Future thinking

BigDougInOregon · February 24, 2009, 12:52:13 PM

Okay folks, just thinking into the future and I know of a part I will need to fix (I broke it in El Paso) so I thought I would post a picture of the rear tail light assembly and see who has one that they want to sell or knows of where I can get one.

Also, I will need to remove all of the graphics the PO put on the bus. What is the best way to remove vinyl lettering and not harm the paint?

bobofthenorth · February 24, 2009, 12:57:32 PM

Quote from: BigDougInOregon on February 24, 2009, 12:52:13 PM
Also, I will need to remove all of the graphics the PO put on the bus. What is the best way to remove vinyl lettering and not harm the paint?

But they're such nice graphics! A name change for you and your wife might be quicker and almost certainly less expensive.

BigDougInOregon · February 24, 2009, 01:28:25 PM

Quote from: bobofthenorth on February 24, 2009, 12:57:32 PM
Quote from: BigDougInOregon on February 24, 2009, 12:52:13 PM
Also, I will need to remove all of the graphics the PO put on the bus. What is the best way to remove vinyl lettering and not harm the paint?

But they're such nice graphics! A name change for you and your wife might be quicker and almost certainly less expensive.

We thought about that and then traveling under those psuedo-names, but the singing part will be hard to fake for both of us. I do have a funny story about that though. When the PO and I took the bus out for the one and only training session I got, we stopped and I filled the diesel and propane up. At the station, two older gents were checking the bus out when we pulled up. We both got out and I saw them kind of look at each other. Not one to miss opportunities like that, I walked in to pay for the fuel and I said I was Randy (inferring the PO was Gigi). I actually managed to pull it off without smiling and I think those two good 'ol boys believed me. Pretty open minded folks in East Texas!

Len Silva · February 24, 2009, 01:40:26 PM

It depends on how long it's been there. Very gently with a heat gun. It takes a fine touch to soften the vinyl but not the paint. Chances are there will always be a ghost there.

busshawg · February 24, 2009, 01:41:02 PM

That's funny, should have asked them what they wanted to hear you sing!!

I would try a heat gun , or even if you get a good hot sunny day the decals should come off. There may be some glue residue left behing which I would try removing with some WD40 and rags, maybey brake cleaner if the WD40 isn't aggessive enough. Then you will need to buff the hec out of it to try to bring the paint back up. I'm sure someone has a solution that may work better than the WD40 or brake clean, please jump in.

Lin · February 24, 2009, 02:05:33 PM

Leave the current graphics. Just add a line above it to read, "Don't buy anything from".

JackConrad · February 24, 2009, 02:14:02 PM

Or leave the graphics on and park the bus at all the wrong places ie. bars, casinos, etc. jack

busshawg · February 24, 2009, 02:45:07 PM

LOL , that's better than all that elbow grease polishing the paint back out Jack. I like that.

BigDougInOregon · February 24, 2009, 02:48:47 PM

I did some research (yeah, I'm learning to try that before getting too far over my head) and came up with this product:

http://www.westendproducts.com/vinyloff.htm

Anybody have any experience with this?

Sammy · February 24, 2009, 02:53:29 PM

Heat gun,lots of patience,then a little WD-40 to remove glue residue. Buff paint for final finish.

WEC4104 · February 24, 2009, 03:46:56 PM

I've used a product called "Goof Off" which works well on removing adhesive from price stickers and such. It comes in a yellow container, similar to lighter fluid.

Kwajdiver · February 24, 2009, 03:54:10 PM

Really important to let the sun help you heat up the graphics. Then hope the heat gun does the remainer. As it's been said, if it's been on for years, good luck. OR, just say the heck with it,,, sand it off and have it repainted. There's an 80% chance that is what will happen in the end anyway... I know......

Bill

compedgemarine · February 24, 2009, 06:26:44 PM

as for the tail light issue. it looks like the light housing is fiberglass? if so you can get anyone good with glass to repair it or at worst take the other side off and let them make a temp mold from it and make you a new part. looks like they are the same just turned 180 degrees.
steve

Dreamscape · February 24, 2009, 10:03:29 PM

Doug,

Not sure if Coach Maintenance just north of Sacramento would have what you need or not, he's got lots of buses and parts. He is just off I-5, one, 503.four 7 three, 5544. Let it ring cause he's always working on something. Best to get him in the afternoons if I remember correctly.

~Paul~

JACKRABBIT4106 · February 24, 2009, 11:14:13 PM

Go to an automotive body paint supplier and get a gasket eraser. It fits on a drill it will remove the decal and not harm the paint.
Erik