how to remove tank decals

I want to remove the Honda tank labels off of my 700 shadow. I want to put
flames on in its place. What is the best way to remove the labels without
damaging the paint? TIA

 

I have seen a few different ways that Honda puts lettering, etc on their
bikes. The range from decals with clearcoat to self adhesive labels, to self
adhesive with clearcoat. Determining what you have is almost impossible
without knowing the year of the bike.

pierce

 

The bike is a 1985 model.

 

If it's just a decal over paint, no clearcoat over the decal, make sure
everythings nice and warm. Leave it out in the sun for awhile, then
gently try to remove the decal. If it's cold, it'll be more likely to
remove the paint with it... don't ask how i know that.

 

There appears to be clearcoat over the decal.

 

Time to get out the sand paper and spring for a tank repaint if you want
them gone that bad.
Good Luck!

 

Buy a spare tank and repaint that and keep the original.

pierce

 

Angle grinder if they're clear coated. If not then a hair dryer or heat gun
to warm them up, and peel off using only a fingernail (it won't scratch the
paint)

Rod - www.CutGrafix.com

 

actually eastwood has a special wheel for a hand held drill to remove
decals and old stickers all you have to do after your done is buff out
your paint ,but I have to warn you here that when you remove decals off
paint after it has been on for a couple years there is always a
discoloration in the paint and it shows you how damaging the sun can do
to your paint and oxidation ,so hopefully your new flames should cover
the old decals area ,and one more thing to do is also take a a few good
shots of your old decals before you remove them just in case a few years
down the road you decide you want to restore it back to original ,alot
of guys has remaved things like old factory decals before and then they
find out there was several different ones on it and they cant remember
the exact one or they are not avaible at all ,so try to keep a record of
all the little things like this if not for yourself but maybe if you
sell someday the next guy at least will have a good record of it

 

thanks for the advice!!!