Removing Paint From Plastic Trim

[17gt07]

I picked up a 15 gt not too long ago and there are a few things bugging me. The biggest thing is that the po painted all the plastic trim (front splitter, rocker panels and rear diffuser) red. The car is black and I don’t like the red and black theme. Is there any way to remove the paint without damaging the plastic?

Crappy pic for reference.

Sponsored

 

[ORRadtech]

Probably easiest to just respray it the color you want.
Or replace them. Ebay Probably has them fairly cheaply.

 

[Rapid Red]

Repaint or replace is about it, mirrors are covers, some folks ruin nice cars

 

[17gt07]

Ugh that’s what I didn’t want to do but if it’s the easiest way I’ll do it. It must have been prepped pretty well as there is a small chip in the front splitter but I can’t get any more of the paint to chip lol.

On a side note, how do you get the puddle lights out? Mine need to be replaced.

 

[ORRadtech]

Under the mirror, beside the light is a notch. Use a small flathead to gently pry the latch back and tip the light down.

 

[17gt07]

I’ll try a small screwdriver. Every flathead screwdriver I tried was too big to fit in that space. I believe I have a tiny screwdriver somewhere.

 

[WD Pro]

Those clips break easy so he careful - some (mine included) have broke from new, without being disturbed.

I think they must either be weak from new, or damaged during initial fitment, to then fail unexpectedly at a later date.

If I was removing one again, I would be tempted to forget the small screwdriver and use a credit card.

Shine a torch directly under the mirror glass into the back of the housing, you will see the clip which I guess could be pressed easy with the credit card releasing the light - with no fear of any external marks

WD

 

[17gt07]

Got it! I had to use a knife to push it far enough to release. I was hoping the projector could be opened and cleaned but I guess not.

 

[ORRadtech]

No, they are sealed. Don't go cheap on those either, get them through Ford. Ebay ones only last about 6 months.

 

[17gt07]

Thanks for the advice!

Sponsored