How to get rid of that $@%# dealer sticker?

[idbug]

The dealer from whom I bought my CX-7 applies what appears to be a an adhesive-based vinyl(?) logo sticker on the rear end of all the vehicles they sell (on the paint!!?!!). The last vehicle I bought (8 years ago), from a different dealer, had a logo as well, but it was a rub-on, no adhesive, easily and gently removed, no paint damage.

Does anyone have an idea/experience/voodoo magic that might help me get this off without removing clearcoat, leaving adhesive behind, or otherwise damaging the paint?

I'll try to take a pic tomorrow and post it. When I looked at it earlier, it appeared to be a plastic decal. At least it's individual letters and parts of a graphic, not one large piece.

But still. :(

[Raider]

It depends on how long it has been on there. New, just peel it off with fingernails. Dental floss or fishing line might help it has been on there a while.

The adhesive stuff is not a big deal. 3M adhesive remover works great, so does Goo Gone.

I know if all else fails, a detail shop has a polishing tool can rub the decal off without harm to the paint.

[bscar]

Ugh, I hate those things, and would refuse delivery if I had to advertise the dealership with that on there.
Take your vehicle back to the dealership and ask they either remove the sticker for free, or you're gonna send them a bill for an advertising fee every month. Also, if they damage the paint, tell them that it should fall under the new car warranty and have them repaint it.
Be firm, but polite. They made the mess, they should clean it up.

[noomsalt]

It amazes me how many people drive expensive cars with ridiculous logo's and license plate advertisments on it. You wonder if they even look at their car after they drive it off the lot.

[mikomi]

Easy as pie, probably easier than pie actually
1) use a hair dryer, heat up the vinyl
2) peel away

[shekshishekki]

what mikomi said...then use some goo gone to get rid of the gunk left behind :D

[mikomi]

what mikomi said...then use some goo gone to get rid of the gunk left behind :D

Wax that spot afterwards! :cool:

[chilidogtampa]

im not sure he will need a heat gun, he lives in Phoenix!! all joking aside it should come off with some heat and a gentle scraper, a plastic eating utensil or maybe an old credit card...if you really don't want to tackle it a body shop would probably do it and buff it for small coinage...luckily my dealer just used a plate frame which I tossed mucho pronto...

[kfudge]

A little heat, Goo Gone and some wax.... worked perfectly the night I brought mine home.

[bscar]

As I said before, I wouldn't even sign the papers for the vehicle if it had anything besides the mazda emblems on it. Instead of scrapers or credit cards, try dental floss.

[idbug]

Thanks for all the input, guys. I'll try that this evening. :-)

[Alpha Wolf]

Get the 3m remover it works great and does not hurt paint

Spray it on any sticky left and let it sit for 5 min. Then wipe off.

Good luck.

[erhayes]

Use a hair dryer to gently warm the decal and pull parallel to the surface. The adhesive has high tensile and low peel strength.

[j007w]

I got mine off with Goo Gone. Took about 5 min.

[Mike's CX-7]

...although only semi-related (might help someone before they get a CX-7), the dealer sticker is not required and you can request they not put one on (or remove the one they already put on) when you take ownership.

Otherwise, adhesives break down in both extreme cold and hot temperatures and Goo-Gone breaks down the adhesive - so apply Goo-Gone and some heat, then use fish line or dental floss (good tip) and it will come off like cuttin' through butter.

There you go pretty lil CX-7, all better now. :D