Badge Removal Tip

IBTundraGuy2 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-24-2002, 01:00 PM

Just by curiosity I tried using Meguires Quick Detailer spray on and around the badge before using a string to cut behind. It was 100% quicker than the heat gun and almost no hassle to pop that badge off. I had used the heat gun and floss then kite string to remove the ToyotaTundra badges on the side of the truck. UGH, what a strain. I did the detailer spray thing to remove part of the badge on the tailgate and found it so easy. Just thought I would pass this on for those thinking of removing some of the badge clutter.

SATundra · #2 (**permalink**) 04-24-2002, 01:28 PM

Hum thats interesting. Wonder why that would help? Guess the wax content in the spray helps it glide thru, all I can think of. Thanks for the tip. I was fixing to use the fishing line on mine.

SATundra

ChuckFundra · #3 (**permalink**) 04-25-2002, 02:39 PM

This system works great the, wax acts like a lubricant so you don't scratch the finish.

I used it last night and removed all badges (side toy/tund, side sr5 and toy only on back) in about 1 hour, though I used 20# test monofilament fishing line. I would recommend that you use gloves though, a couple of my fingers are rather chafed.

Rlockyer · #4 (**permalink**) 11-20-2002, 01:55 AM

Excellent tip.
Worked like a champ on my new '03. Took me a bit longer than an hour to do all 6 badges.... now I have room for my new TRD access door badge.
I used 15 pound fishing line and did have trouble with it breaking from time to time... shoulda' gone with 20. Big-5 has some cheapo blue line on 200+ yard spools for $2, so I had plenty.

Still trying to decide if I want to remove the big TRD stickers from the bed... probably will when I get the raised TRD logo.

ChuckFundra · #5 (**permalink**) 11-20-2002, 09:11 AM

Cool deal, I'm glad I could help.

Be sure to use the Eagle 1, Wax as U dry, when you wash your truck and you will be sooo happy with the results.

It's like a fresh wax job everytime.

Chuck

Rlockyer · #6 (**permalink**) 11-20-2002, 11:51 PM

I'll be sure and check out that Eagle-1 stuff. Being stuck in a condo, car care is a pain... coin-op car washes and any waxing or detailing has to be done at my office.

Any hints on getting the big TRD decals off? I've heard heat gun and old credit card or plastic scraper. How much heat is needed? Would a few hours in the hot sun accomplish the same thing or is more heat needed?
I don't want to risk damaging the paint by overheating, but I want to get it hot enough to make the job easier.

ChuckFundra · #7 (**permalink**) 11-21-2002, 09:10 AM

My only experience with decals like the TRD was with my '85 Toyota pu that had similar on the tailgate.

I wouldn't use more than a hair dryer and once again patience. The sun will help but won't do it by itself and if you are going to help it along with something plastic I would recommend the soft vinyl spatulas that you get at any auto parts store that are used to spread bondo.

As far as cleaning your truck, I live in a house but I often use the quarter car wash for convience and also for the spot free rinse. Even when I do a hand job (sic), I will still go and do the spot free rinse and the Eagle 1 Was-as-U Dry stuff.

Rlockyer · #8 (**permalink**) 12-01-2002, 10:30 PM

Okay, that was it.
A shot from a heat gun and gentle prodding, got both decals off in less than an hour, followed by a good wipe-down with Goof-Off to get rid of the adhesive.

jaymcgranahan · #9 (**permalink**) 07-30-2003, 10:55 AM

I used 15lb fishing line and Meguires Quick Detailer spray as suggested on this forum. I sprayed each of the badges with the detailer spray, let sit for a minute or two and then in a sawing motion from the front of the badge to the back, cut each of them off. (Be sure and use gloves to save your fingers.) I picked the remaining glue off the truck from the badges with my fingers and nails. Finished-up with another spray of the Mequires Quick Detailer spray and a soft clean rag. Took all badges off (Limited x 2, 4WD, I-Force V8, Toyota Tundra x3) in less than an hour.... worked great and looks much less cluttered!

Johnny Law · #10 (**permalink**) 08-16-2003, 05:08 PM

I didn't have any fishing line, I tried dental floss like someone suggested, which worked miserably. I finally used a CD like another person suggested and that worked like a charm! Just be careful to keep it closer to the badge and not the paint, and you won't scratch anything at all. Best of all, it took me all of 10-12 minutes to completely de-badge the truck. It took longer for me to get the adhesive off of the truck, and my fingers are killing me. I soaked the adhesive in "goo-gone" a citrus based adhesive remover. Then I picked off the adhesive with my fingers. After this I washed the area with water and then used the clay bar and detailing spray to get the ghost marks off. Then followed up with a wax and it looks so much better without all the badges on.

thjrdc · #11 (**permalink**) 03-22-2004, 10:30 PM

Thanks for the help, guys! This website is awesome! De-badged my '04 today. Yes, use Meguiar's Quick Detailer Spray, $4.95. I don't think it softens the adhesive compound, but the fishing line glides better. Get a 100-yd. spool of 20# fishing line, $1.99. The adhesive comes off the paint with your fingernails and, yes, my thumbs are sore. Your fishin line will break several times.

On the access door: Start your fishing line from the top and go down...if you go from front-to-back (or vice versa) you could get some minute scratches due to the body contour under the badge. On the first door, I got some tiny scratches from the glove rubbing...you have to get your cheek on the door and look down the side to see it, easy to buff out, but we still don't want that on our Tundra, right? On door #2, I wised up.

On the tailgate, just to be different, I left the last "A" in TOYOTA so the only badging I have left says, "A TUNDRA." Just stop your fishing line pull before that last "A" and break off the badge. The little tail left can be filed off with the wife's emery board (nail file). I put some duct tape over the paint before filing to protect it.

Total time: 1.5 hrs incl. buffing with wax.

Consumtion: 3 Old Milwaukees.

Get after it!

I'll get some pics up soon...

Ryone · #12 (**permalink**) 03-23-2004, 10:05 AM

If you feel like spending a couple more bucks to get a good fishing line that won't break nearly as often, is easier to cut with than regular monofilament, and is great, great line for fishing, get FIRELINE
I used 14lb. test to debadge mine, and it broke a total of one time per badge. I think 20lb. test wouldn't break at all.
You can use maybe 15 or 20 feet to debadge your truck, and then the rest to spool on your reel.

4cloud9 · #13 (**permalink**) 04-11-2004, 10:45 PM

I'm going to try the badge removal this weekend. But I went on the truckin' web site a while back and their suggestion for taking the excess glue of was using a pro-quality hand polish, such as the Meguiar's Cleaner/Polish, it's gentle and does the job.

Rlockyer · #14 (**permalink**) 04-11-2004, 10:48 PM

The glue isn't a problem... it's getting to the glue. The badges are put on with 3M tape and it's pretty thick.

4cloud9 · #15 (**permalink**) 04-17-2004, 11:58 PM

Just did my badges today and I have to say it was a breeze. I got my girlfriends revlon hair dryer and set it to low and warm held it on each letter for a couple of seconds and the adhesive cut like butter with fishing line.
Then to take off the left-overs I used my thumb and rubbed the rest off while useing the hair dryer again and the stuff came off alot easier than my first attempt with out it. After that I went over with bug and tar remover. Took a total of 45 min. and no scratches what so ever, you just have to remember to pull line toward yourself while you saw through the adhesive.