I just ordered Hydro-Turm mats..What is the best method to remove my existing mats on my 03 1300r..I've heard to just peel slowly with a spackle knife..Heard its a crappy job..anything?

Is it ever a crappy job...to do a good job it takes forever. The old mats should peel right off..just be sure to pull them slowly and close to the contact area. The hard part is getting up the thin film and glue that is left behind. After trying many things (heat gun, goo-gone, etc) I found the key. Acetone is what you need to use but the problem is just applying it and trying to whipe off doesnt work. The acetone doesnt break down the glue long enough and just makes it a sticky mess. For the flat areas on the ski...bottom footwells and the back...literally pour a bit of acetone on the surface and use a spackle knife and gently scrape across the surface. Comes right up...but have a rag to wipe of the glue that builds on the knife. For the areas that are inclined pour a generous amount of acetone on a rag and soak the surface and then use the spackle knife as mentioned. These areas will take a bit longer because you have to work in smaller areas because of the acetone drying. There may be other methods but this method completely cleand the surface to sparkaling white..which is what you want when applying the new mats for the best stick. Also be sure to lightly sand the surface before applying.

Sorry for the long post..but I know what a pain this can be.

Jonny

A 3M scuff pad works great for the sanding part. I tried the heat gun, the goo-gone and all that stuff too. I think I ended up spraying some sticker/decal remover on the leftover glue and then used a putty knife. Just also make sure ya get ALL the acetone or whatever ya used off before putting on the new glue. It's a time consuming, tedious job, but well worth it in the end!

You guys keep using the wrong stuff to remove old glue.

sometime you can find a product call Right-Off at wally world in the boating section.

or go to a vynil cutter and ask for glue remover, I use a product called Orange Peel.

spray on, wait a minute, scrap off with a plastic squeegy, comes right off. Turns the odl adhesive to a jelly like substance and easy to clean.

I hope your right, thats sounds a lot easier.

JetEd hit the nail on the head. Any sign and banner shop will sell you the orange peel. The stuff works great, just like he said. You apply it with paper towel, heat a little with a hair dryer, rub it in, then wipe off. You might have to repeat the process a few times but it goes quick. Once you have it all off, rub the ski down with alcohol and dry well before you install the new mats.