The question: How can I remove one of the metal tank badges and re-attach to another tank? Chemical? And equally important how to attach to another tank and stay on.

Background. I am returning to the factory style gas tank on an '87 sportster and just painted a tank matching black. Instead of a decal, I thought it might look good to reuse that "Harley Davidson" metal badge from another parts/project sportster. That is a '93 with modified tank mounts welded on.

Can anyone id the tank? It is dated 2004.

Pink skulls? ... Never mind ....

 

3M makes adhesive remover & also several adhesives. I have used the remover for years. It may take several applications. I usually go to the local auto paint/body/supply store.
Good luck.

 

Heat the emblem with a heat gun a little. Then use braided fishing line behind it in a sawing motion to remove. Use acetone to remove the residue. Not hard at all. Don't get the acetone on any plastic.

 

- WD-40 is also good to spray behind the emblem as it will help lubricate the line....I did mine that way

 

Good deal, thanks all. I see nail polish remover is acetone. I will find out what that fish line is.

I can stop at a local paint shop to ask about the adhesive strip. perhaps someone has a specific 3m number for that.

 

PB Blaster works great at removing 3M backing as well. It actually dissolves it. Won't hurt anything. I use a braided fishing line as well, liberally spraying the PB Blaster and giving it time to work. Just rinse off with warm soapy water after removal. You will need new 3M adhesive backing to remount the emblems on another tank.

 

I wouldn't use acetone.

Once you get it off with the fishing line and a gently blast from a heat gun, use Goof Off or Goo Gone to get the residue off. Much safer on plastic and other parts.

You can get the black double sided emblem tape at any auto parts store.

 

Digging the skate sticker customization. I would definitely keep those.

 

Dental floss to remove and 3M auto molding tape #03609 to reattach.

 

Why? Works way better that goo gone and won't hurt the paint in any way...