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2013 Boss 302 Track Tape Residue on Stripes

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Hi TrackMustangsOnline,

My father and I recently took our 2013 Boss 302 to a Chin Track Days event at Sebring International Raceway. We were concerned with track debris (rubber, rocks, chunks of other cars, etc.) impacting the front bumper and damaging the paint and the stripes so we decided to apply some track tape to the front bumper and the lower part of the hood. Unfortunately, mother nature decided to rain on Sunday and we noticed that the tape adhesive would turn white after water got under the tape, which was fairly easy for the water because it is almost impossible for an amateur to apply that stiff tape to that much curved surface area without having some creases and folds in the tape. We didn't think too much of the white adhesive while we were at the track because we were so focused on having fun. HOWEVER, when we got home and pulled the tape off of the vehicle, the "wet" track tape adhesive left white marks on the Boss 302 Stripes on the hood (see the attached photos). There is some residue left on the paint as well, but that appears more clear (again, see photos). We didn't have any coatings or wax on the stripes, because we were afraid that a coating or wax would ruin the reflective properties of the stripes (2013 Boss 302 had the reflective stripes). We did have a coat of wax on the paint.


The things we have tried so far on the stripes that have failed:
  • Using a very plush microfiber towel with CarPro Eraser (polishing compound and oil remover) applied to the affected area.
  • Applying a clay bar with clay lubricant to the affected area.
  • Using a "New" strip of tape to try and pull up the adhesive (didn't work on stripes but worked somewhat on paint).
  • Contacted manufacturer and they recommended applying a Microfiber towel dabbed with Isopropyl alcohol to the affected area. Initially tried a diluted isopropyl mix of approximately 40% on a residue spot on the paint. No change. Upped the mix to the full 91% isopropyl mix. No change. Tried pouring some of the full 91% onto the paint and letting it sit for a minute or two before wiping up with microfiber towel. No change.

We're beginning to worry now because nothing we have tried has worked. We've ordered a container of 3M Automotive Adhesive Remover, but that's the last ditch plan because we worry that may pull the stripes up too. We posted to this forum hoping that members of the TrackMustangsOnlinne community have a solution in mind for us. We really don't want to have to replace the entire strip package.

On the stripes:

n1TYM3t.jpg

jnx5SFs.jpg

d6lHa9y.jpg

On the paint (car hasn't been detailed in years [we only did our first full detail a month ago, amateurs!] so forgive the swirl marks, we plan on rectifying those soon):

hfq84KI.jpg

TFd17OC.jpg

Any help provided by the community would be much appreciated!
 
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I'd be scared to do too much. My first thought was put it in the sun. The residue is likely not UV resistant like the stripe or paint. Just a guess though.
 

TymeSlayer

Tramps like us, Baby we were born to run...
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Use the WD-40. I've used it on my stripes to remove tar and the stripes stayed intact. I think expediency is key as far as applying, cleaning and dying. Just don't leave it on for an hour. Also try applying it to a towel and remove the adhesive that way rather than spraying the entire area.
 
So...

After seeing this thread for a few weeks, I decided to call my local Ford dealer and inquire about purchasing an extra set of stripes, just in case. I figured hell, maybe I'll get a couple sets, in case I decide to clear wrap the car, or just hold onto a set for a restoration down the road.

HOLY F@$K.

They quoted me $3,774.81 for a full set of the stripes.

I laughed in the phone and asked Parts Lady if she was serious. She was. There was a long, awkward pause... I asked WHY. WHY. Why are the so expensive? She informed me that Ford does not provide the decals in a kit, and she had to bill out every one individually. That total came to what she quoted me.

Honestly, guys, I bought my car to daily. Now? I'm having second thoughts about it ever leaving the driveway again. It's absurd. I could probably buy a whole roll of the 3M material and cut it out by hand for that amount. I can't think of any logical reason the stripes would be that much. It pisses me off that anyone would try to take advantage of someone like that.

Anyway, I hope Dakonquerer has found a way to salvage his stripes, and God forbid anyone ever has to replace a set.

/rant
 
Yea nobody buys the OEM stripes unless insurance is paying. There are plenty of people making the stripes using the same materials Ford uses for a fraction of the cost. @ArizonaBOSS


Yeah, I was blown away. I've looked around for a kit, but I haven't found anyone who is making a set that looks correct or has the right size/font. Is there someone TMO recommends for stripes?
 

