Date: Tue, 27 May 2008 10:21:56 -0600
Reply-To: Paul Connelly <vanagonhummingbird@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Paul Connelly <vanagonhummingbird@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Westfalia Decal Sticking Problem
In-Reply-To: <5a099d980805261323l2f7150afn9246045caef2fd93@mail.gmail.com>
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Hey Bob/Neil,
Thanks for your replies.
I was trying to "clean" the areas before re-applying the decals. Maybe I
should have left the 303 until after the application! I didn't think there
would be a problem since there doesn't seem to be one recorded anywhere. I
think with the decals being a couple of years old they were "stickier" on
the paper side than the poptop side. They are on and look good, but if I
tried to wash them with a sponge, they would start to peel back again....
Mmmmm. Might have to let it be for now, leave it for a year and re tackle it
next Spring with Penetrol and new decals. Live and learn!
If there is one thing I've learned its that there is always someone who has
BTDT and there is almost always something in the archive... I can't remember
the search strings that I used, but usually within 2 or 3 tries you can find
what you are looking for. Basically a couple of drops of dial dish washing
detergent in some water, so that you have broken the surface tension of the
water, apply to decal area with a spray bottle, then slide the decals around
until you are happy. Squeegee out some of the water with credit card or
similar, then wait until the water evaporates and just peel off. It sort of
worked.
Cheers, Paul.
1986 Syncro Westy - Hummingbird
On Mon, May 26, 2008 at 2:23 PM, Neil2 <vidublu@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Paul,
>
> I just 'stuck' mine on. Had to hold each letter with one finger whilst I
> peel the backing of with the other hand. Didn't think there'd be a
> 'accumulated wisdom' thread on such a simple thing. Naive. Would you point
> me to the best thread/s so I don't have to search the archives unncessarily?
>
> Thanks!
>
>
> On 5/26/08, Paul Connelly <vanagonhummingbird@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Hey Guys,
>>
>> Sorry for the cross post, but thought there might be unique wisdom on both
>> lists!
>>
>> I just finished stripping the oxidization and resealing the entire poptop
>> and luggage rack using Go Westy's suggestions of Protect All Oxidation
>> Remover and 303 Aerospace Protectant and two rotary polishing pads (wax
>> on,
>> wax off). The results were mediocre but a definite improvement. I suppose
>> its just unrealistic to hope to get back to that color on the back of the
>> luggage rack after 22 years in the sun!!! However the seals all came back
>> to
>> life and look pretty good just with a couple of applications of the 303...
>> (Wish I'd seen the Penetrol thread before I started - I just consulted the
>> archives!)
>>
>> Anyway. I also removed the tatty Westfalia stickers and applied new ones
>> (well they had been laying around the garage for a year or two), using the
>> Vanagon Archive method with the light soapy water spray etc. When I came
>> to
>> peel off the backing paper the next day it was extremely difficult to get
>> it
>> off without removing the stickers too. But I did finally manage. However
>> There are still a couple of parts that are not really adhering at all.
>> Maybe
>> because of the "slick" finish of the 303.
>>
>> I wondered if anyone had any experience/suggestions before I take her back
>> out on the road and have those pieces blow away in the wind?
>>
>> Maybe a lacquer coat over the top? But then do you end up having to cover
>> everything in order to get it all back to even? I tried a heat gun, which
>> seemed to allow me to "Dab" each letter deeper into the texture, but if I
>> take a cloth across it the edges of each letter still peel up.
>>
>> All suggestions greatly appreciated.
>>
>>
>> TIA,
>>
>> Paul
>> 1986 Syncro Westy - Hummingbird
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Neil
> '82 Diesel Westy
> Peace of
| 
