1967 NOS rocker panels -how to remove sticky protective wrapping, or clean afterward?

[Scott S.]

While trying to examine a pair of NOS rocker panels in the original GM packaging, the plastic adhesive protective covering is stuck to the rocker panels in various places.

When peeling the protective cover back carefully, the paint is not lifting, but in some areas it is leaving behind marks where the protective cover was sticking. Is there a tried and true method of removing the sticky protective covering without damaging the rocker panels, and a safe way to clean whatever marks are left behind after the protective cover is removed?

[John H.]

Re: 1967 NOS rocker panels -how to remove sticky protective wrapping, or clean afterw

Is there a tried and true method of removing the sticky protective covering without damaging the rocker panels, and a safe way to clean whatever marks are left behind after the protective cover is removed?

Scott -

I've used 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner #08984 for many years for removing adhesive residue; works very well, and won't affect cured paint.

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 NOS rocker panels -how to remove sticky protective wrapping, or clean afterw

Scott -

I've used 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner #08984 for many years for removing adhesive residue; works very well, and won't affect cured paint.

Thanks John!

[Grant W.]

Re: 1967 NOS rocker panels -how to remove sticky protective wrapping, or clean afterw

While trying to examine a pair of NOS rocker panels in the original GM packaging, the plastic adhesive protective covering is stuck to the rocker panels in various places.

When peeling the protective cover back carefully, the paint is not lifting, but in some areas it is leaving behind marks where the protective cover was sticking. Is there a tried and true method of removing the sticky protective covering without damaging the rocker panels, and a safe way to clean whatever marks are left behind after the protective cover is removed?

Hi Scott
I just removed my NOS Door sills from the wrapper and it has what you are talking about.
You can use simple green which is not abrasive or I used Goof off which is water based. Came out clean and perfect.
Thanks, grant

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 NOS rocker panels -how to remove sticky protective wrapping, or clean afterw

Hi Scott
I just removed my NOS Door sills from the wrapper and it has what you are talking about.
You can use simple green which is not abrasive or I used Goof off which is water based. Came out clean and perfect.

Thanks Grant. After who knows how many years in storage, I thought maybe there might have been a chemical reaction of some kind between the adhesive on the protective plastic cover and the surface of the rocker panels (pictures 1 & 2). When it didn't come off with a damp cloth, I figured I better ask somebody before I try something I shouldn't. It sounds like it's no big deal and should clean up fine with the right product.

I found an excellent Thread in the archives where Gerard Fuccillo tested seven different types of black paint to match his '67 rocker panels, and liked Krylon Semi Flat 1613 or SEMS Trim Black 39143 the best. If I understand correctly, these rocker panels are clear-anodized over the black paint.

Does anyone have an easy or recommended way to touch-up the few minor nicks in the paint (picture 3), or is that not going to work very well without stripping the anodizing?

[Grant W.]

Re: 1967 NOS rocker panels -how to remove sticky protective wrapping, or clean afterw

Hi Scott
This is a tough one. Been there and done it. On other NOS pieces to match the paint, First I would test the 2 can's of paint Krylon Semi Flat 1613 (make sure it is the old version but in a new can from an industrial supplier. The new Krylon Semi flat from a retail store is not the same)or the sems semi flat. Spray some paint on the end of a Q tip. Roll some of the paint on the edge of the rocker where it cannot be seen, if it matches, Then take some green non sticky masking tape and either punch a sharp hole using an excato knife on the round scratch marks. Have the hole large enough just to cover the scratched area. Then the larger long scratch, tape the area around it and again just barely covering the original black paint but you can see the scratched area.
When you have taped the area then cover the rocker with paper to avoid any over spray. Tape paper about 3 feet to the left and right of the holes to be painted.

Once taped you then make sure your spray bomb can has a good flow and not spurting out.
You then want to spray about 1 to 1/2 feet in the air and wave across the hole areas. You don't want to spray 3 inches as it will blotch the hole. You want the fine end of the spray mist to land on the scratched area to give it a feathered look. Don't be impatient and ruin it. It takes a little time.

It would be trial and error by duplicating the work on another piece of metal to see what you get. When you are comfortable then do it once right on your NOS $$$$$ piece.

One other simple way is using the model spray gun glass sprayer with a reducer on your compressor to 15 lb. But the problem is no one carries the semi flat paint in a bulk form. The model air gun is used for painting model air planes or cars. Very effective when I was using it to duplicate over spray in the grill areas of my car.
Hope this helps.
Grant

[Tracy C.]

Re: 1967 NOS rocker panels -how to remove sticky protective wrapping, or clean afterw

Scott,

The paint is on top of the anodized aluminum finish.

tc

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 NOS rocker panels -how to remove sticky protective wrapping, or clean afterw

Thanks for the detailed explanation Grant, now I know how to approach the problem and it should come out looking great if I take my time to match the paint and practice a few times first.

Scott,

The paint is on top of the anodized aluminum finish.

That's good to know, I hadn't been able to find that out from any of the Threads in the archives. Thank you for the information,

Scott