removing shields

If they're put on with double sided foam tape, you can usually get a piece of high test fishing line and use that to cut the foam tape behind the shields. Then, if you're lucky, a lot of "Goo Gone" and plastic dish scrubber will remove the residue. What you will then find is anyone's guess, but I wouldn't think the foam tape would mess up the paint. Of course if it's too ugly you can always apply new shields...

 

Yoshi recommends dental floss, which will tend to scratch paint less than monofilament fishing line. Unfortunately, Yoshi has decided to discontinue making his aftermarket shields, which were the best of the lot.

 

My former 355 had vinyl shields from the previous owner and after removing the shields with fishing line, there was still a darker shadow where the shields were. I tried claying and polishing the area but the dark shadow still remained. It seemed like the previous adhesive had stained the clear coat (my 355 was Rosso Corsa red). Although I wanted to install my Yoshi's a little higher, I ended up having to install them in the same spot as before.

 

I removed my shields off my 348 with the fishing line appraoch only I also heated the shields with a hair dryer which softened the glue and made it allot easier to drag the fishing line through the adhesive. Also had a slightly darker red mark remaining (just a weather mark really not so much a reaction with the adhesive) but was happy to put my new metal shield directly on top which covered the mark perfectly !

 

Ah, the 10-7 reference brought back some good memories John.

 

When you start to use the fishing line, begin at one of the top corners. Make sure that the line is up against the metal shield. Using a sawing action, slowly start pulling the line down. If you start with the line up against the metal back of the shield, the line will basically cut through between the tape and shield and not make contact with your paint. Take your time and just be careful and you will be fine.

 

You can get rid of the differance in shading by having a good auto detailer wet sand the area and polish it.

 

+1 on the hair dryer. They will come off a lot easier when hot.

 

The next best would be the UK offerings. There is a seperate thread covering shield comparisons very thoroughly !

 

You got it John, retired after thirty years on the job. I still talk in codes and acronyms, but I'm getting, "better," every day. Driving my Ferrari helps immensely. Henry