Need advice on windshield sticker removal

[Rich G.]

I have '68 that had been stored since 1974. It still has the NY State 1974 registration sticker and a 1973 inspection sticker. I am finally ready to put this car on the road, but I am advised that I can't leave those stickers on.

They are in excellent shape and would like to preserve them with the rest of the documentation for the car. Any advice before I try? Wet? Dry? I know vinegar and water takes off wallpaper, but that's the limit of my adhesive expertise.

Thanks in advance

Rich Giannotti

[Joe C.]

Re: Need advice on windshield sticker removal

Rich:

The glue used is not soluble in water. If you use a solvent, like lacquer thinner, or something milder, like gasoline, you will remove the lettering from the back side.
The only way that I know, is to CAREFULLY "pare" the label off, using the same motion as if you were shaving wood with a chisel. Easier if you use a long handle tool (like DMV uses), and a fresh blade.
Even if you use this method, the word "VOID" will appear on the face of the sticker(s).

Joe

[Mike Yager]

Re: Need advice on windshield sticker removal

I would get a good quality digital camera and take close up and then larger shots of the stickers just in case they do not come off in good shape.

[Rich G.]

Re: Need advice on windshield sticker removal

Thanks Joe and Mike

Good suggestion about taking photos.

Rich

[Roy B.]

Re: Need advice on windshield sticker removal

Hair Drier works good

[Ralph E.]

Re: Need advice on windshield sticker removal

Just try applying "GOO GONE" on a paper towel, Rub it on the stickers and let it sit a few minutes. Then remove with a window scraper. If you work slowly it will all come off nice and neat.

[Bob R.]

Re: Need advice on windshield sticker removal

Just a thought after reading the string. The removal process might be easier then you think. I believe the information listed above is for the current type stickers. They will say void if tampered with. I am not familar with the NY stickers however all the old stickers I can remember from that era were all water based. You might photo them as suggested then you might try hot water or steam.

[Al S.]

Re: Need advice on windshield sticker removal

I once used a heat gun on the outside and a new single edge blade on the inside it worked like a charm. While keeping the windshield warm in the area of the stickers, do like Joe said and gently catch a corner and "pare" it like shaving a piece of wood. After I got mine off I had it laminated to keep it straight and preserve it.
Careful not to overheat the glass. They are laminated and I would think it could do damage if it got too hot with a localized heat source.

[Loren L.]

Why can't you leave them on? Sorry,

but I think my bureacratic b_____t detector just went off......

[Rich G.]

Re: Why can't you leave them on? Sorry,

Loren

Your detector is working fine. I am told the police here in NY will scrape off the old sticker if they stop me for any reason. They won't be as careful as I'm trying to be. The previous owner of this car was driving it one day recently using his "Transporter" plates from his business. He got stopped and only through the kindness of an understanding police officer were the stickers saved.

Thanks to everyone for suggestions. I'll let you know how it works out. I'm not sure this glue is water based, as the car sat in "uncontrolled" storage for a long time. There was mold and mildew growing everywhere, so I assume things were damp, yet the stickers look better than the ones they give us today after 2 years.

I have already taken some good digital photos, for what that's worth.

Rich Giannotti

[Brian G.]

Re: Need advice on windshield sticker removal

While cleaning our `75 a couple of years ago I found an unused 1977 New York registration sticker under the carpet by the drivers seat. I asked my wife about it and she remembers dropping the sticker in the car and not being able to find it. It still has the protective cover on it with instructions to peel it off, rub edges and entire surface to adhere sticker. In the lower left it has, NOTE: Do not moisten. So in `77 they were peel & stick. I would imagine `74 would be the same ,but not positive. Hope this helps. Brian

[Rich G.]

Re: Need advice on windshield sticker removal

Brian

Thanks, it does help.

Rich G

[Al Corelli]

Glass Shops use Dish soap and a razorblade.

I use this all the time. if you are careful, there will be no "void" problem.