The X behind the plate

[spellcaster]

My question concerns the "X" that`s scrawled behind the rear licence plate on most new cars. I`m assuming it`s grease pencil or something similar. It removes from painted surfaces with water-soluble solvents, but if it`s on black plastic, it`s a real bear. Is there a trick to this or a particular product that gets it off?

[XL Advantage]

I wonder how well clay or wax would take it off?

[spellcaster]

I hadn`t thought of that. `ll try it today. and let you know. Thanks.

[StadiumDetail]

I find that most dealerships here use paint pens. Products I`ve had success with are: Grafitti paint removers, mineral spirits, sometimes IPA will do it, body solvents, tar remover.

[spellcaster]

The x`s aren`t being applied by the dealership. They appear on all new Chrysler products coming off the car carriers. I`d assumed that this was part of the manufacturing process, but maybe it`s done during rail transport. No one in the autio industry that I`ve asked has any idea why they`re there. The big point of concern is new Jeep Wranglers....the x *should* be on the rear licence frame, but some rocket scientist has been putting it right on the black plastic bumper.

[spellcaster]

I tried a claybar this morning with no success. After checking back on the forum at noon, I tried some of StadiumDetail`s suggestions. Body solvent (CarBrite Eradicator) disolves the stuff and flushes it away on a painted body, but doesn`t do the job on black plastic. When I`ve tried it, the x appears to recede when I apply the solvent, but there`s always an off-white discolouration that I can`t get rid of. I tried a grafitti removal compound (citric based) with no luck. Also tried Toluene, Isopropanol, and about six multipurpose cleaners and they did nothing. Open to any ideas, no matter how offbeat.....

[Dubbin1]

This should do the trick :nervous2:



http://www.leatherneckexpress.com/pictures/iwojimaparade/Flame%20thrower%202.jpg

[dmw2692004]

This should do the trick :nervous2:

<snip>





Or this..



http://tzenger.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/blow_torch.jpg



But seriously.. try this..



http://www.newfoundlandphotography.com/marklane/images/pencil%20eraser.jpg