Removing stickers

[bikingrenee]

Hi all -

I'm new to the board, so I'd like to say hello and pose a question that I suppose could be somewhat controversial. I bought a '91 GS last month, and I am thinking about removing the grey/pink stickers on the gas tank and side plastics, leaving just the "SUZUKI" on the gas tank. I love the blue paint color underneath, but really can't stand the early-90's sticker design. I thought I would need a heat gun, but some people are telling me that just a hairdryer and some WD-40 would work to get the glue off.

I know I run the risk of the paint underneath the stickers being faded, but this bike hasn't seen much time out on the road. Despite the fact that it is 14 years old, it's only got 2660 miles, and has spent most/all of it's life in a garage/under a tarp. Anyone have any advice?

Thanks!

Renee

[Kerry]

The stickers on the side panels will probably come off with the hair dryer and Goo Gone or whatever.

The stickers on the tank may be there to stay -- they are under a layer of clearcoat paint.  Some folks have very carefully removed them by cutting through the clearcoat with a razor blade, but you may not be satisfied with the results.  :dunno:

Hopefully one of those people will drop by and comment on their actual experience.

[stevemac12073]

hey i had the same problem with my stickers,  they were ugly as hell.  i just took some time with a razor and carefully...very carefully pulled away all of my decals. then i went over it with goo-gone. then i cleaned her up and waxed her.you can't even tell there was any stickers ever there. then you can do what i did and make custom decals. its pretty easy. just buy a blank decal sheet off of e-bay. i think i got like 4 feet for about 10 bucks. then go on the net and find a font you like. there are thousands so i'm sure you'll find something nice. design what you like, flip it around so it's written backwards. then print it on the back of the decal sheet so when you cut it, the design will be forward on the other side. sounds like a lot of work but trust me its worth it, cause then you will have decals like no other.  

[weaselnoze]

lets see a picture of ur custom decals!

[stevemac12073]

i didn't put them on yet because i decided at the last minute to change the color of my bike, so now i have to wait to put them on. they are done and waiting though. i could show you the design i used but then i would have to kill you. lol  

[weaselnoze]

aw come on u know u want to show it off..

[Dandy D]

To catch a ride on this thread - what about the basic warning stickers that are not clearcoated? y'know.. esp the one right on top of the tank. I tried just picking it off (ohh that sounds kinda disgusting  :lol: ) but that sucka is stuck good!    What's the scoop for this?
thanks.
Dandy

[stevemac12073]

same way just very carefully use a straight razor to pull it away. then just clean off all the crap with some goo gone. it's not that hard, just takes some patience

[bikingrenee]

Thanks for all of the advice. I am definitely going to try to take them off of the side panels. Is there DEFINITELY a clear coat over the stickers on the tank? someone on another board said that i might not have to worry about that, since the bike is a '91. And it doesn't look like there is, but then again, i'm no expert. Anyone know where I could find out that information for definite? I don't know about the whole "veeeeerrry carefully with a razor blade," thing.

Thoughts from a '91 owner?

Thanks-
Renee