Interior panel adhesive fix

[Surfmichaels]

Started removing my interior panels today to see what I had. The PO had covered every panel in a black vinyl as well as hacking a hole if the hole in the door for speakers.

This is what I ended up with. Has anyone had to recover panels from anything similar? I've already tried goo gone, wd40, and even a shot of brake cleaner with almost no results. Rubbing with your hand works with some sections but it almost seems as if the adhesive has been baked into the plastic.

[jimynick]

That looks ugly. I'd try some lacquer thinner- very carefully and first checking to see how the plastic tolerates it on the back. You could also use acetone, but it's even stronger, so be careful. Wear gloves and be well ventilated when you do.   

[Jamiez]

I'm not sure you'll be able to save those without wiping the grain out.
Metro does repop those panels so you can buy new ones, and there are a fair number of decent used ones out there for okay prices.

[Surfmichaels]

Tried goof off this weekend with no good effect. As a last effort I soaked the panel in water for an hour or so the glue softens up enough to rub it off.   New problem is that the A pillar molding is disintegrating along the edge where it sat next to the window. Flaked away like a cookie right on the edges. Oh what fun..... Anyone have a good picture of a stripped race interior? Looks like the way to go with the price of replacing every panel......

[jimynick]

Yeah, the sun will eat the plastic that's been exposed to it for a long time and there's no cure. Haunt the swap meets; I see interior panels there all the time and usually you can wheel and deal on them. Good luck

['Cuda Hunter]

I usually start with water, then soap and water, thinner, laquerr,acetone, xylene, carburetor  cleaner, brake cleaner,  and then buy new parts.   In that order for safety.

Xylene is the same thing as goof off except goof off has alcohol added for faster evaporation.
Xylene seems to work great on a huge variety of products. 

Sounds like you need new parts.

A pillars are usually the first to rot.
Good thing their cheap and readily available.

There is a pair of A pillar trims for sale here in the parts for sale section.

[Topcat]

If you plan to keep with blue interior:

If you end up deciding to do blue again I would order very soon.

Dave at Roseville Auto mentioned in a post a few months ago blue interior parts have ended reproduction.
He is running out of blue and I believe Red & Green also if I recall correctly.

[ek3]

Started removing my interior panels today to see what I had. The PO had covered every panel in a black vinyl as well as hacking a hole if the hole in the door for speakers.

This is what I ended up with. Has anyone had to recover panels from anything similar? I've already tried goo gone, wd40, and even a shot of brake cleaner with almost no results. Rubbing with your hand works with some sections but it almost seems as if the adhesive has been baked into the plastic.

Krud kutter {brand} makes a product called Grafitti remover. unlike anything you have tried . it is a very special product. it will slowly remove many things. spray paint from brick even car finishes. you can find it at most paint stores. sherwin williams or walmart/ others. there are other mfg's that make this in wipes! what they will remove is  unreal at times. check it on a small area first. i have used it on the plastic parts of grilles and cleaned automotive primers off of the plastic sections,etc... $7 = 16 oz spray.

[Surfmichaels]

Thanks to everyone for all the help. A good multi hour soak in soap and water with a good dose of elbow grease has done wonders. Unfortunately what I have now is blue panels with minor chips and damages and with many different shades of blue on each panel as they faded in their own special way. I think they ill go up for trade or sale soon as the interior will be replaced with a more spartan black race style interior. The blue is a pretty cool interior to see but I can't imagine myself driving in that space.