[Courk]

I assume the stripes are vinyl -- I know they're not paint, but I don't know if there's a third option.

Anyway, what's the best way to care for the stripes? Can they be waxed? If so, is there anything special I need to look for in a wax? What about car wash soap, anything special to look for there?

Thanks!

[JudisStang]

Welcome to AFM! They're vinyl... if not paint.

If they are matte (no shine) do not use wax. If they are gloss (shiny) you are encouraged to care for them like you do the rest of your car. You can wax them, no problem. Waxes are all personal preference... I use mostly Obsessive Detail stuff and have found no comparison - right down to my instant detailer. My brother uses aerospace 303 (i think that's the name) on them and they look fantastic, it depends on you.

As for car wash, just make sure you pick up a good quality wash - not dish soap.

Don't let bird or bug droppings bake on there and keep a few micros and instant detailer in a small crate in the trunk in case you walk out and find a little mess. Other than that, I think you're ready to rock and roll.

Others will post their opinions, too!! Wait for a few more to chime in!!

[nigel]

Welcome to the site.

[JudisStang]

We had a little debate on if we should clay bar our vinyl stripes in the pinned Clay Bar thread... Here is a reply I think needs to be here...

Originally Posted by myltlpny

I just got off the phone with a Detailing Specialist at Maguire's and they do NOT recommend using claybar on vinyl stripes. The vinyl surface can be very delicate, and the repeated use of claybar can lead to a chalky surface over time.
So that to me answers the question. Tape off the edge of your stripes and leave them alone. From what I was reading on the Maguire's site, there are more appropriate products for vinyl and trim.

[Dans07SGT]

Originally Posted by JudisStang

We had a little debate on if we should clay bar our vinyl stripes in the pinned Clay Bar thread... Here is a reply I think needs to be here...

Exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks!!

[OldSkull]

I have a 2008 Mustang GT that has Vinyl decals between the Door window and the 1/4 windows. I scartched one and would like to take both sides off now. Is there a trick to taking them off or will they just peel right off with my finger nails?
Thanks!

[coniam2jb@btint]

try boilling water

[OldSkull]

Got them both off...
Thanks!

[Mr. Ugly]

I used the boiling water trick and did my stripe deletes just now. Also took off the ding strip side moulding.

I used a turkey baster to squirt the water a little at a time as I pulled the stripes/strips off. That worked pretty well.

But now I have another thing to take care of...

The car had been repainted on one side and there's a line in the clear coat where the stripe used to be. Some of it came off with clay bar, but a lot of it has a step that you can feel, and it also shows up as a dark line.

I guess I need to wet sand and hit it with some polishing compound.

Is that how you guys would fix it?

What grit paper and what compound(s) should I use?

Thanks!