How to remove flap anti chafe tape ?

[Larry DeCamp]

My rehab project has a clear tape on the curve leading edge of the flaps. It is very thin and won't peel off. Any suggestions for removal??

[David Paule]

Perhaps a heat gun will loosen the adhesive.

Dave

[AlexPeterson]

Oh my, your problem brings back memories... I do not have good news - it was awful getting that stuff off mine after around 6 years. I made scrapers from plexiglas, and used a heat gun. There were many, many hours involved. The plexi scrapers worked reasonably well, but they were fairly narrow IIRC. Too wide and one can't get the pressure needed. I tried various solvents, but since mine is painted under the tape, I didn't want to get too aggressive.

For those not following why this is a problem - the polymer crazes and cannot be pulled off. Small shards come off instead.

Patience....

[Kyle Boatright]

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...t=uhmw+removal

[rjbob]

Originally Posted by Kyle Boatright

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...t=uhmw+removal

Thanks for the GREAT link, Kyle!
An added plus in the thread is info on a product that is a viable alternative to the tape most of us use.

[DanH]

In the truck business we peel a lot of vinyl lettering. On a commercial level, the typical aluminum truck box is stripped by placing a space heater inside, and heating until the outside of the box is about 200F.

If the material is too old to peel, attack it (gently) with a sharpened plastic ice scraper or similar.

Removing the leftover adhesive is painless with the right stuff. Go online and order a bottle of Rapid Tac "Rapid Remover".

[strahler13]

And when you are done, replace with stainless steel tape. Looks great and you won't have the same problem down the road.

[gtmule]

Originally Posted by rjbob

Thanks for the GREAT link, Kyle!
An added plus in the thread is info on a product that is a viable alternative to the tape most of us use.

I was hoping Kyle would post this so I didn't have to find it. I used his method and can report that:

A) It works great
B) You need a plug-in drill motor, or you'll spend more time charging batteries than removing tape

My flaps are white so I bought some cheap white vynl vehicle wrap, 12" X 60" from amazon and cut strips to use as flap tape. Working great so far, and looks great as well.

[Capfo]

I replaced mine last month and the eraser wheel is the ticket! Took me all of about two hours.