GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2009 🢒 Express - AWD 🢒 Body Hardware and Trim 🢒 Exterior Trim 🢒 Decal or Stripe Replacement

Removal Procedure

Note: Stripes and decals adhere to a painted surface using pressure sensitive adhesive. The use of a wetting solution aids the technician in lifting and positioning the stripe or decal during installation. A wetting solution also ensures a better bond between stripe or decal and panel. Stripe or decal replacement involving collision damage, or damage to underlying painted surface, requires that metal repair and/or refinish operations be completed before the stripe or decal is installed. Freshly painted surfaces must be allowed to dry thoroughly before installing stripe or decal. Residual solvents in fresh painted surfaces can lead to subsequent blistering problems if stripe or decal is applied before complete release of solvents. The striping material highlights vehicle surface imperfection. All dings, rough metal, paint defects and uneven two-tone paint breaklines mu

   • Body surfaces and decals must be maintained between 21 to 38°C (70 to 100°F) during installation.
   • Never apply decals when body surface and decal temperatures are below 21°C (70°F).
   • Stripes and decals may be applied dry. If this does not result in a consistent bubble free application, the "wet'' method must be used as in the case of large graphics packages.
   • Stripes or decals that are applied on flexible surfaces (fascias, etc.) must be applied using the WET method. This will reduce the formation of bubbles under the decal due to the outgassing potential of the flexible materials.

Equipment and Materials

The following equipment and materials are necessary when making a quality stripe or decal installation.

   • Heat Gun.
   • Wetting solution - a foaming type window cleaner, that does not contain ammonia.
   • Isopropyl alcohol.
   • Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) naphtha.
   • Squeegee - 100 mm (4 in) wide, plastic or hard rubber.
        Deburr any sharp or rough edges on the squeegee to prevent scratching of the stripe or decal.
   • Water bucket and sponge or spray bottle.
   • Sandpaper - 800 grit or finer, wet or dry type.
   • Clean, lint-free wiping cloth.
   • Sharp knife or razor blade.
   • Scissors.
   • Fine pin or needle.
   • Marking pencil.


    Object Number: 303082 Size: SH
  1. Remove the necessary molding or trim panel.
  2. Remove the molding attaching clips, handles, sidemarker reflector, and/or other stripe or decal overlapping parts.
  3. Wash and clean repair surfaces, adjacent panel, and openings as required.

    4. Caution: To avoid damaging the paint finish, do not use pointed or sharp instruments to remove the stripe or the decal.

  4. Remove the stripe or decal from body panel using 3M™ scotch brite molding adhesive remover disk 3M™ P/N 07501 or equivalent.

    5. Caution: Use of harsh chemicals when cleaning can damage exterior lamps. Suggested cleaners are a mild soap and water, or Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) Naptha. VM&P Naptha is a specific type of naptha and should not be substituted by any other naptha.

  5. Remove all traces of adhesive residue from painted surfaces with a Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) naphtha.

Installation Procedure

    Caution: To prevent possible vehicle, stripe or decal damage, always refer to manufacturer's packaged instructions.

    Caution: Striping material highlights vehicle surface imperfection. All dings, rough metal, paint defects and uneven two-tone paint breaklines must be eliminated before stripe/decal application. Freshly painted surfaces must be allowed to dry thoroughly before installing stripe or decal. Residual solvents in fresh painted surfaces can lead to subsequent blistering problems if stripe or decal is applied before complete release of solvents.

  1. Prepare the surface.

    2. If the area where stripe or decal is to be applied has been refinished, remove any imperfections that would show through stripe or decal.

    Caution: Use of harsh chemicals when cleaning can damage exterior lamps. Suggested cleaners are a mild soap and water, or Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) Naptha. VM&P Naptha is a specific type of naptha and should not be substituted by any other naptha.

  2. Clean the painted surface with Varnish Makers and Painters (VM&P) naphtha.
  3. Clean the area where the stripe or decal will be applied with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water.
  4. Wipe the panel surface with a clean cloth while solvent is still wet and allow to dry.
  5. Apply the wetting solution to area where stripe or decal is to be installed.

    6. Object Number: 303082 Size: SH
  6. Remove the backing material of the stripe or decal as necessary.

    7. Do not touch the adhesive backing of the stripes or decal.

  7. Put the wetting solution on adhesive side of the stripe or decal.

    8. The wetting solution will allow movement of the stripe or decal for proper positioning.

  8. Apply the stripe or decal to the panel.
  9. Working from center where possible, squeegee the stripe or decal into position.

    10. Application of additional wetting solution may be necessary to ease the installation of stripe or decal. Application of soapy wetting solution on top side of stripe or decal will ease pull of squeegee on stripe or decal and help to eliminate damage to it.

  10. Apply heat to the stripe or decal at recessed areas.

    11. Press stripe or decal into the recess to obtain firm bond.

  11. Inspect the stripe or decal from critical angle using adequate light reflection to detect any irregularities that may have developed during installation.
  12. Remove all air bubbles by piercing with a safety pin, needle, or tool with same size piercing tip.
    13. • Pierce bubble on its outer edge and force air out from opposite edge with blade of squeegee.
    • Never use razor blade or knife edge.
  13. Install previously removed parts.
  14. Clean panel as require.