Hi All,

I have a 2001 S60 that still has the dealer-installed front clear bra on the hood. As you can imagine, it has done its job protecting the hood of the car all these years - but now it's showing its age and has to go. Is there a release agent I can apply to this thing (that will also be safe for my paint) so I don't have to spend 6 hours on it with a heat gun & plastic putty knife?

 

The beauty of those things is that they stay ON the paint finish.

Unfortunately, I have never encountered an easier way than a heat gun to remove them. Get a corner pulled loose, then heat and pull the film along as you go. I have never spent more than an hour pulling the film and removing adhesive, but it takes some patience and a bit of technique.

Heating them (not hot, just warm) is safe for the paint finish.
Follow with a solvent such as 3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover to help you remove the stickiness after pulling the film.

Some use what's called an "eraser wheel", but those have the potential for damaging the paint finish, especially if it is not factory paint. If you are not familiar with the tool or aren't sure of the finish, stick with the heat gun.

 

Thanks, Pete - I was afraid of that. And I have NO experience with an eraser wheel - so I'll avoid that.

Time to start peeling. It's been on there so long, it's cracking everywhere and only an inch at a time will come off - but I will persevere. I'll pick up some 3M stuff and work bit by bit. Thanks for the info.