Japanese Import - Windscreen Sticker "Aerial". How to remove?

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tchart

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Topic # 157467 2-Dec-2014 12:20

So recently got a second run about car (Japanese import).

Stereo was a single DIN head unit (with mini disc!) which has now been replaced. I don't believe the one I got with the vehicle was the one installed originally as there was a GPS antenna as well as one of those clear window sticker aerials (which AFAIK is for TV reception). Pretty sure it's not a heating element as its on the top left hand corner of the front windscreen only.

Anyway, I'm trying to remove the clear window sticker aerial. I know these are a pain to remove as my neighbour tried unsuccessfully to remove theirs.

Has anyone removed one of these before? Any tips?

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Reply # 1187005 2-Dec-2014 12:34

Razorblade Scraper, lots of rags, lots of solvent to remove sticky residue (acetone, WD40, universal solvent (from link up paint supplies).

tchart

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Reply # 1187019 2-Dec-2014 12:42

heylinb4nz: Razorblade Scraper, lots of rags, lots of solvent to remove sticky residue (acetone, WD40, universal solvent (from link up paint supplies).

Yeah that's what I thought. Blasted it with the hair dryer but figured that was futile since it's probably built to withstand the sun etc.

k14

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Reply # 1187021 2-Dec-2014 12:45

tchart: So recently got a second run about car (Japanese import).

Stereo was a single DIN head unit (with mini disc!) which has now been replaced. I don't believe the one I got with the vehicle was the one installed originally as there was a GPS antenna as well as one of those clear window sticker aerials (which AFAIK is for TV reception). Pretty sure it's not a heating element as its on the top left hand corner of the front windscreen only.

Anyway, I'm trying to remove the clear window sticker aerial. I know these are a pain to remove as my neighbour tried unsuccessfully to remove theirs.

Has anyone removed one of these before? Any tips?

Is this the sticker with the wires inside of it that is stuck to the windscreen up by the sun visors? If so I have the same on my car. I think they were the TV aerials maybe? I'd be keen to get rid of them too.

I also have three other sensors stuck to my dash board and a card reader below glove box. Pretty sure they are for toll roads? Too scared to cut the cables and rip them out in case they are hooked into something else!

ckc

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Reply # 1187022 2-Dec-2014 12:45

There's this orange adhesive remover that works really well for, er, adhesive. I wouldn't use acetone or anything like that. Some car glass is coated with UV/antiglare/tint coatings and you could damage it with alcohol based solutions. Otherwise, that orange stuff and a scraper or even dental floss.

ckc

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Reply # 1187024 2-Dec-2014 12:48

k14:
tchart: So recently got a second run about car (Japanese import).

Stereo was a single DIN head unit (with mini disc!) which has now been replaced. I don't believe the one I got with the vehicle was the one installed originally as there was a GPS antenna as well as one of those clear window sticker aerials (which AFAIK is for TV reception). Pretty sure it's not a heating element as its on the top left hand corner of the front windscreen only.

Anyway, I'm trying to remove the clear window sticker aerial. I know these are a pain to remove as my neighbour tried unsuccessfully to remove theirs.

Has anyone removed one of these before? Any tips?

Is this the sticker with the wires inside of it that is stuck to the windscreen up by the sun visors? If so I have the same on my car. I think they were the TV aerials maybe? I'd be keen to get rid of them too.

I also have three other sensors stuck to my dash board and a card reader below glove box. Pretty sure they are for toll roads? Too scared to cut the cables and rip them out in case they are hooked into something else!

Like all this junk?

tchart

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Reply # 1187030 2-Dec-2014 12:54

k14: Is this the sticker with the wires inside of it that is stuck to the windscreen up by the sun visors? If so I have the same on my car. I think they were the TV aerials maybe? I'd be keen to get rid of them too.

I also have three other sensors stuck to my dash board and a card reader below glove box. Pretty sure they are for toll roads? Too scared to cut the cables and rip them out in case they are hooked into something else!

Yes up by the sun visor. Also had a GPS antenna on the dash and etoll sensor near the rear view mirror. Those came off relatively easily.

I've removed as much wiring as I could, had to cut a few wires but I was confident they weren't connected to anything.

heylinb4nz

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Reply # 1187074 2-Dec-2014 13:17

ckc: There's this orange adhesive remover that works really well for, er, adhesive. I wouldn't use acetone or anything like that. Some car glass is coated with UV/antiglare/tint coatings and you could damage it with alcohol based solutions. Otherwise, that orange stuff and a scraper or even dental floss.

DeSolve-It Citrus based solvent.

Good stuff.

Great for Tar on cars as well.

tchart

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Reply # 1187094 2-Dec-2014 13:57

heylinb4nz: DeSolve-It Citrus based solvent.

