I bought a vintage car. It was a frame-off restoration and is in mint condition. The car was stored for three years and the owner, who I have never met or talked to because he is in Germany, covered the car in bubble wrap and taped it up. This was removed before I inspected the car. I noted numerous small areas of tape residue and I thought I had a product to easily remove it called AFTA Adhesive Remover Cleaning Solvent but the fine print says not to use on polished or lacquered surfaces. I haven't confirmed the paint on this car is lacquer but that would be my first quess since it's a professional restoration and the original cars were lacquer. I am trying to confirm that. The tape was likely masking tape but since I didn't see it I can't be sure.

Ideas anyone?

 

I've got some AFTA. let me check the ingredients and compare to 3m adhesive remover (which I've used plenty on paint - it's meant for it - and cleans windshields like you wouldn't BELIEVE!).

The basic makeup of both is Xylene - this is likely the cleaning agent.
Afta also has Stoddard solvent, which is also present in liquid waxes, so no worries there. The only other thing in AFTA is Lingroin, which is used in a couple of tire treatments (Armor All Tire Black and Westleys Wheel Restorer). That would be my only concern.

Maybe just give Guardsman a call in the morning or pick up some Prepsol or 3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover (#08984) at an auto body shop.

Guardsman: 800-253-3957

You'll need to rewax any area you use this stuff on. Good luck. What's the car?

 

animeS2K,

Thanks for the info! 3M sounds like the way to go.

The car is a 1959 MGA, old english white, red interior and a black canvas top. This is my 5th MGA over the years. I've owned at least one for the past 32 years - so I really know these cars inside and out and this one is concours.

Thanks again for the info and quick reply. I really appreciate it.

 

i wana see some pics of that car!
my dad had a 52 td...
the mg a was a great car too- the granddad of ours in many ways-

 

...and the pictures are?

 

...and the results of tape removal with what products are?

 

Here's a couple quick shots of my A's. The white one is the new one. Still have not had a chance to buy the 3M product.

 

whoa! very nice!
Did you call that 800 number to see if it was okay to use AFTA?

 

Nice cars! Great shape man!

 

I finally got to use the 3M General Purpose Adheasive Remover and it worked great. Before trying it on the body I tested it inside the trunk. No problem with the paint accepting it. Using a very high power light I worked my way slowly around the car looking for tape residue. In some spots it came off immediately and in others it took more soaking and slightly more pressure but I had to be careful since the doors, hood, and trunk are aluminum and dent easily. $12 for one quart.

animeS2K, thanks so much for answering quickly and knowing your stuff.

Next, I go after the fluids - engine, gearbox, and rearend - and then I can finally enjoy it on the road.

PS - another great windshield cleaner (that's save for our tinted windows) is Stoner's Invisible Glass. Amazing stuff with no streaks. A light misting works best.