575 - Removal of old clear bra on headlights | FerrariChat
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575 - Removal of old clear bra on headlights

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by papataori, Dec 1, 2010.

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  1. papataori

    papataori Karting

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    #1 papataori, Dec 1, 2010
    So, I recently had my clear bra on the 575 removed and replaced with a new one, due to discoloration (it was yellowing slightly). However, the installer was scared to remove the clear bra from the headlights. Removal of the old clear bra leaves sticky residue behind, and he was afraid that the removal of this residue could potentially damage the clear plastic headlight covers. Can anyone advise on this? Are there any products that you would recommend to get the old clear bra safely removed from the headlights?
    Thanks,
    Will
     
  2. papataori

    papataori Karting

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    #2 papataori, Dec 2, 2010
    Man, I've never been shut down before. Should I post this on another part of the forum?
     
  3. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    #3 308 GTB, Dec 2, 2010
    Will,

    I'm not sure what your installer is afraid of. I've seen reinstallation of 3M clear tape done at Classic Coach several times over the past several years. Some have involved removing the material from headlight covers. They just spray something on after they're done removing the material and put on the new tape. I've never asked them what's in the bottle but it preps the surface for reinstallation.

    The headlight covers are pretty tough. I've never seen a headlight cover crack. Mine get chipped and sandblasted. I clean them yearly with Meguiars #10 Clear Plastic Polish and they look OK afterwards.

    Barry
     
  4. henryr

    henryr Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 henryr, Dec 3, 2010
    i had the original clear bra removed from my 575 last year. was yellowing pretty badly. no issues with removing from the headlights. you should have been more concerned with ****ty ferrari factory paint lifting then with the headlights..
     
  5. chashar

    chashar Rookie

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    #5 chashar, Dec 3, 2010
    You should be able to remove the residue with mineral spirits (paint thinner). Depending on what type of plastic the light covers are, a hotter solvent such as lacquer thinner, acetone, etc might melt the plastic. Paint thinner should loosen it enough to remove safely.
     
  6. henryr

    henryr Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #6 henryr, Dec 3, 2010
    i wouldnt use any solvents.......

    carcarespecialties has a safety solvent product that works....
     
  7. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 tazandjan, Dec 3, 2010
    Henry- Agreed. No organic solvents, which may etch the surface. Paint thinner will dissolve some plastics.

    Taz
    Terry Phillips
     
  8. FPFaeth

    FPFaeth Formula Junior

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    #8 FPFaeth, Dec 3, 2010
    There are also household products like Goo-Gone and Gunk & Goo Remover that are very benign. Automotive stores have them, as do grocery stores. They are typically used to remove the price label residue. which might be similar to what is left behind by the clear bra.
     
  9. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #9 tazandjan, Dec 3, 2010
    Affirmative, Goop is very mild. Vaseline might work, too. That is the best way to get cyano-acrylates (super glue) off your hands if you screw up.

    Taz
    Terry Phillips
     
  10. ghardt

    ghardt Formula 3

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    #10 ghardt, Dec 3, 2010
    Anyone ever use WD-40 on plastic surfaces? I've used it a number of times to remove the adhesive residue on painted finishes with success after removing dealer stickers/emblems.
     
  11. henryr

    henryr Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 henryr, Dec 3, 2010
    use wd40 to get gum out of carpets....works great
     
  12. papataori

    papataori Karting

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    #12 papataori, Dec 3, 2010
    Thank you everyone for the responses.

    Henry, I just checked out Car Care Specialties' website and they definitely have a lot of stuff. I will contact them to ask for advice. I'm sure they have the right product for the job. I'll let everyone know what I end up doing and how it turns out.

    Best,
    Will
     
  13. henryr

    henryr Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #13 henryr, Dec 3, 2010
    i think its called oilflo safety solvent. i've used it an anything and everything for years to remove adhesive residue. never had a problem.
     
  14. wbklink

    wbklink F1 Rookie

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    #14 wbklink, Dec 4, 2010
    I think you might want to check with an installer that has done it and knows what he is doing... or have your guy check with some other guys.

    It's not your job it's his .

