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Remove DOT Tape on trailer...glue residue?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Hanadarko, Jun 19, 2012.

Page 2 of 3
  1. Jun 21, 2012 #11
    windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

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    My vote is for the xylene.
     
    windsmith, Jun 21, 2012
    windsmith, Jun 21, 2012
    #11
    CondoCruiser Thanks this.
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  3. Jun 22, 2012 #12
    droy

    droy Heavy Load Member

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    Iowa, LA
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    3M used to offer a product in a rattle can called "decal & glue" (I think) "remover" We got the stuff from an auto paint and body supply house. worked good on glue.
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2012
    droy, Jun 22, 2012
    droy, Jun 22, 2012
    #12
    CondoCruiser Thanks this.
  4. Jun 22, 2012 #13
    Hanadarko

    Hanadarko Independent Owner/Operator

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    Oct 1, 2009
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    Xylene seems to work but takes time and patience. Who has that?

    So, I called the trailer place and they recommended the following:

    Mantek
    [TABLE="width: 100%"]
    [TR]
    [TD="class: articleHeading7, colspan: 2"]One-Stroke
    [/TD]
    [TD="align: right"] [/TD]
    [/TR]
    [/TABLE]
    Paint and varnish stripper

    I can't find a photo of it online but it comes in a spray can ($12 a can) and the dealer said that they use this
    to remove decals and adhesive from trailers and have not found anything it cannot remove.
     
    Hanadarko, Jun 22, 2012
    Hanadarko, Jun 22, 2012
    #13
    CondoCruiser Thanks this.
  5. Jun 22, 2012 #14
    Klleetrucking

    Klleetrucking Medium Load Member

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    Little late on the thread, but, I did my 48' Reitnouer a couple years ago. Short of a thermonuclear event it just takes time and patience. I used a side grinder and a cup wheel, used for cleaning welds and put my mind in a "happy place", inch by inch I got it done and cleaned it up with 00 steel wool and laquer thinner. Yes, it was nasty time consuming work but it came out nice in the end. You'll be pleased that you took the time.
     
    Klleetrucking, Jun 22, 2012
    Klleetrucking, Jun 22, 2012
    #14
    Hanadarko Thanks this.
  7. Jun 23, 2012 #15
    droy

    droy Heavy Load Member

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    Iowa, LA
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    That name doesn't jar my memory, but we used a product that one of the tank manufacturers recommended for removing the glue off our stainless tankers; you DID NOT use this stuff on a painted surface unless you wanted to remove paint. The 3M product I just mentioned wasn't quite as good, but could be used on automotive finishes. One thing for sure, that glue is potent.

    I am in a similar dilemma, trying to remove silicone from the back of my cab. I bolted a 15" long piece of 3" aluminum angle on the back of my sleeper to mount my CB antenna on. Before bolting it, I used a healthy dose of the silicone between the sleeper wall and aluminum angle; later came a rain- I though it would be dried, matter of fact, most of it did, but the rain washed some long streaks almost to the bottom of the cab, THEN it dried, and will not come off! Need to find something to remove that stuff, maybe the 3M product I had been touting...hmmm.
     
    droy, Jun 23, 2012
    droy, Jun 23, 2012
    #15
  8. Jun 23, 2012 #16
    Hanadarko

    Hanadarko Independent Owner/Operator

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    Oct 1, 2009
    Midwest
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    This Mantek stuff is nasty...I mean you really need black chemical gloves that go up to your elbows.
    It burns like ACID if/when it hits your skin.

    I sprayed it on some decals and it bubbles them up like "EASY OFF OVEN CLEANER".
    Spray and let it sit and in about 5-10mins tops the sticker is totally turned into a liquid.

    It turns the adhesive into gum, which can be somewhat annoying to remove..so I followed it with Xylene.

    I then replaced all the DOT tape on the back of the trailer.
    Now, I am working on the side rails. I tried some of this Mantek stuff and while it will work, it will take too long.
    So I am going to try and remove the side DOT tape with a heat gun (or small torch) and then I picked up a 3M Eraser wheel
    to try either after or in place of the gun. Not sure yet.

    So, the Mantek works better on full decals vs just adhesive but it works.
    If anyone uses it, you really need a HAZMAT suit when working with it and DO NOT SPRAY if it's even the slightest bit
    windy outside. Don't ask how I know that...

    :biggrin_2554:
     
    Hanadarko, Jun 23, 2012
    Hanadarko, Jun 23, 2012
    #16
  9. Jun 23, 2012 #17
    aktundratugger

    aktundratugger Light Load Member

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    Feb 10, 2012
    up on the hill, Ak
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    methyl ethyl ketone, thats the stuff body shops use to clean with. works unbelievably well just dont breath it, use in well ventilated area!
     
    aktundratugger, Jun 23, 2012
    aktundratugger, Jun 23, 2012
    #17
  10. Jun 23, 2012 #18
    Hanadarko

    Hanadarko Independent Owner/Operator

    2,970
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    Oct 1, 2009
    Midwest
    0
    This is why I think Citrus based products are for the birds.
    I like stuff with serious issues and potential for environment damage.
    Cause, otherwise...howz it gonna really work?


    Mantek One Shot:

    Chemical Entity CAS No Proportion Synonyms
    DICHLOROMETHANE 75-09-2 >60% METHYLENE CHLORIDE
    POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE 1310&#8209;58&#8209;3 <10% CAUSTIC POTASH

    Health Effects:
    Acute &#8209; Swallowed: NAUSEA, DIZZINESS, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSION, HEADACHES AND LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS.
    Acute &#8209; Eye: SEVERE IRRITATION AND BURNING OF THE EYES.
    Acute &#8209; Skin: BURNS, SKIN REDDENING AND DERMATITIS.
    Acute &#8209; Inhaled: DIZZINESS, NAUSEA AND VOMITING.

    :biggrin_25521:
     
    Hanadarko, Jun 23, 2012
    Hanadarko, Jun 23, 2012
    #18
    windsmith Thanks this.
  11. Jun 23, 2012 #19
    Kittyfoot

    Kittyfoot Crusty Ancient

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    Sorrento, Louisiana
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    Save the headaches from chasing brand names. Brake cleaner works just fine.
     
    Kittyfoot, Jun 23, 2012
    Kittyfoot, Jun 23, 2012
    #19
  12. Jun 23, 2012 #20
    Klleetrucking

    Klleetrucking Medium Load Member

    378
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    Dec 11, 2010
    S.C.
    0
    Hanadarko, when I said I used the grinder with a cup wheel, I feel I wasn't clear. I used the cup wheel to take off the tape and the glue. This tape is some serious stuff which you are no doubt finding out. I stood on a milk crate and rested my arm on the trailer to hold the grinder and just went inch by inch. I'm thinking you'll spend a fortune in those 3M wheels and the time invested would be lengthy. I did this grinder thing a few years back and the tape is holding up well. BOL!
    BTW, it's good to see you posting, it must mean you got through all that crap at the KW dealer getting your truck going.
     
    Klleetrucking, Jun 23, 2012
    Klleetrucking, Jun 23, 2012
    #20
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