Emblem & molding removal

RapidRide2 · September 12, 2002

Hello,, i just picked up my 03 sierra,, and as proud as i am of owning a GM product i want to debadge for a cleaner look. I have already started to take off my black moldings on the side of the truck(slowly not to cause any dents) I have rubbed off as much of the double sided tape by hand,,, My question is What is the "safest", best way to remove the residual tape? It still seems pretty sticky,, I really don't want to add any chemicals that will harm the surface

chevy4x4trucks · September 12, 2002

A good way to remove molding and emblems is to saw it off w/ fishing line and then rub off as much of the sticky tape as you can w/ your fingers, and the residual stuff you can remove w/ goo gone or I've heard WD-40 will clean it up. After that throw on a few coats of wax and you should be set.

And there's nothing wrong w/ debadging a truck, IMO it gives it a much cleaner look and also makes it easier to wash and wax.

Pancho · September 12, 2002

I debadged my truck this past weekend and only wish I had done it sooner. I have a very fine line in several places where the molding was taped on the sides. I talked w Sal at Zaino Bros' and he mentioned that sometimes when molding is put on new paint and not removed w/i 60-90 days it might leave a slight impression in the paint. Right now I am debating whether to just leave it or try to rub it out.

The other question I'm dealing with is whether to remove the fender flares. My next purchase is wheels and if I go w 16x10's I may leave them on. Does anyone have any experience with the fender flares?

2k2TahoeSS · September 17, 2002

Are they big rims, or rims with big tires? I'd say if they are big rims get rid of the flares because its cleaner looking. If you are going for a lift-look, or just arent spending the $$ for a large wheel, keep em on.

Ben

chevy4x4trucks · September 18, 2002

The other question I'm dealing with is whether to remove the fender flares. My next purchase is wheels and if I go w 16x10's I may leave them on. Does anyone have any experience with the fender flares?

Well, if you don't like the look of them by all means sell them and help offset the cost of the new rims/tires. But, IMO since your truck is a 4x4 flares look pretty cool. Also, are they the black plastic, or painted black? If they're painted I say keep them. But, you can always make the final decision when you put on your new rims/tires.

Pancho · September 18, 2002

My reasoning is that if I go 16x10's the wheels being wider might throw up more mud and rocks outside the wheel well causing paint damage. If I go w 16x8's it might be more inclined to stay w/i the wheel well. I am probably going to put 285/75/16 with either of the above rims. Also, how difficult is it to put the fender flares back on if I don't like it?

chevy4x4trucks · September 18, 2002

installation is a snap (literally) there are some plastic tabs on them, and I heard on the factory ones some tape that goes along the edge that would need replacing if you decide to put them back on. But, not a difficult task. I'm not too sold on how many rock chips flares stop considering most stones will hit a lot lower, mudflaps would be the only thing to really help prevent those.