Remove painted pin stripe?

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The Other Mike - 12 May 2006 21:37 GMT

While looking for a new Honda, I found the exact model/color/options I
want at a certain dealership. Unfortunately this particular dealer
puts pin stripes on all vehicles they sell...and to me, it looks like
crap. So...I want the stripe removed but am afraid they'll ruin the
clear coat if it's taken off. They claim it's painted on and not a
sticker. Is there any way for them to remove the stripe without
damaging the clearcoat or paint? They say yes but I'm just thinking
they'll say anything to sell the car...I also asked that if in 6
months I notice fading or anything in the spot where they took off the
stripe if it's covered by the dealership under the warranty and they
said no. So is this a safe gamble letting them take it off or do I
hold out and go elsewhere?

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TeGGeR® - 13 May 2006 00:02 GMT

> While looking for a new Honda, I found the exact model/color/options I
> want at a certain dealership. Unfortunately this particular dealer
> puts pin stripes on all vehicles they sell...and to me, it looks like
> crap. So...I want the stripe removed but am afraid they'll ruin the
> clear coat if it's taken off. They claim it's painted on and not a
> sticker.

I *seriously* doubt that. Hand-painting is very, very expensive compared to
tape.

They don't want to remove it because the stuff is *extremely* difficult to
get off without leaving some sort of marks on the paint, and they don't
want to be held responsible when that happens.

If you want to try yourself, you can get an old credit card, and skive one
edge off at a sharp angle with a knife. Now just dig away at the stripe
until it's gone, using baby oil as lubricant. Any remaining adhesive should
come off with Goo Gone. You'll very likely have to get a detailing place to
give the car a buff and wax after, as the removal will be obvious.

Good luck. I hate pinstripes.

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TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

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SoCalMike - 13 May 2006 01:36 GMT

> hold out and go elsewhere?

if you dont *need* the car right now, id order one without the
stupid-assed stripe.

personally, i wouldnt bother with that dealership. they seem like jackasses.

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butch burton - 13 May 2006 15:59 GMT

Loading up cars with dealer extras is a way for dealers to screw their
customers into taking something they don't want/need. Find another
dealer. What else did these turkeys add - fabric and paint protection.
Have not told this story for a while - while waiting for my new accord
having warranty work several years ago - saw this salty dude in the
back seat of a new accord giving the seat 2 big swipes of spray across
the back and bottom - asked him what he was doing - applying fabric
protection - asked him how many cars a can of 3M Scotchguard spray
would do - think it was 5 cars. Hmm - $5 can, $1 material cost/car -
$15 to pay Red Neckerson - $20 cost for $1,500 income.

That is a real "Stealer" act.

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Dan Beaton - 14 May 2006 18:01 GMT

There are body shop tools for removing pinstripes. Here is one
example:
(http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/paint---body-equipment---supplies-exterior-interi
or-painting--finishing-and-detailing-pin-stripe-rem.html)
They require a certain finesse to use without damaging the underlying
clearcoat, but it can be done.
Dan

(This account is not used for email.)

> While looking for a new Honda, I found the exact model/color/options I
> want at a certain dealership. Unfortunately this particular dealer
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> said no. So is this a safe gamble letting them take it off or do I
> hold out and go elsewhere?

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The Other Mike - 15 May 2006 22:18 GMT

>They require a certain finesse to use without damaging the underlying
>clearcoat, but it can be done.

That's my problem...I don't trust that they'll have the finesse (and I
sure know I don't!) to not damage the clearcoat and don't think I want
to take a very expensive chance that they do.

Thanks to everyone for the advice...I decided to have them get a new
one without the striping on it. They grumbled a little bit but the
new car is there today and am picking it up after work. Of course I
wrote down the VIN number of the original car with the stripe to make
sure they don't pull a fast one.

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