tank sticker removal

[Gary S.]

there have been a few threads about this over the years about the difficulty in removing tank stickers with the blob of glue being hard and adherent. Questions about possible solvent use without any answers that I saw.

we removed one yesterday from a '67 with a razor blade and a little bit of toluene either on the blade edge or brushed on the underneath surface as we carefully worked. Toluene melted the glue readily for a successful removal without damaging the carbon writing. We'll see over time if it leads to paper deterioration. Will store in an acid-free environment, in the dark, as previously recommended.

[Mike E.]

Re: tank sticker removal

there have been a few threads about this over the years about the difficulty in removing tank stickers with the blob of glue being hard and adherent. Questions about possible solvent use without any answers that I saw.

we removed one yesterday from a '67 with a razor blade and a little bit of toluene either on the blade edge or brushed on the underneath surface as we carefully worked. Toluene melted the glue readily for a successful removal without damaging the carbon writing. We'll see over time if it leads to paper deterioration. Will store in an acid-free environment, in the dark, as previously recommended.

Gary,
That’s a helpful post! Do you know if they used the same glue 1967 and all the way through?
On my 67, I had removed the tank with the intact sticker, went to get a soft brush to carefully remove the dirt and when I returned, the sticker was gone! A light breeze had wafted it about 6 feet away. I have removed a couple of 71’s, and they were far more securely fastened. Your post and my experience lit up that question about the adhesive. Good idea on the toluene!

[Owen L.]

Re: tank sticker removal

On my 67, I had removed the tank with the intact sticker, went to get a soft brush to carefully remove the dirt and when I returned, the sticker was gone! A light breeze had wafted it about 6 feet away.

I retrieved my '67 tank sticker back about 1980 by gently pulling it out through the filler hole! Didn't damage it at all, but obviously, the glue wasn't securing it very well.

For anyone new to tank sheets: Do not attempt this method today!

[Tim G.]

Re: tank sticker removal

I puplled this one off recently, part was damaged very badly and could not be removed.

[Tom R.]

Re: tank sticker removal

Throughout the 70s, it is not unusual to have owners remove the buildsheet with a hole where the glue goob was applied. I have copies of stickers from 73 thru 82...though my 81-82s (Bowling Green cars) are from the national Corvette museum.

[Rocco S.]

Re: tank sticker removal

The Tank Sticker on my 67 Coupe had a very large glue spot right in the center. If I tried to remove it I would have lost all the important information. When I dropped the tank, the Tank Sticker was covered in dust and almost unreadable. I used a soft make-up brush to clean the dust and took some photos. See below. Since the fuel tank was re-usable, I decided not to remove the Sticker but to cover it with a heavy sheet of plastic and sealed it duct tape around the edges. The car is stored in a heated garage so it will be protected for years to come. Maybe the next owner will decide to remove it as it will stay with the car.
Tank Sticker 1.jpg

[Ralph S.]

Re: tank sticker removal

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[Owen L.]

Re: tank sticker removal

Since the fuel tank was re-usable, I decided not to remove the Sticker but to cover it with a heavy sheet of plastic and sealed it duct tape around the edges.

I hope the plastic you used was an archival variety. You don't want any plastic off-gassing to react with the inks or paper. There are paper archivists that could likely remove the paper from the tank and preserve it.

[Terry M.]

Re: tank sticker removal

I hope the plastic you used was an archival variety. You don't want any plastic off-gassing to react with the inks or paper. There are paper archivists that could likely remove the paper from the tank and preserve it.

For archival storage materials I use University Products. They sell acid-free paper and storage boxes as well as plastic storage sleeves made from the proper plastic. www.universityproducts.com If you are unsure what to order their customer Service line has been helpful for me. 800.628.1912. Other than being a customer I have no connection to this company.

We have to properly preserve not just the cars, but the materials associated with them.

[Leif A.]

Re: tank sticker removal

Upper left corner of my tank sticker stayed with the tank 14 years ago. Between age and glue it didn't want to leave. In my ignorance (at the time) I encased it in thermal laminate to protect it from the elements. Fortunately, 14 years later it still looks just like it did when it was laminated.

[Ara G.]

Re: tank sticker removal

You have bigger stones than I do. God bless. I tried to remove the one on my Silver 67 and the glue was unreal. I simply removed the tank, sourced another nice condition original, unrestored tank and installed it. I wanted the "new" tank to match the patina of the rest of the car. The original tank is sealed in a black garbage bag in my climate controlled garage. Some of the original sheet the mouse got to, made a nest under the driver's seat with some burlap from the seat. Luckily it wasn't much, but I used tweezers to sort through the "nest" to get the original bits of paper and reunite to the tank. Little SOB's. LOL. ARA