Detailing / Car CareWant to talk about detailing your Dodge Challenger? Are you fanatical about the care and upkeep of your Challenger? Tell us about it in here.
Hey, I apologize if this has been asked. I've tried and tried and tried searching and haven't come up with answers for my specific questions. So, here we go.
I have a 2010 R/T on which I decided to remove the hood to fender stripes down the side. The removal went great. I used a blow dryer to add a little heat and they came off without a problem. It appears, though, that the outline of the stripes remains. Maybe a little bit of adhesive with some wax build up? I'm not sure, but it's part of the reason I removed them. You could see the white around the edge when the stripes were on so I decided to remove them before the paint could fade any more. Anyway, I clay barred the whole car including where the stripes were and it removed some of the remains but not all. I intend to buff out the whole car and my question is: will it be ok to buff over these areas and should it remove whatever is left? When rubbing my fingers over the outline I can feel a sort of "ridge" and I'm hoping the buffing with my new Porter Cable will get rid of it along with some of the swirl marks. I'm going to use a scratch and swirl compound followed by a polish and wax. Thanks for any help you can give
When I removed my stripes, I used some mild rubbing compound and did it by hand. Worked pretty well. Just used a microfiber cloth, and a bit of rubbing compound and elbow grease.
I would not use a buffer necessarily, unless you know what you're doing, since our cars have a pretty thin clear coat. You have more control doing it by hand.
Mike
__________________ 2010 Det Yellow R/T Classic Auto
Six Pack Hood
Custom R/T "C" Stripe from Vinyl Imaginations Solo Performance Cat Back Exhaust Mr Norms Hood Pins
Bully Cold Air Intake
3G Customz covers - body color
Body color calipers
Mods: TINT, Satin Black IE Rims, Black rear spoiler/ Hockey stripes/ Solid "T" hood blackout, H&R Lowering springs
Production numbers GWE: 887 GWE 392's made (459 Manual 428 Auto) ......................................411 GWE R/T's made ......................................1298 GWE Challengers made in total
I do know how to use a buffer. Actually, I learned on a rotary buffer and this one I purchased is a random orbital buffer which, as I'm sure you know, lessens the risk of burning through the paint.
That being said, I just wasn't sure if it'd be safe buffing over the "ridge" that was left behind and whether or not it would basically level out that ridge.
I had never heard that these cars have a real thin clear cost. Aside from the stripe removal I have some swirl marks and some scratches that need to be buffed out. I've heard nothing but good things about the Wolfgang products so that's what I am using.
Also, I was thinking of removing all the badges to paint them a flat black and was wondering how to remove the fender "Challenger" badge as well as the "Hemi" badge on the hood for paint and the re-attach them. Any ideas on how to do this?
I've seen threads on putting on new badges but I'd assume they come with their own fresh adhesive, so how would I go about replacing the same ones?
Removing the badge, I use fishing line. Slip it behind the emblem and using a sawing movement, cut through the adhesive with the fishing line. As far as putting it back on, you can get some double stick adhesive and trim to fit.
Random orbital obviously lessens risk of burning through. I did mine by hand and it was the whole R/T classic stripe area. It's just as easy and I feel more in control doing it by hand. For the hood to fender stripe, shouldn't take long at all.
I like my stripes ..... It's the darn Wax the Dealer put on them, of which I have issue! Used denatured alcohol and Mr Clean eraser..... still can see the wax
__________________
'Cuda Cliff
59 Chevrolet Apache
54 Plymouth Savoy
77 Plymouth Volare'
"She may not be the youngest gal at the ball... but she can still turn a head or two"
I go back and forth about the stripes. Some days I like them other days I think should take them off. Now I think if I m gonna take them off I better hurry up before the car sits too long. Then I also think well if after two years there going to show a haze or outline then it will be too late???
I go back and forth about the stripes. Some days I like them other days I think should take them off. Now I think if I m gonna take them off I better hurry up before the car sits too long. Then I also think well if after two years there going to show a haze or outline then it will be too late???
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
2011 GWE 392 6 speed SRT8 
[/url
Linear Mode
