Rear Hatch Pin Stripe/Badge Removal

[RandomNerd2000]

So, next week I'm going to be picking up the white hatch for my 2000 5.0 project to take the blue one off, and it's coming off a 2001 XLT with the Sport package (body molding), and it's got a stripe on it. Well I'm looking for how to get that stripe off since my truck doesn't have the stripe down the side, also info on taking the badges off, since I personally prefer no badges on the rear hatch, any tips and general info and things to avoid (like taking the paint off)?

 

[Mr. Alligator]

I removed my pinstripes... the difficulty was that they were buried under clear coat. I just used a razor blade and tried to avoid paint damage to the extent possible. Results were satisfactory.

I think the tail gate badges are fastened through the sheet metal hatch panel, and need to be accessed by removing the entire interior plastic hatch panel. There are threads on this forum about the removal.... pull the top Christmas tree fasteners, remove the strap screws with a Phillips head screw driver, and remove the small screw near the lock mechanism. Then pull the entire trim panel UP toward the top (not away). But you will still have small holes in the hatch sheet metal after removing the badges ( I think).

Good luck with the project.

 

[toypaseo]

I know there is a "pinstripe eraser" you can put into your drill to remove pinstripes. I don't know anything if they work or whatnot though...

 

[vroomzoomboom]

I know there is a "pinstripe eraser" you can put into your drill to remove pinstripes. I don't know anything if they work or whatnot though...

this. i have used them several times. they work very well

 

[koda2000]

At least some (if not all of the badges) are stick-on. A piece of nylon fishing line can be used like dental floss to saw them off. Then you can use an eraser on a drill to get the remaining glue off. I've also removed the glue with gasoline, but it's more work.

 

[RandomNerd2000]

So the badges aren't a disaster in the making, I'll undertake them more likely than not, the stripe might be just as well off left alone if it's underneath the clear coat, or at a decent risk of screwing up the paint.

 

[Varsity]

If we're talking about the individual lettering on each side, that's just stuck on, like koda said. Just some fishing line, or whatever method you prefer, and patience. Did that when I got my junkyard hatch painted to match. I ended up putting a 1st gen Explorer Sport emblem on because I liked the looked and 1 piece design.