    Just my 2 cents,

    Bill
     
  15. wbklink

    wbklink F1 Rookie

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    #15 wbklink, Dec 4, 2010
    Hi H, I'm about to have mine done did you have a problem with the paint ?
    When I called 3M they said It should not be a problem as long as it has not been on the car over 5 years.

    Mine has been 3 1/2.

    Thanks,

    Bill
     
  16. henryr

    henryr Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #16 henryr, Dec 4, 2010
    zero problem with the headlights and paint. i was worried about the paint (given ****ty Fcar paint, imho) i used the guy that FOA uses for install. if he takes his time - it shouldnt be a problem.
     
  17. Doctor7474

    Doctor7474 Formula Junior

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    #17 Doctor7474, Dec 4, 2010
    http://www.kent-automotive.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?partNumber=P_60170&catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&langId=-1

    I've used it on many different paint and plastic surfaces no damage, usually to get sticky crap off the cars. Keep it away from styrofoam though.
     
  18. wbklink

    wbklink F1 Rookie

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    #18 wbklink, Dec 4, 2010
    Thanks Henry....
     
  19. papataori

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    #19 papataori, Dec 6, 2010
    Per the gentleman at Car Care Specialties, he said this is a bit of a hairy situation because the polycarbonate headlight coverings will break down / haze with products that are best for removing sticky residue. He also said that my most recent remover/installer was smart for not taking this on.

    He recommended that I use P21S Total Auto Wash. It is a citrus-based cleaner that will not harm the polycarbonate. He said that I need to really take my time and use a q-tip to dab (not rub) underneath the edges of the clear bra and peel up as it releases. I should then follow-up with a high-quality microfiber towel and P21S once the clear bra is off. He said it could take 20mins or 10hrs, depending on my specific situation.

    He said he does not recommend installing clear bra onto plastic headlight covers because the heat from the headlight bulbs tends to make the adhesive set in more, which makes eventual removal a huge pain. So, that is what I am dealing with now.

    Do any of you think it is a bad idea for me to take this on? I'm not worried about my skill level as I am meticulous and patient...I also had a car detailing business in my younger years. Henry, I know yours turned out well, which gives me some positive motivation. I would probably rather have headlight covers that are a little yellow than have a botched clear bra removal job that forces me to have to buy new headlights....
     
  20. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #20 Rifledriver, Dec 6, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  21. wbklink

    wbklink F1 Rookie

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    #21 wbklink, Dec 6, 2010
    Would like to remove and replace clear bra (it's done its job)

    Any recommendations In Los Angeles ?

    Thanks,

    Bill
     
  22. papataori

    papataori Karting

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    #22 papataori, Dec 12, 2010
    So, I set aside a couple hours yesterday to remove the yellowing clearbra from the polycarbonate headlights on the 575.

    I meticulously set up a low roller chair for comfort while performing the removal and a low roller table to hold the q-tips, P21S Total Auto Wash and microfiber towels I had purchased for the job. I sat down at my work station and carefully peeled up the corner of the clearbra. Well, it started off nice and clean and peeled up farther and easier than I thought it would given my delicate touch. So, I peeled a bit harder and presto, I peeled it all the way off in one swipe to reveal a perfectly clean and residue free headlight. The other side was even easier because I knew what to expect. Needless to say, my worries were all for nothing.

    I then used the microfiber towels and P21S to wipe the surface of the headlights to prepare them for the coat of wax I subsequently applied.

    I don't know the brand of clearbra used, or the installation technique, as it was on there from the previous owner, but my removal process was obviously as simple as it could get.

    Thanks for everyone's input, and I'm just glad that I got this done without any problems.

    -Will
     
  23. jchuka

    jchuka Karting

    Mar 20, 2007
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    #23 jchuka, Dec 12, 2010
    Does anyone know of a good bra removal and replacement guy or company in the Los Angeles area?
     
  24. GatorFL

    GatorFL Moderator
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    #24 GatorFL, Dec 12, 2010
    I took the clearbra off my wife's car this weekend. MEK got rid of the residue with no hazing to the paint or headlights.
     

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