Cleaning Off Rubber On Lower Panels

[scott750]

I just went to the track this past weekend and after 5 passes with a burnout each time, I've got rubber all over my rear quarter panels. I was able to knock off about 80% of it by hand.

But is there an easy and safe way to remove the rest? Should I use wd40 and treat it like road tar?

 

[James__]

I used to race one of my old trucks that I also showed so this came up often. I had a good success rate with wd40. After a couple times of having to remove the rubber and praying I didn't damage the finish, I started using wide masking tape on the rocker panels behind the rear wheels before hitting the track. It doesn't look great but it kept 95%+ of the rubber off my rockers and made cleanup afterwards a breeze. Not to mention I didn't have to worry about scratching it while removing the rubber later.

[sahls01gmc]

I agree with WD-40.  Would putting it on before you hit the track offer any benefit?  I've heard of Off-road guys using WD-40 and PAM (the cooking spray) on the frame to help keep the mud off....but I can't verify if it worked or not.

[James__]

That's probably a good idea, I never though of that.

[scott750]

Great idea to use masking tape next time! And thank you for the replys. I'll try the wd40 and see how it works.

[pirahnah3]

The masking tape is a winner for an idea, Seen it a few times and it works as stated for most of the sling. 

 

WD should get alot of it off, youll prob have to retreat the area after thou 

[NG13]

Pam works if applied before hand. Then just hit it with the pressure washer and anything left should come off with some clay.

[Dan@Adams]

I've used blue painter's tape for autocross and drag race events, but it does look a little silly.

 

If I ever get back into drag racing, I think I will try using clear plastidip and spraying about 5 coats on that area and then just peel it off afterward.

[James__]

I've used blue painter's tape for autocross and drag race events, but it does look a little silly.

 

If I ever get back into drag racing, I think I will try using clear plastidip and spraying about 5 coats on that area and then just peel it off afterward.

That's a good idea.  And if you tape it off when applying it to give it a hard edge, it will be easy to remove.

 

Blue painter's tape is what I used to use too and it did look pretty goofy.  But when I was at the track, I swapped my tack set of wheels and tires on to the back of the truck - steelies and drag radials - so the whole truck looked a little goofy.  but I was more worried about making those fast passes

Edited February 11, 2016 by James__

[Drive XR7]

I've used blue painter's tape for autocross and drag race events, but it does look a little silly.

 

If I ever get back into drag racing, I think I will try using clear plastidip and spraying about 5 coats on that area and then just peel it off afterward.

 

Many of the guys I see autoxing have painters tape protecting the front end and rear quarter panels.

[rrmccabe]

Scott, I would leave it 

 

 

Mine has always just rolled off using a little lubricant. Wd40, detail spray, etc.

 

But tape is the way to go. The picture of blue tape is Pat (Freeemason) at Nats one year

 

 

[RacerX]

WD-40 will not help beforehand, but it does for cleanup afterward.

Do not use regular masking tape!  Only use painter's tape.  It comes in multiple colors now.  On top of your usual hardware store, check with your local automotive paint supplier.

Pam works okay, but silicone food spray works better:

http://www.westonsupply.com/Weston-Food-Grade-Silicone-Spray-p/03-0101-w.htm

You might also consider Burnout Guard.  It works great with slicks, but I'm not sure how well it will work with regular street tires:

http://www.jegs.com/i/Geddex/432/321/10002/-1

You can also put a heavy coat of paste wax on the quarterpanels before you race, but do not wipe it off until you are done and are cleaning the car up.

[AvsBest]

Clear plastidip like the others said for next time

 

Now to remove what you got now I would think that a clay bar should do the trick?