Good stuff.

Great for Tar on cars as well.

I think the issue is getting the solvent under the sticker as its not porous.

DravidDavid

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Reply # 1187118 2-Dec-2014 14:09

- Heat gun (or hair dryer...But heat gun would be much better)
- Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
- Razor blade or plastic scraper

Heat the sticker evenly, but not too much as you may damage the glass. Scrape the sticker of the glass heating it gently as you go. Use the IPA to clean the remaining adhesive off the glass and to clean the glass afterward. You can use it on the sticker itself to help remove it too.

Depending on how long the sticker has been there, you may forever have a ghosted version of your sticker in the glass. If you want to get that out, you may need to talk to a glass specialist who can probably cut and buff it out.

We use this technique to remove window film and VHB vinyl from various surfaces including glass. This is the kind of vinyl you stick to the side of an aircraft and expect to last 3 to 5 years...So I'm sure your Japanese sticker will be a breeze! :)

You can only buy IPA from a pharmacy in small bottles as it is a precursor to methamphetamine. Ask for it at the counter (it won't be on display) and ignore the sideways look they will almost surly give you.

Sometimes what you don't get is a blessing in disguise!

tchart

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Reply # 1187120 2-Dec-2014 14:12

DravidDavid: - Heat gun (or hair dryer...But heat gun would be much better)
- Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
- Razor blade or plastic scraper

Heat the sticker evenly, but not too much as you may damage the glass. Scrape the sticker of the glass heating it gently as you go. Use the IPA to clean the remaining adhesive off the glass and to clean the glass afterward.

Depending on how long the sticker has been there, you may forever have a ghosted version of your sticker in the glass. If you want to get that out, you may need to talk to a glass specialist who can probably cut and buff it out.

We use this technique to remove window film and VHB vinyl from various surfaces including glass. This is the kind of vinyl you stick to the side of an aircraft and expect to last 3 to 5 years...So I'm sure your Japanese sticker will be a breeze! :)

Thanks!

Yeah was thinking about that but didnt want to set the roof lining on fire.

Will give it a crack.

ckc

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Reply # 1187122 2-Dec-2014 14:20

DravidDavid:

You can only buy IPA from a pharmacy in small bottles as it is a precursor to methamphetamine. Ask for it at the counter (it won't be on display) and ignore the sideways look they will almost surly give you.

And then when you've paid for it and you've got it in your hand, ask about how you'd get a gallon of it.

wellygary

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Reply # 1187124 2-Dec-2014 14:29

ckc:
DravidDavid:

You can only buy IPA from a pharmacy in small bottles as it is a precursor to methamphetamine. Ask for it at the counter (it won't be on display) and ignore the sideways look they will almost surly give you.

And then when you've paid for it and you've got it in your hand, ask about how you'd get a gallon of it.

Or you could just go along to Jaycar and I doubt they would bat an eye ( although I suspect its probably cheaper at the chemist)

http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=NA1066

k14

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Reply # 1189612 5-Dec-2014 21:28

ckc:
k14:
tchart: So recently got a second run about car (Japanese import).

Stereo was a single DIN head unit (with mini disc!) which has now been replaced. I don't believe the one I got with the vehicle was the one installed originally as there was a GPS antenna as well as one of those clear window sticker aerials (which AFAIK is for TV reception). Pretty sure it's not a heating element as its on the top left hand corner of the front windscreen only.

Anyway, I'm trying to remove the clear window sticker aerial. I know these are a pain to remove as my neighbour tried unsuccessfully to remove theirs.

Has anyone removed one of these before? Any tips?

Is this the sticker with the wires inside of it that is stuck to the windscreen up by the sun visors? If so I have the same on my car. I think they were the TV aerials maybe? I'd be keen to get rid of them too.

I also have three other sensors stuck to my dash board and a card reader below glove box. Pretty sure they are for toll roads? Too scared to cut the cables and rip them out in case they are hooked into something else!

Like all this junk?

Yep exactly like that. One has ETC on it. I imported the car myself so no dealer had their hands on it, I'd expect most would remove this stuff themselves. Might have to have a look at them this weekend.

tchart

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Reply # 1204168 26-Dec-2014 19:07

Sweet! Quick update, car was sitting on the drive in the sun for the past two days. Hopped in today to move it and tried to peel the sticker off. Came off nice an cleanly. Maybe a nice hot summer day is all you need!

DravidDavid

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Reply # 1204210 26-Dec-2014 20:34

tchart: Sweet! Quick update, car was sitting on the drive in the sun for the past two days. Hopped in today to move it and tried to peel the sticker off. Came off nice an cleanly. Maybe a nice hot summer day is all you need!

No hair dryer required. :)

Sometimes what you don't get is a blessing in disguise!

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