The arduous task of removing 20 yr old film

You've just made me reconsider taking it to a shop, lol.

 

Looking great

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No. Mine is a really old Jiffy steamer. It works great and it is built great. Stainless tank and all. Got it at a garage sale for $25 !!

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Ibuprofen... Hell, I had help from my friend Jim Beam Good for you for sticking with it. No pun intended (well maybe...)

 

I recently stopped at the body shop recommended by the local Ferrari dealer, and they were removing the PPF from another brand of car that had it applied some years before. They were not steaming, or I did not see a steamer, but they were scraping like it was old paint on the side of a weathered barn. They said it's common and they will have to sand it all down and repaint. Scared the hell out of me as I wanted to have my PPF refreshed. After reading the above I might try my crappy little steamer and find an area on the front bumper to test. I'm surprised the Goof Off did not harm the paint.

 

Well I can tell you from my 911 Porsche years, that the film the factory applied to the protruding rear quarters was a real bear to remove if left on for more than 4 or 5 years. The quarters heated up pretty well with the rear engine air cooled six-- really cooked that film. So yes sometimes it can be a real PIA to remove.

The shop you mention may be going about it the wrong way but to be sure, if it's been on a car for over 10 or 20 years, well, that's a nightmare. Still with patience, you should be able to remove it without paint damage. The key word here is should. Not saying you always can.

 

True story but off topic... Went to a garage sale and spotted what I knew was an old 356 Porsche with wood shelves built all around it in the one car garage. I talked to the old guy and he said I could crawl around under the shelves to look at it. So I did and discovered it was a 1955. It was in really sorry shape and was somewhat disassembled. The guy told me it was once raced at Daytona Beach and the severity of the rust kind convinced me he was telling the truth. I could have bought it (back about 10 years or so) for $4500. I passed--- like a dummy! How's that go--- if I knew then what I know now...

 

You can ride that thing anywhere. When you hit a rock too big to ride over, just stand up and lift the bike over then continue. Super fun.

 

100% agree. I had to remove the PPF on my 997 rear bumper after getting a love tap. What a pain in the butt.

When all is said and done, I think you are better off just getting the bumper/hood/whatever repainted every couple of years.

 

Nice work!!

 

WOW! it looks great!

 

Looks great, good job. I smiled at the ibuprofen comment. I don't understand PPF either - I think it's just a psychological thing. The other option is to have it removed and reapplied at 2-3 year intervals but of course that carries its own risks, and additionally it distorts a nice paint finish.

 

Looks great Husker! You are braver than me.