2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Issues When Debadging Truck?

[ProMac1K]

I've been contemplating debadging my truck. I've grown to like the Sport look (without the decals). Has anybody had any issues after removing the trim and badges, such as paint contrast, visual defects, material not coming off, or any other issue? I would appreciate it if some of you can give me some feedback on this.



Thanks

 

[nps]

Last month my son debadged his 2001 shortbed QC 4x4 - in RED. His was not a sport model.



I would have thought the tailgate stickers would have been visible but no - nothing at all! He took off the door emblems, separated the Cummins 24V TurboDiesel under the RAM2500, cut the 2500 off, and put the RAM back on the door. Looks good and different.



I'm not going to touch the doors of mine, but have seriously been contemplating cleaning up the tailgate by removing the Dodge and 4x4.



Although I have a Sport, in 2001 they have a pillar badge in the same position as the SLT badge, and the doors are the plastic emblems like the SLTs. I know in years earlier the Sports were all decals on the doors.



I say go for it if you want - shouldn't have any paint issues. Just peel them off carefully after leaving it in the sun, cleanup with paint thinner, and wax over the spots.

 

[Rocketdoc]

FYI, the best way I've found to remove badges is to use dental floss. Get it under an edge and then just tug it back and forth to saw thru the adhesive layer. Clean up the adhesive residue with some Coleman fuel and you're done. Much safer than trying to peel a plastic badge off and breaking it.

 

[joaker]

I have an '02 Sport, and when I bought it it had lame pinstripes from the front of the hood all the way around the back, also I thought the clean look of no badges whatsoever would be better, I have a friend who details cars and all we did was use a heat gun to warm them up, taking care to not get them too hot or cook your paint, then we just pulled them off, the remaining junk from the ram emblem was removed with this rubber wheel thing he had on a drill, personally I'd just take it to a good detailer and have it done right, it takes only a little while, might as well have it looking as good as can be, and they know how to deal with the detailing part, so it'll be perfect.

 

[ProMac1K]

Thanks for replying.



No issues like noticeable paint color difference from fading or anything like that? That's what i'm most worried about. It's a black truck.

 

[budctdca]

I took the long trim that ran the length of my 97, it took a long time, but I used a heat gun, and my thumbs (boy did they hurt)... I noticed no fade in the paint. You might be able to look at your doorjambs compared to the outside and if you see a noticeable difference, you can bet that when you remove the trim you'll see a difference. It might be nothing a good cut and buff job can't fix. Good luck.

Luke

 

[ProMac1K]

I've read about that detailing clay. Is this something that would be of benefit to use in this situation?



While i'm here, I might as well ask..... How do you go about stripping or refinishing and painting a fiberglass sunvisor? Right now it's off the truck. I cleaned it up today, and found three pairs of finger prints, and one 1. 5" wide and 5" long strip of streaks in the paint from when it was painted, not too mention the paint chips from road abuse, scratches, and paint chipping from bolt installation/removal. Is this something that could feasibly be done, or wouldn't it be worth the bother? Any idea on cost of the job?



Thanks

 

[Holysmokes]

I have a black short bed with no badges. . no marks or fading ect. looks gr8.

 

[ProMac1K]

Good to hear!



Thanks everyone for your feedback.

 

[EBottema]

Just took those 2 little front door moldings off tonight so i could get my Xenon fender flares to fit. Wow coleman fuel works pretty good. Thanks for the cheap tip. Better than spending money on adhesive remover that would just sit around taking up space. After the coleman fuel i went over it with a super light 3m polishing compound to take off some nasty road grime/10 year old built up dirt..... Looks sweet. can't wait to put the flares on tomorrow, ill post some shots after tomorrow hopefully!

 

[ProMac1K]

Can anyone tell me what Coleman fuel is?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Can anyone tell me what Coleman fuel is?

Unleaded/white gasoline. (last I knew... )

 

[EBottema]

white gasoline. lol



Coleman fuel can be purchased as a hardware store or sears. It is used for lanterns and other heating devices. usually about 5 bucks and comes in one gallon can or plastic bottle. Basically a low grade fuel.

 

[DLausche]

I took the Sport and tailgate badges off mine 2 years ago - when it was 4 years old. 3M Adhesive Remover works great on removing any type of adhesive reside. Then, a very fine rubbing compound and finish with a good wax. I could not notice any paint fade whatsoever.

 

[ProMac1K]

Kind of like distillate then?



Is their any fuel that would substitute? Like 89 octane, or Ruby Red Fieldmaster? LOL



We might have some of that Adhesive Remover..... might..... we do have some Super Glue remover around.



I didn't have a chance to get a heat gun over the weekend. Would a hair dryer suffice for the decals?



Got the exterior sunvisor on last night. Took it off awhile ago to clean under it and see what it looks like with it off. It is in rough shape though... . paint chips... . and a bad paint job with finger prints and streaks in spots. Came with the truck. Wish the owner before me wouldn't have put it on. Takes away from the beautiful curves of the truck.

 

[ProMac1K]

I don't know, i'm still resisting pulling it off. I've read now about removing the clear coat from pulling off the moulding. I took a hair dryer and plastic scraper and removed the two dealer decals above the model badges on the doors.



Here would be an example of before and after. Now that I look at it, it looks a lot better cleaned up than it does this second. It would probably look better with the moulding off when it is dirty. The protective covering over the shiny strip on the moulding is starting to pull off though, from washing the truck probably.



Before:



#ad




After (Example):



#ad

 

[EBottema]

Man, don't worry. I just did my front fender ones today. Use fishing line and cut through the double sided tape. Then use coleman fuel and your thumb to peel it off. Then some light 3m rubbing compound, wax and your done...

 

[ProMac1K]

I believe I have some Naptha. Just read that Naptha is a more-refined version of Coleman fuel.



I'll let you know when I budge and when I get-it-done.





BTW EBottema, LOL @ your Readers Rigs pics!

 

[Neibe]

Use a hair dryer.

 

[ProMac1K]

Found out that I had a brand new Wagner heat gun in the garage. I had requested someone to pick one up on Friday and they never told me they got it.



I'm going to wash the truck and see if the shiny strips on the moulding clean up. They are already stripping on the driver side. If they don't clean up, I think i'll pull them and see how it looks.



Thanks