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CF number removal help

RiverReality

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I recently purchased a 1995 19ft Howard. I has CF numbers on it but the boat is now registered in AZ and I'm having a difficult time removing the old CF numbers. I'm familar with removing stickers, decals etc. using a hairdryer and various chemicals like Goo Gone and Lift Off. These CF numbers seem like they may be painted on but I'm not sure. Anybody know how Howard applied CF numbers in 1995 and any ideas on how to remove them?

cfnumbers.jpg
 

RitcheyRch

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Easy off oven cleaner if they are painted on. Word of caution, protect the anodized parts.
 

Paul65k

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Easy off oven cleaner if they are painted on. Word of caution, protect the anodized parts.
X2....that's what I used to get the painted numbers off the Schiada.....go slowly and err on the side of using less not more
 

CampbellCarl

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X3 on Easy Off. And agree on protecting the surrounding paint and hardware. It'll need to soak for about 5 minutes or so then give it a wipe. Several applications is the key.....go slow.

And, because of another thread, I'll ask this, two stringers or four?
 

RiverDave

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I would try Acetone first and then move onto EZ Off if it still won't come off.. Note their might be fading under those #'s.

RD
 

VoodooMedMan

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My only question would be is how are you going to do the new #'s? If having them painted then let the painter get the stuff off.

If going vinyl then try these guys approach but maybe test a hidden spot first.
 

Paul65k

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My only question would be is how are you going to do the new #'s? If having them painted then let the painter get the stuff off.

If going vinyl then try these guys approach but maybe test a hidden spot first.
When I did mine the painter wanted an extra $100 to take off the old numbers....he told me how to do it as it didn't really appear that he wanted the $100 as much as he didn't want to take off the old numbers :D

Took me about an hour and my wifes last can of Easy-off......she wasn't real happy when she went to use it a couple of weeks later and it was gone:rolleyes
 

VoodooMedMan

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When I did mine the painter wanted an extra $100 to take off the old numbers....he told me how to do it as it didn't really appear that he wanted the $100 as much as he didn't want to take off the old numbers :D

Took me about an hour and my wifes last can of Easy-off......she wasn't real happy when she went to use it a couple of weeks later and it was gone:rolleyes

LOL.
 

RiverReality

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Thanks for the quick responses. I was thinking acetone but didn't have any on hand. Don't have any Easy Off on hand either but will pick some up. For those that have used acetone or Easy Off, any negative effect on the gelcoat? The gelcoat on this boat is in excellent shape. I'm paranoid about screwing it up.


And, because of another thread, I'll ask this, two stringers or four?

It's a two stringer. I think it's what Howard called a "sport semi v." If anyone has information/history about this hull please pass it on.

boat.jpg


My only question would be is how are you going to do the new #'s? If having them painted then let the painter get the stuff off.

If going vinyl then try these guys approach but maybe test a hidden spot first.

I purchased a vinyl set online for a quick fix for the summer. I was thinking of having them painted on later if I don't like the vinyl.
 

Ziggy

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When I did mine the painter wanted an extra $100 to take off the old numbers....he told me how to do it as it didn't really appear that he wanted the $100 as much as he didn't want to take off the old numbers :D

Took me about an hour and my wifes last can of Easy-off......she wasn't real happy when she went to use it a couple of weeks later and it was gone:rolleyes

You're lucky, my wife looks for a way to not use the stuff......as in "oh looks, it's self cleaning". :D
.
Try acetone first, and like Dave said you might see fading from the numbers.

From my POS T-mobile thingie
 

DaytonaBabe

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Nothing more to add that hasn't been said already, but just wanted to say: Nice looking boat!!!! :thumbsup What size outboard?
 

DeltaSigBoater

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You can't buy it in Kommiefornia since its a non-CARB compliant VOC, but maybe the RDP express could get you some MEK Substitute.
 

RiverReality

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Nothing more to add that hasn't been said already, but just wanted to say: Nice looking boat!!!! :thumbsup What size outboard?

Thanks DB. It's a XRi 2.5 liter 150hp. Not quite in your leage but it runs great and we're having a lot of fun with it.

This is Steve, I met you, BarryMac et al through Beerrun. Me and Teresa were at the table next to you guys for breakfast at Fishers last Sunday.
 

DaytonaBabe

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Thanks DB. It's a XRi 2.5 liter 150hp. Not quite in your leage but it runs great and we're having a lot of fun with it.

This is Steve, I met you, BarryMac et al through Beerrun. Me and Teresa were at the table next to you guys for breakfast at Fishers last Sunday.

Hey Steve!!! I had no idea this was you!! Great boat! Can't wait to see it in person!! Man, I was so hungover that morning in the bar - wanted to crawl into a hole. Lol You and Teresa gonna be out this weekend?






Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk
 

Hallett Dave

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I would try Acetone first and then move onto EZ Off if it still won't come off.. Note their might be fading under those #'s.

RD
Dave I agree with the Acetone, however, it will be the surrounding gel that will have faded, not underneath the original lettering.;)
Just saying.:)
 

RiverDave

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Thanks for the quick responses. I was thinking acetone but didn't have any on hand. Don't have any Easy Off on hand either but will pick some up. For those that have used acetone or Easy Off, any negative effect on the gelcoat? The gelcoat on this boat is in excellent shape. I'm paranoid about screwing it up.




It's a two stringer. I think it's what Howard called a "sport semi v." If anyone has information/history about this hull please pass it on.

View attachment 282088




I purchased a vinyl set online for a quick fix for the summer. I was thinking of having them painted on later if I don't like the vinyl.

Neither will hurt gel, but you will want to wash it off and wax it after..
 

RiverDave

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Dave I agree with the Acetone, however, it will be the surrounding gel that will have faded, not underneath the original lettering.;)
Just saying.:)

Typing on a phone with no Internet I was just trying to illustrate there might be a color difference.. But yes I know its backwards.. Took a short cut and got called on it. Lol
 

RiverReality

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Upon further review...it turns out the CF numbers I want to remove are not painted on but are under the gelcoat or have been sealed with gelcoat at some point during the manufacturing process. Has anyone heard of such a thing? Do I have to sand down the gelcoat and the numbers then re-gelcoat?
 

RitcheyRch

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Yikes, I have never seen that done.


Upon further review...it turns out the CF numbers I want to remove are not painted on but are under the gelcoat or have been sealed with gelcoat at some point during the manufacturing process. Has anyone heard of such a thing? Do I have to sand down the gelcoat and the numbers then re-gelcoat?
 

Gelcoater

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Upon further review...it turns out the CF numbers I want to remove are not painted on but are under the gelcoat or have been sealed with gelcoat at some point during the manufacturing process. Has anyone heard of such a thing? Do I have to sand down the gelcoat and the numbers then re-gelcoat?

No.Nor is that likely the case.Now sealed at some time afterword with a repair is possible.
If that's the case,it will be a bit more of a challenge to remove.I would try the easy off if you haven't already.The longer its on the tougher that one shot enamel is to get off.

Here's a quick test you can do.Get some 1500 grit sand paper,wet it and the surface.Sand.If the residue coming off is white-ish you have a clear over it.If it comes off as color it's just being stubborn.The "fade" behind those numbers will always have clear.The white residue if seen is the clear.The color if seen is the usual enamel used for number painting.It is VERy uncommon(read I have never done it in 20+years) for CF's to be done in the mfg process.
 
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