I was very successful at removing the hideous vinyl pinstripes on my car last spring. No power tools necessary, and anyone who comes near a painted surface with a razor blade should be slapped silly. My pinstripes looked as though they'd been on forever, but once they were off and after a wash and some cleaner wax, you almost couldn't tell they were ever there. Here's what I did:
Went out and bought a bottle of Rapid Remover.
It's a professional grade adhesive remover that's totally safe to use on painted surfaces. Since my stripes were vinyl, and rapid remover is sold at sign maker supply stores, (vinyl is widely used for graphic lettering & decals) it was ideal. Leaving the car parked in the sun helps a little, but this remover doesn't need much help to get the job done. With a little patience, my fingernail, and liberal amounts of remover (spray stripes directly, not a cloth, and giving it time to set in) it worked. I actually had a heat gun to use but honestly didn't need it. Of course, if you have painted on pinstripes, this procedure probably won't work for you.
Went out and bought a bottle of Rapid Remover.
It's a professional grade adhesive remover that's totally safe to use on painted surfaces. Since my stripes were vinyl, and rapid remover is sold at sign maker supply stores, (vinyl is widely used for graphic lettering & decals) it was ideal. Leaving the car parked in the sun helps a little, but this remover doesn't need much help to get the job done. With a little patience, my fingernail, and liberal amounts of remover (spray stripes directly, not a cloth, and giving it time to set in) it worked. I actually had a heat gun to use but honestly didn't need it. Of course, if you have painted on pinstripes, this procedure probably won't work for you.