removing dried duct tape...

Other than Goo-gone, does anyone have a cheap solution for removing dried on duct tape from a Miata rear light? I got a decent amount off with windex and a razor blade, but I don't want tot scratch it up if I can help it.

Help?

I don't know about on a taillight specifically, so try to find an innocuous test spot (edge towards body?), but lighter fluid (like for a Zippo, not pressurized butane) is my standard adhesive removal tool. I don't think it's particularly harsh, though, and suspect it'll be fine on that plastic.

Dried on requires more soak time. This, in turn, increases the importance of the test spot.

Plastic razor blade and rewetting the dried up area?

I've had good luck with acetone. And repolishing the lights with plastic headlight cleaner does wonders to make them look good. No real idea which one of those is best.

Acetone isn't too friendly with plastic, at least Alfa plastic. But nothing a good polish didn't fix.

Years ago after noticing a spray can of "bug and tar remover" smelled exactly like wd40, I just started using wd40 for removing adhesive crap with good results.

Just let it soak for a minute and it comes off a lot easier.

Heat gun + Paint thinner.

Goo Gone or the knockoff that I bought at a local cleaning supplies house, "Goo D-Solv-R." It was pretty cheap, like $8 for 32 ounces, and lasts a long time. Dribble a little on the dried adhesive, let it sit for a few minutes, then it should come off pretty easily with just a rag. Soak the rag and keep rubbing if it doesn't come off right away.

Edit: Sorry, I didn't see the "other than goo gone." Any particular reason why not? If it's price, the generic stuff would fit the bill. My quart has lasted me years.

I agree that WD40 works pretty well. You can also get some 3M adhesive remover from the auto parts store, it comes in a steel can with a nozzle on top. It's great stuff for removing dried on glue and adhesive, and it won't hurt paint.

I've never seen a knock-off for Goo-Gone, but haven't had much need in the past. I'll try WD-40 (I know that I have that), and if not, I'll look for the cheaper knock-offs. Last time I bought Goo-Gone, it was for Mom, who wanted exactly that, and a little bottle was $5 or so.

I've already done the "set paper towel on lens, soak in windex, scrape", so I guess WD-40 is next, and then the option that will cost money. The plastic polish is a good idea, I have some of that lying around as well. Thanks!

Gasoline will also work. Just don't smoke while using it!

just be careful.. plastic taillights get brittle with age and tend to form tiny spider cracks when exposed to thinners..

unfortunately, I know from first hand experience.

Have you tried just a plain oil soaked rag? leave it atop the tape for a day

I would save the solvent type removers for a "Last resort", most adhesives will respond to any type of oil. Try vegetable or olive oil on a paper towel and apply like a bandage. Bet that mayonnaise would do it too !

I've had good luck removing residue from tape/stickers etc. on fiberglass boats painted surfaces and also uncoated aluminum with WD-40. You just have to spray it a walk away for a good lenght of time. It may take a couple of times spraying and rubbing then spraying again. Never had WD-40 harm any surface I used it on. Beware of acetone on painted and plastic. They use acetone to clean tools and spills when laying up fiberglass. An old boat show trick was to wipe the boats with acetone on a soft rag to make them shine which exposed fresh gel coat by removing a small layer of oxidized gel coat each time .

stuart in mn wrote: I agree that WD40 works pretty well. You can also get some 3M adhesive remover from the auto parts store, it comes in a steel can with a nozzle on top. It's great stuff for removing dried on glue and adhesive, and it won't hurt paint.

I have a couple cans of that 3M Adhesive Remover. "Safe for most paint finishes." But NOT safe on English clear coat. Ask me how I know.

WD 40, time and a thumbnail.

This is the stuff you want. It's a little pricey at ~$14 per can but it works miracles. Also takes tar off like whoa.