Removing tape on Wind deflector

Tiny
AARONN
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 87,000 MILES
Is it possible to remove my car's taped (with 3M double sided tape that came with it) wind deflectors? My main concern is will it mess up my car's paint and/or leave adhesive behind. I saw from a YouTube video (this one: https://m.youtube.com/watch) that I could just use a hair dryer and then floss to remove the wind deflector. Goo gone or adhesive remover could be used if any adhesive is left.
Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 AT 6:43 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi,

Yep, I have seen it done that way. You need to get it really hot with the hair dryer to soften it and then it is much easier to remove.

The remover can be used. Just make sure it indicates it's safe for painted surfaces. Try in in an area that won't be seen to confirm.

Joe
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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I remove double stick a lot and my favorite "cutting tool" is braided fishing line. It is stronger than floss and cuts the foam like a razor. That can be an issue though, as you will want to wrap the line around something like a screwdriver handle or dowel rod, do not just try wrapping it around a finger or hand, even with gloves on I have seen it chew through leather before I got smart. As for the glue, you can use a plastic blade to remove as much of the foam as possible, then get a 3M adhesive eraser wheel to remove the rest. Just follow the instructions on the wheel.
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 AT 7:56 PM
Tiny
AARONN
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  • 95 POSTS
How long should I put the hairdryer on the wind deflector? Also, should I use the warm or hot setting on the hair dryer?
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 AT 8:55 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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With the braided line I don't usually use any heat unless it's a cold day. The heat is useful then as it makes the plastic flexible so it doesn't break.
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 AT 10:31 PM
Tiny
AARONN
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  • 95 POSTS
  • 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 87,000 MILES
What's best to remove adhesive left from wind deflector: goo gone, goof off, Wd 40, or 3M adhesive remover?
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Thursday, September 17th, 2020 AT 1:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I would think any of them would work. (Not familiar with goof off). LOL First, make sure that what you use won't affect the paint. If it was mine, I would likely start with goo gone. It's usually safe to use on most everything.

Let me know if you get it off.

Joe
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Thursday, September 17th, 2020 AT 1:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AARONN
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Just using goo gone should do the trick?
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Thursday, September 17th, 2020 AT 1:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi,

I noted that you had another post. I watched the video on it and have seen that done in the past. By heating it, the adhesive will soften and be easier to remove. Then you could use something like goo gone or 3M adhesive remover. Just make sure the directions on the product you choose indicates it is safe for painted surfaces. I would suggest trying it in an area that isn't seen to confirm it doesn't damage anything.

Let me know if I can help or if you have other questions.

If possible, please continue to respond to only one of the threads. We try to keep topics organized because it helps others as well. What you are asking is a common question and I'm sure others will benefit from reading your post.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, September 17th, 2020 AT 1:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DANNY L
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Hello, I'm Danny.

I've attached a picture below of the best adhesive remover you can use. This gets rid of double sided tape or any glue or junk sticking to your car. It doesn't ruin paint either and is made by 3M company. Just giving my 2 cents. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
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Thursday, September 17th, 2020 AT 1:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AARONN
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  • 95 POSTS
How long should I apply the hair dryer on the wind deflectors? Also, should I use the warm or hot setting on the hair dryer?
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Friday, September 18th, 2020 AT 8:28 AM
Tiny
DANNY L
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Hello again.

Here is a YouTube video showing both heat and a stripping wheel I mentioned to remove trim with double sided tape:

https://youtu.be/KDzsBdLGpyE

Keep us update as to your progress. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Friday, September 18th, 2020 AT 3:45 PM
Tiny
AARONN
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I successfully got the wind deflectors off. Two were easy to get off, one was okay to get off, and one was hard to get off. I used the hair dryer and goo gone. Floss wasn't working well as it kept breaking. There is no adhesive left behind on my car.
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 3:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Glad to hear you got it taken care of. Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 6:57 PM

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