Lifting old decals and reusing them, not destroying them

[Crash Cramer]

I was hoping to put a plea out to you guys and ask how you might go about lifting the old decals from a body in order to reuse them. I have a couple of old painted bodies here that I don't necessarily love the color the original owner chose, it is just that some decals are washed right into the color chosen. IE white decals on a white body with no black outlines.

I want to put these decals to use on other things and haven't found the guts to just go pulling these off just yet for fear of stretching and other issues, tearing etc. Does anybody out there know a good approach to doing this where tears are not going to be shed about losing old decals that are not that cheap to replace???

Thank you in advance.

Chris

[Percymon]

I know of another member how has used a hairdrier to remove decals before now - I'd suggest its a very delicate operation to avoid stretching or even tearing the decals. perhaps some indirect heat from the underside of the shell might be more controlled means to soften the old adhesive.

Whether they can be directly re-used, without additonal adhesive application, will depend no doubt on the age of the decals and the removal efficiency.

I would work on perhaps a 50% success rate if they are vintage bodies

[Crash Cramer]

Well, I guess I only have half to lose then. I will begin experimenting when I find the time.

[Flerbizky]

Well, I guess I only have half to lose then. I will begin experimenting when I find the time.

Remember to post plenty of pictures!