rivalred

The pinstriping actually looked good.

I think we'll just have to agree to extremely disagree on this

If i wanted bling, i'd put the old gold front toyota emblem on a chain and wear it around my neck =)

98LimitedCustomized · 11-01-2005, 11:15 PM

Pinstriping=poop. I took my off with a heat gun and a fingernail... well her fingernails, I eat mine! I had faded paint so I can still see my stripes, polishing/rubbing compound is needed to blend it in. Without a doubt it's nice not having stripes. Your magic eraser looks a lot easier than my heat gun/kerosene/goo gone/girlfriends fingernails. Looks good though!

crappled · 11-02-2005, 10:46 AM

i bet she wasn't too thrilled with that haha.
ya, it's a piece of cake... i'm not one to throw anything too harsh at paint... it's durable, but it's not designed for it *shrug*

Brad · 11-02-2005, 10:48 AM

Looks Good Man. I also like the clean look. I have a taco and took of the "Toyota" and the smaller "tacoma V6" on the tailgate and the pinstripping down the sides. It's a 97 and I did it with a blow dryer. I did have a little bit of fading, but after a good wash a little wax and buffing I couldn't even tell. It still looks good and it's been almost a year.

Boaz · 11-02-2005, 04:35 PM

I have a black 93 with the cheesy looking graphics. I am considering removing the graphics and the Toyota on the tailgate. My only reservation is that the truck is black... Has anyone removed them off a black vehicle with sucess?

crappled · 11-02-2005, 07:03 PM

how deep is your black still? again, it depends on your paint fade/quality.

another way to look... how does your paint on your doorjams look compared to your exterior paint?
ex: when you lower your rear tailgate, does that paint match?

ctcost · 11-02-2005, 07:19 PM

Great post man!

has anyone ever tried this stuff?

Lebniis · 11-02-2005, 07:38 PM

Man when I did mine it took me a couple days, but mostly because I would get bored..

I used a blow dryer, goo gone, a plastic paint scraper, and cleaned it up with some polish.. turned out awesome...

Flamedx4 · 11-04-2005, 04:21 PM

Hey Crappled-
Do ya think that method would work for bigger stripes? Really big?
How long would it hold up, and how time consuming is it really?
Here's what I need to remove - two 6" stripes 24 feet long. They've been on there since 1978, and the surface is very thin old gel coat. (So I can't use scrapers, razors, or chemicals. UGH!) Obviously, I'm talking about the stripes on the boat, not the truck...
Any thoughts?

11-01-2005, 07:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
crappled Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: c'springs, co Posts: 282	... Step 4: Remove the destriper residue Using one of your polish/wax applicators, gently rub your polish into the de-pinstripped area. wipe clean with ANOTHER one of your microfibers... See the above pic, you'll see the residue where i've already cleared the dust. Step 5: Removing pinstripe you missed Follow Step 2 again, this time touch those areas you missed... there will always be some :o Here's the pinstripe i missed on the front right fender... Step 6: Finishing up Re-wipe/polish the areas you re-did. Then wax and voila... all done. You may want to rewash the entire car, as all of the surfaces will have dust. Here is the entire gallery of pics took for this write-up/how-to, it's as easy as it looks, I promise! Pinstripe Removal Gallery Note: 1 wheel will remove the pinstripping off roughly 3 cars/trucks given they aren't huge! Here are some of my after pics, ignore the fact i removed the emblems, that's another use for this tool, but that's in another how-to. Please let me know if you have any questions about anything haha. __________________ -Jay New - *99 LTD Imperial Jade Mica* 4x4 Old -** 95 LTD Sherwood Green 4x4 Last edited by crappled; 11-01-2005 at 07:38 PM.

