carbon fiber or wood grain removal from cockpit

[tommy loso]

5 yrs. ago I bought an 03 GW and it had the fake wood grain all over the cockpit..I've never seen it before and have grown to dislike it very much..Am I looking for trouble if I try to take it off.I would hate to end up with glue that I can't get remove...Any ideas,please..
Tommy loso (old coot)

 

[Ozarkryder]

5 yrs. ago I bought an 03 GW and it had the fake wood grain all over the cockpit..I've never seen it before and have grown to dislike it very much..Am I looking for trouble if I try to take it off.I would hate to end up with glue that I can't get remove...Any ideas,please..
Tommy loso (old coot)

Well, to each his own, I guess. I am in firm agreement with you as to the wood grain, but I know folks that love that sort of thing. I would be surprised if it was something glue on if it is a full cockpit job. Usually the cockpit tupperware is replaced with plastic that is patterened with woodgrain, carbon fiber, alligator hide or what have you. You might be able to peel it and use some adhesive remover if it is glue-on. If it is replacement parts you may be able to sand it to give some "tooth" for plastic paint, or just replace the tupperware with stock or a pattern more to your liking.

 

[wingking51]

The woodgrain is probably from a company called Wing Bling in FLA. They do all kinds of exotic finishes on different parts of the bike body. Most times you have to trade in your factory parts toward the new finish parts. They might have the stock factory parts available to put your bike back to original. You might also try eBay to locate parts. I don't think you can strip the finish off and get back to factory. Good luck in your quest.

 

[Gorilla]

5 yrs. ago I bought an 03 GW and it had the fake wood grain all over the cockpit..I've never seen it before and have grown to dislike it very much..Am I looking for trouble if I try to take it off.I would hate to end up with glue that I can't get remove...Any ideas,please..
Tommy loso (old coot)

Tommy, If it is glue on decal then here is what we do to remove this material from the small area's of our old police cars. We take a heat gun to loosen the glue a little. You just wave it over material enough to get it hot but not melt it. Start peeling it up. You will leave glue behind. At sores like NAPA you can purchase a spray called Decal Adhesive remover. Spray it on the remaining glue and wipe it off. This is a slow process but it get the decal and glue off without hurting the paint underneath.

 

[tommy loso]

thank you - Gorilla,Ozarkryder-Wingking51lla for the replys-this material is not a decal..It was stamped out in a press and looks to be about 3/64 " thick..The parts were'nt exchanged or coated and they are everywhere,covering the speakers-compartments-dash..I've seen the kit in a catalog and someone payed a lot of money for it..I just think that it is ugly and all faded from the sun.I guess a good glue remover is what I need because it's all coming off..old coot

 

[mmkrnh8012]

Most any thing that is glued on, you can heat and peel. Use wd40 (water displacement formula 40) or a lubricant to remove the adhesive. slow and careful is the key.

 

[DJS]

i put a kit like that on my trike 6yrs ago,hasn't faded,keep waxed,still looks gr8,it was put on with dble sided tape,should be able to just pull off and clean up with paint cleaner or sorts

1999GW/1500/lehman
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