Removing melted adhesive/plastic from classic car

[Mkbruin]

I'm hoping if anyone can help it's here... I own a 1-of-2000 1981 Daytona Pace Car that had been parked in a VA barn for a decade. It was hot enough in the barn to melt the RECARO TA door handle emblem and adhesive, leading to a drip on the door. This is a hard, baked on substance. What's the best way to clean it off the doors without damaging the paint? This is a tough blemish on an otherwise fantastic and entirely original survivor.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Removing melted adhesive/plastic from classic car

Welcome to Meguiar's Online. An automotive specific solvent for paint, a solvent designed to assist in the loosening up of petroleum based substances, would be first recommendation. These can be purchased at automotive paint supply stores, auto body supply stores, detailing supply stores, etc. Meguiar's does not make a specific product for this application. Automotive solvents are typically applied directly to a towel, then blotted to the area, allowed to dwell for a short time, and they hopefully loosening up material to assist in wiping off. It is a good idea to neutralize area afterwards by washing with a pH balanced car wash soap.

[Mkbruin]

Re: Removing melted adhesive/plastic from classic car

Thanks! I really appreciate the feedback. This one had me stumped, and it looks like it stumped a lot of the detail specialists here too. Awesome forums, by the way.

[atikovi]

Re: Removing melted adhesive/plastic from classic car

In no particular order and at your own risk.

Wax and grease remover
isopropyl alcohol
turpentine
acetone
rubbing compound
clay bar
plastic razor blade or credit card
heat gun with any of the above