11-01-2005, 07:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
gthorne Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 71	Man, its kind of scary taking something like that to the side of your truck. It looks great though. I really like the debadged look! I don't have a pinstripe but would like to remove the residue from my emblems on my 4Runner. You said you used the same wheel to take the residue from them off also? Thanks. __________________ ~Garrett 1985 Reg. Cab - Dual cases - Longfields - 33" TSL's 1994 4Runner SR5 - Downey HD Coils - Bilsteins - Yakima Rack. 2003 Tundra - TRD

11-01-2005, 07:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
crappled Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: c'springs, co Posts: 282	Wait about 10 min for me to write that up Seriously, you may doubt it, but NOTHING works better shrug Nor will it be safer... it's just a big eraser... it works via friction, rubber on rubber pretty much. __________________ -Jay New - *99 LTD Imperial Jade Mica* 4x4 Old -** 95 LTD Sherwood Green 4x4

11-01-2005, 07:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
Chapman88SR5 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: wisconsin Posts: 1,452	how bad would paint damage be on my 88 4runner, i want to remove the "zebra" stripes __________________ *1988 4Runner* 3.Slow -33x12.5 Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ Radials -4Crawler 1.5" BJ Spacers -OME 2" Leaf Springs -Flowmaster 44 -Engine replaced at 200k -Green Rattle can paint The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese. Hmmm... See more in the** Check out my Truck section God works through Christians; I am a Christian. -George W. Bush

11-01-2005, 07:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
NathanBERG Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 359	Looks great! Do you think that thing would work on my factory stripes??? __________________ 1990 4Runner 4x4 3.0 Auto. Sitting on 31X10.50 Baja Claws, Aisin manual hubs, OME shocks & coils. Optima Redtop, 40 Series Flowmaster and High flow Cat

11-01-2005, 07:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
crappled Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: c'springs, co Posts: 282	Also, THIS WILL WORK on all 2nd gen stickers/graphics whatever the hell they are... it'll take it off. __________________ -Jay New - *99 LTD Imperial Jade Mica* 4x4 Old -** 95 LTD Sherwood Green 4x4

11-01-2005, 07:51 PM	#8 (permalink)
MarkieMark Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 63	awesome! i did that to my t4r a year ago. it's much easier using the "eraser" than trying to use a razor. __________________ 1995 Toyota 4Runner SR5 - 89,xxx miles (daily driven) Current Mods: - V6 Auto 2WD - K&N Filter - NGK Plugs + Wires - Monroe Sensatrac Shocks - 3rd Gen Wheels - 12" Kicker Sub + Amp - Sanyo Excedio Cassette & CD Head Unit - Optima Red Top - Future Mods: - Rotors + Pads - Bilstein Shocks - Coil Spring Spacers - 17" Sequoia Wheels - Headers + Magnaflow SS Muffler w/ SS Piping -

11-01-2005, 07:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
gthorne Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 71	Hahaha....no problem. I was looking at the rest of the photos. It did a really good job. Thanks for the write-up. __________________ ~Garrett 1985 Reg. Cab - Dual cases - Longfields - 33" TSL's 1994 4Runner SR5 - Downey HD Coils - Bilsteins - Yakima Rack. 2003 Tundra - TRD

11-01-2005, 08:00 PM	#11 (permalink)
NathanBERG Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 359	Thanks for this write-up and for taking the time to take great photos! I have wanted to do this but was unsure how it would work. __________________ 1990 4Runner 4x4 3.0 Auto. Sitting on 31X10.50 Baja Claws, Aisin manual hubs, OME shocks & coils. Optima Redtop, 40 Series Flowmaster and High flow Cat

11-01-2005, 08:00 PM	#12 (permalink)
Rivalred Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,390	The pinstriping actually looked good. __________________ Traded in: 2005 Tacoma DC PreRunner SJ Package Silver Streak Mica Traded in: 2007 Camry LE Silver

11-01-2005, 08:02 PM	#13 (permalink)
Localmotion Banned Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 0	man..only if i could do taht to the pinstriping left behind by the trees good post!

11-01-2005, 08:05 PM	#14 (permalink)
garrett1478 Banned Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 0	gold on green....gold on anything looks good

11-01-2005, 09:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
rearviewmirror Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: AUSTEX fiveonetwo Posts: 725	Just curious, BEFORE you debadged the rear why is the 4WD emblem before the Limited? I've never seen it like that before... All the 4Runner's I've seen say "Limited 4WD".

