Body film fixes

[Speedobird]

My 996 came with a clear vinyl film on parts of the body (tip of front fenders, lower bumper, headlight etc.) to prevent paint chipping. I think it's non-OEM but I'm wondering if anyone has experience removing these and cleaning up the gunk that's left behind. Appreciate any comments.

[Loren]

Perhaps some experts here will chime in... but here is what I was told.

First it helps if the car has sat in the sun on a warm day, if not you can use a hair blow dryer on high speed and hot setting. It is even easier to remove if you use a heat gun, but be careful. If you have no previous experience with a tool like a heat gun, hire a detailer. You can easily damage the paint or plastic components on the vehicle.

Starting on one corner, you slowly and carefully heat the film, keeping the heat gun about 8-12 inches away, doing so one square foot at a time, DO NOT KEEP HEAT GUN IN ONE SPOT always keep the heat moving around. You will notice that the film is warm to the touch, sometimes a little to warm but you just peel it off a section at a time. Lifting the edge back and pulling slightly as you go. Don't rush and it will come off perfect. Follow up with a light surface clay and a light wax.

[Speedobird]

Perhaps some experts here will chime in... but here is what I was told.

First it helps if the car has sat in the sun on a warm day, if not you can use a hair blow dryer on high speed and hot setting. It is even easier to remove if you use a heat gun, but be careful. If you have no previous experience with a tool like a heat gun, hire a detailer. You can easily damage the paint or plastic components on the vehicle.

Starting on one corner, you slowly and carefully heat the film, keeping the heat gun about 8-12 inches away, doing so one square foot at a time, DO NOT KEEP HEAT GUN IN ONE SPOT always keep the heat moving around. You will notice that the film is warm to the touch, sometimes a little to warm but you just peel it off a section at a time. Lifting the edge back and pulling slightly as you go. Don't rush and it will come off perfect. Follow up with a light surface clay and a light wax.

So happens I had a heat gun from repairing ski boots. The film needed to be warmed up to the point where it is almost too hot to touch. Then, it became easier to peel off. I buffed out the gummy stuff from adhesive residue with paint cleaner, polish and wax using electric buffer. The result looks fantastic! You saved my weekend. Thanks, Loren :thumbup:

Edited May 25, 2009 by Speedobird