Grant 302

basic and well known psychic
I've liked what I've gotten so far from promotorstripes for my FakeR. Pretty sure they can cut reflective graphics too.

They've been very helpful with custom alignments and heights for mine. I just wouldn't expect to look 100% OEM in the case of a '13.
 
Been meaning to reply with this thread for a long time, but alas life has funny ways of keeping us preoccupied...

So the stripe issue actually got resolved. The solution? THE SUN; just as Fat Boss said. Our Boss 302 is kind of a garage queen, so it only comes out for the occasional fair weather drive or a HPDE event. Winter weather in FL is very wet, and the car didn't go out much between December and February (I already have too many cars to wash as it is). However I took it out one morning in early March, where it is already above 80 Degrees in FL, and after I got back I noticed that the residue marks on the stripes had quite visibility subsided. Lightbulb! We stuck it out sitting in the sun for two hours and there is almost no evidence left of the residue on the stripes! Take a look below, this photo was taken on Sunday (03/10).

BR2gPih.jpg

Oh and Daegoba, I did some research on the striping thinking that I was going to have to replace it. Didn't get an official quote but from what I could tell it was going to be about $1k for the hood alone! Simply ridiculous. If the stripes ever get ruined, we're going to have to look to the aftermarket. I don't have nearly $4k to spend on stripes! Good to know that promotorstripes is an option...
 

ArizonaBOSS

Because racecar.
Moderator
8,730
2,734
Arizona, USA
Bob White Decals is who I was using for my reproduction 2012 OEM stripes, I believe they also do 2013 reproductions but sadly nobody but Ford offers the reflective 13 style as far as we know.

One other shot might be Competition Graphics, although I don't think I've ever seen one of the R or S cars w/ reflective graphics.
 
Thanks for the update on the stripes, Dakonquerer. And I appreciate the heads up, Arizona Boss!

As far as the aftermarket goes... I suppose it is our only option. I’m sure nobody makes an exact match because of copyright or trademark, or some shiznit like that. Which is unfortunate, because I don’t want my car to look like a replica. I want the real deal.

There’s a couple vinyl shops around here that have done custom work for me before. I’ll just have to see if they will measure/scan my car and do them for me. If I have any luck, I’ll let you guys know.
 
Odd that just sun cleared it up. I was going to suggest denatured alcohol. Next up is just plain spit which is acidic. Removes unknown brown spots and bird spots on my car so the time. Isopropyl is overrated for cleaning. Isopropyl won't remove pine sap, denatured will easily. Far better than any product that claims to. Not sure what isopropyl will remove that denatured won't, and I am not aware of anything bad resulting from using denatured. Just don't use it on epoxy paint or glue.
 

TymeSlayer

Tramps like us, Baby we were born to run...
3,787
2,740
Exp. Type
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Exp. Level
3-5 Years
Brighton, Colorado
I ordered a set in Black from Bob White's decals way back when I though I was going to replace the white ones on my 12 Boss. There're pretty darn close to OEM but I decided not to make the change and am contemplating putting these on my car hauler.
 
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I ordered a set in Black from Bob White's decals way back when I though I was going to replace the white ones on my 12 Boss. There're pretty darn close to OEM but I decided not to make the change and am contemplating putting these on my car hauler.
Looking for a black set for a 12. What was the price on his if you recall?

Sent from my LG-H932 using Tapatalk
 

TymeSlayer

Tramps like us, Baby we were born to run...
3,787
2,740
Exp. Type
HPDE
Exp. Level
3-5 Years
Brighton, Colorado
Hello glad the sun worked it out. I had a similar problem with some spots. Nothing would clean them off tried everything and all recommendations from stripe and body shops. The dealer I bought the car from got me the entire hood stripes, all three pieces at cost, still god awful expensive but then when looking for a shop to install them I happened upon a magic solution. The shop that was going to do the install just touched the spots with a lit propane torch and the spots went away. Guy said sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Now I have a new in box set of black reflective 2013 strips if anyone needs them PM me and we may be able to make a deal, I'm into them for a little over $1400.00. They come in big flat boxes, no folds, so I'm not sure what shipping may cost. If you try the torch trick remember its a fast on - off touch don't burn the stripe or the hood.
 

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