11-01-2005, 09:51 PM	#16 (permalink)
crappled Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: c'springs, co Posts: 282	^^ hell if I know, i've seen 1 other limited like mine with it the exact same way shrug and to violate the following... i'd like to keep all comments about the debadging in the other thread for search purposes of course =) __________________ -Jay New - *99 LTD Imperial Jade Mica* 4x4 Old -** 95 LTD Sherwood Green 4x4

11-01-2005, 11:15 PM	#18 (permalink)
98LimitedCustomized Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 432	Pinstriping=poop. I took my off with a heat gun and a fingernail... well her fingernails, I eat mine! I had faded paint so I can still see my stripes, polishing/rubbing compound is needed to blend it in. Without a doubt it's nice not having stripes. Your magic eraser looks a lot easier than my heat gun/kerosene/goo gone/girlfriends fingernails. Looks good though! __________________ 98 Limited, 3.4 Auto, 4.30's w/E-locker; TJM T-15, Tundra coils/OME lift, 235/85/16 Nokian Hakka 10's, custom 200 amp GM alternator, dual batteries, Brembo/PF brakes, modified Injen intake, Hella 500's, Hayden 678, Taurus Fan, etc

11-02-2005, 10:46 AM	#19 (permalink)
crappled Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: c'springs, co Posts: 282	i bet she wasn't too thrilled with that haha. ya, it's a piece of cake... i'm not one to throw anything too harsh at paint... it's durable, but it's not designed for it shrug __________________ -Jay New - *99 LTD Imperial Jade Mica* 4x4 Old -** 95 LTD Sherwood Green 4x4

11-02-2005, 10:48 AM	#20 (permalink)
Brad Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Utah Posts: 134	Looks Good Man. I also like the clean look. I have a taco and took of the "Toyota" and the smaller "tacoma V6" on the tailgate and the pinstripping down the sides. It's a 97 and I did it with a blow dryer. I did have a little bit of fading, but after a good wash a little wax and buffing I couldn't even tell. It still looks good and it's been almost a year. __________________ Brad 97 Taco extra cab. Last edited by Brad; 11-02-2005 at 10:59 AM.

11-02-2005, 04:35 PM	#21 (permalink)
Boaz Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Virginia Beach VA Posts: 192	I have a black 93 with the cheesy looking graphics. I am considering removing the graphics and the Toyota on the tailgate. My only reservation is that the truck is black... Has anyone removed them off a black vehicle with sucess? __________________ 2008 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 "Rugged Trail" TRD exhaust 2004 4 Runner Sport V-6,Silverstars, K&N, 265/70/17 Revo's.

11-02-2005, 07:03 PM	#22 (permalink)
crappled Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: c'springs, co Posts: 282	how deep is your black still? again, it depends on your paint fade/quality. another way to look... how does your paint on your doorjams look compared to your exterior paint? ex: when you lower your rear tailgate, does that paint match? __________________ -Jay New - *99 LTD Imperial Jade Mica* 4x4 Old -** 95 LTD Sherwood Green 4x4

11-02-2005, 07:19 PM	#23 (permalink)
ctcost Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 466	Great post man! has anyone ever tried this stuff? __________________ Got a PDA? Stop on by!!! www.abfnet.com

11-02-2005, 07:38 PM	#24 (permalink)
Lebniis Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Gatos, CA Posts: 121	Man when I did mine it took me a couple days, but mostly because I would get bored.. I used a blow dryer, goo gone, a plastic paint scraper, and cleaned it up with some polish.. turned out awesome...

11-04-2005, 04:21 PM	#25 (permalink)
Flamedx4 Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: 100 miles offshore as much as possible, & Springfield Oregon USA Posts: 3,285	Hey Crappled- Do ya think that method would work for bigger stripes? Really big? How long would it hold up, and how time consuming is it really? Here's what I need to remove - two 6" stripes 24 feet long. They've been on there since 1978, and the surface is very thin old gel coat. (So I can't use scrapers, razors, or chemicals. UGH!) Obviously, I'm talking about the stripes on the boat, not the truck... Any thoughts? __________________ All my Yotas are gone. Stuff to sell: http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.p...39#post1009839 -Phil

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