Wing top/ chequer plate removal

[200defenda]

I want to remove my chequer plate wing tops to replace them, but the silicone holding it down wont let go and im worried about trying to pry it too much. Wondering if anybody has had the same struggle and found a way to get them of without damaging anything?

[Tombie]

Very strong fishing line...

There’s also a removal fluid, but you should be able to get away with Fishing line (wrap ends around dowel to enable some leverage) and some diluted dish liquid.

[travelrover]

I want to remove my chequer plate wing tops to replace them, but the silicone holding it down wont let go and im worried about trying to pry it too much. Wondering if anybody has had the same struggle and found a way to get them of without damaging anything?Hey 200defenda, if you can remove them without too much damage i would be interested in them for my 300Tdi project :-)

[200defenda]

Awesome thanks mate ill give it a go, see how i get on. