Tailgate Badge Removal

Hi all,
I just picked up a new to me 2022 Tundra this weekend. After driving my 2009 Tacoma for the last 11 years, I'm excited to get started building this Tundra out how I like.

Everything is bone stock on the truck except for these added letters to the Tundra badge on the tailgate. For some reason the previous owner added these chrome diamond letters and nothing else. Needless to say, I'm not a fan of them so I'd like to remove them. What's the best way to go about getting them off without damaging the paint underneath? Heat gun, acetone, etc?
Thanks

 

I've always just used a hair dryer and gentle prying, but on my Tundra a buddy handed me some braided fishing line. I blew him off at first, but damn that stuff cut through like butter. then I used straight rubbing alcohol to remove the mounting tape residue. The few bucks is well worth it, and you only need a couple feet of it.

 

Heat and dental floss for me in the past, clean up residue with wd-40 and a rag. Easy work.

 

I think the recessed nature of those letters is going to make any method difficult.

Good luck

 

Is it actually diamond plate aluminum?
I’d try steam. Works well with adhesives.

 

Nope just some cheap, stick-on pieces. It's quite literally the only modification the previous owner made to the truck. I should have gotten the dealer to remove them, but I picked the truck up in Florida and had to drive back to Tennessee. Didn't feel like waiting around.

 

You’re better off removing on your own. Good luck what ever method you decide

 

I recently removed my carbon fiber inserts that were on my 2014 for 9 years after getting my black bumpershellz.
They looked a lot like what you have there..

As @memario1214 suggested I got under it with a dash removal tool and they peeled right off, most of them in one piece.

$15 Auto Trim Removal Tool Kit - 5-Piece No Scratch Pry Tool Set for Car Panel and Dashboard Removal - Includes Door Panel Tools, Push Rivets, Car Clips - Essential for Interior Trim Work - Blue

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I then used Goof Off to gently remove any residue.
I've used it on my truck paint before with no problems.



I'm going to agree with @Matt2015Tundra I don't think you could get fishing line under that recessed area.
I don't think you'll need to anyway.
Peel up an edge and it should come right off.
I wouldn't bother heating it unless you have problems.

Kinda bummed me out removing it.
It was my first mod to the truck, but it didn't match the black..

Replaced it with this..

 

biggest thing, take your time...

 

I added these stickers early on. Sat on the truck for a few months and ended up not liking them. They peel off fine without any floss, heat. Just need to get one of the corners started. Try fingernails first and last resort a plastic trim tool. Once you can get grip it is easy.

Got mine from cali raised (matte with red.yellow.orange stripe). They can be re-applied from what I can tell. If anybody wants them you’re welcome to have them. I’m in Md. Can ship if you pay.

 

The fishing line or dental floss will cut the letters themselves off, but you’ll still have the adhesive and possibly foam adhesive still stuck to the panel. I’ve used an el cheapo heat gun from Harbor Freight and also have a nicer Stanley gun. Doesn’t really matter, just use the lower heat setting and take your time and be patient. May want to invest in some light duty thin rubber palmed gloves… will be much easier on your hands. Get a bottle of Meguiar’s Scratch and Swirl Remover to remove any paint smudges or fine scratches.