Removing old decal material off good original paint

[Nashman]

I was wondering how the best way to safely remove old damaged decals without harming the paint. My goal is to remove the remnants, then apply another new water decal to replace the old one.

I think I did this MANY years ago and I just used my fingernail with sunlight dish soap, took my time, and was patient.

I know paint thinner/turpentine will not harm good original enamel paint as I've cleaned up original painted parts many times in solvent tanks along with the greasy brightwork. Lighter fluid has been useful in the past as it is quite gentle. Even Never Dull polish wad.

As a rule, strong products like laquer thinner, Goof off, or heaven forbid anything abrasive is kissing the paint goodbye. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Schwinn499]

How about clay bar?

 

[CWCMAN]

Soften it up with a heat gun to remove the bulk of it. Any sticky residue can be removed easily with WD40

 

[GTs58]

A lot depends on how weathered the decals are and what year the bike is. The later Schwinn bikes from the late 70's had crappy decals. I've removed decals off a 63 Varsity, 79 Spitfire and a 63 Corvette with Turtle Wax's Rubbing Compound, the clear coat safe liquid version in the green bottle.

Momo had a post on removing decals in the Schwinn Lightweight section I believe. Micro-Sol? is what he used.