How do I remove an HOV decal?

[grundfund]

Hi Curt (and everyone else). New this forum - nice to meet you all. Anyone know the best (easy/safe) way to remove a clean undamaged HOV sticker from left quarter panel? I was in an accident 2 months ago, so I have to replace two stickers from right and rear damaged areas. But California DMV says they need my undamaged sticker too in order to send me a new replacement set of 3 stickers (they admit it might "fall apart" during removal, but they want as much of it as possible). DMV suggests smearing with peanut butter, car wash guy suggests heating with hair dryer, Gas Co. guy suggests "Goof-Off" or "Goo-Gone" solvents. Anyone know what's best? Even if I eventually put new sticker in same spot, I would still like to do as clean a job as possible without damaging paint or leaving sticky residue. It's a 2001 silver Civic GX if that helps. Thanks for any guidance you can give!

[freedml]

Re: How do I remove an HOV decal?

I prefer the hair dryer approach. If it isn't hot enough, a 'heat gun' will do the job.

[jetboatjohnny]

Re: How do I remove an HOV decal?

Use a heat gun. Harbor freight has them fairly cheap, or borrow one if you can. I used to help a friend who works on race cars and that is what we used.

[Curtis]

Re: How do I remove an HOV decal?

Welcome to cngchat!

The peanut butter is a new one on me. If the PB didn't work my dog would surely lend a hand... or tongue and lick the danged thin loose.

I really like Goo Gone, but it's tough to work with on a verticle surface and you have to keep the sticker wet to let it work.

The heat gun is pretty much the old stand by in the car business when it comes to getting the bumper stickers off.

[topaz420]

Re: How do I remove an HOV decal?

How weird that they would ask you to send the old ones back. What if you had said they were stolen, wouldn't they just send you new ones?

[Lakewood90712]

Re: How do I remove an HOV decal?

What if you had said they were stolen, wouldn't they just send you new ones?

When I needed new stickers in '02 and in '06 , just sign the application , send the check and presto , new stickers .

Now the DMV want's a police report , bits of the old stickers , etc..........everything but a DNA sample.

Sacramento at your service. As usual , DMV takes a simple thing and turn it into a P.I.T.A.