tailgate insert letters removal

My truck has the stainless ones on it now and I would like to remove them and put matte black
tailgate insert letters on.

what is the best way to remove the existing recessed letters?

 

Heat and plastic tooling (goal is to loosen the bond without damaging the paint). You'll probably have to go back with some goo gone and remove any remaining residue and then clean the surface before applying the new inserts.

 

I used a hair dryer and fishing line(50lb) and they came right off. Goo gone and alcohol on the residual.

 

This. Don’t pull up on the line if you use this method. Take care not to overheat the paint if you use the heat gun.

It’s almost unnecessary to use the heat gun in most situations, though older applications or certain adhesives may require one. If you can get the Goo Gone worked in behind the badge/letters it can do the heavy lifting on its own using the line in a sawing motion. I used an eraser wheel to remove any excess glue. Make sure the surrounding area is clean before using the wheel. The wheel itself won’t damage healthy paint but a dirty panel will.

 

Hair dryer at best, dental floss or fishing line. Don’t scissor down, try and use constant downward pressure, less chance of damaging paint. Go slow and make it work without much resistance. Goof off and alcohol (for truck and you!) after.