Newby oops

[Cliff5550]

We just purchased our 2007 Pt Cruiser Limited and absolutely love it. Certainly glad to find this site. I may have screwed up already in beginning to customize our beautiful black Cruiser. Like many we bought the adhesive oval port holes. I put them along the hood edges where they go, starting at the back edge of the hood, BUT I have each one touching tip to tip. We thought it looked really good but now that I've seen so many other Cruisers with spaces between the portholes I'm wondering if there is any easy way to remove the front two on each side and space them further apart. Would a warm hood and a hairdryer make it possible to remove them? And, if I did, would they adhere again to the body? Suggestions? Thanks

[CREWZIN]

welcome to the forum.

Did the port holes go on with double sided tape where you just had to peel off a thin layer of red covering and then stick the port holes on? If it is, that's probably 3M adhesive and your better off buying some more 3M double sided tape to move the port holes. It's sold at all major auto stores.

Heating and carefully prying off the port holes with a non-metal object so you won't scratch the paint, or you can use strong fishing line to get under the port holes and using a sawing action cut off the 3M tape.

You'll also need some Goo Gone or other adhesive remover to get off all the old glue residue from the hood.

[Cliff5550]

Yep, the 3M stuff is what it is. We'll try that method. I've used WD-40 to take off gummy residue from car bumper stickers before and it worked really well. If I use that and immediately clean and dry the area will that do? Anyway, thanks for the quick reply.
Hope to drop a few photos on soon. This site is perfect for PT Cruiser newbys.

[ucantcme]

You're talking about these, right?



A hairdryer, and a good prying device should be descent as CREWZIN said.

Welcome to the forums!

[CREWZIN]

They do look good and go with most cruisers, just weren't out when I was thinking what to do with my PT and don't go along with what I did.

If WD-40 worked for you before, can't hurt to use it this time. I use it to keep lubricating my Corvette sunken antenna and doesn't hurt the paint.

[Candyman]

Hey Cliff5550,

The guys are on the right path! You can get the 3m tape off by using a hair dryer on low power, and heat the glue up a bit to soften it. Then you should be able to peel it up by hand, or by using a plastic puddy knife like those found at Home Depot, or even Walmart.

The big key is work very slow, and careful! If you peel it off by hand, keep a nice smooth slow action. Don not try to go fast, or opull hard, or you may bring a bit of paint with it! OEM Paints are way more durable than aftermarket paints, but still better safe than sorry!

If you decide to use a plastic puddy knife, make sure you pick up a bottle of Meguiar's Quick Detailer, or an equivalent to lubricate the area you are working on! This is to prevent scratching from the plastic knife.

Or you can use the fishing line trick which also works well, which as mentioned above, done by heating the glue with a hair dryer, and using the line as a mini saw to remove the piece. It's a bit more of a trick to work with but not too big of a deal.

More of a personal choice than anything. Like I said just go slow, and smooth, and you should be good. After you get the pieces off, you might try some white viniger as it has properties that disolve glue on paint without damage to it.

Then just pick up some new 3M tape, clean the surface with some rubbing alcohol to assure no waxes, or fingerprings, ect, and reapply where you want them to be. Then you should be good to go!

Welcome to the Forum, and if you run into trouble, or scratch the paint, or something, don't panic! Just drop me a line, and I will walk you through the repair process!

Take er easy, and best of luck!!

Candyman

[Cliff5550]

Yep, those are the portholes. I think we're going to go with the fishing line saw method. Appreciate the help. Already added the window vents, a little chrome trimming, and double pin striping. Looking good (except for the goofed portholes). Thanks again. I've learned a ton since I found this site.

[Cliff5550]

Used the hairdryer and fishing line method. The portholes came off nicely and the use of WD-40 applied with a cloth to remove the leftover adhesive worked like magic. Re-positioned the portholes and re-applied with 2M double-sided tape. Feel like they're bolted on. Posting photo. Thanks to everyone

[Teekypt]

Welcome to the forum!!!!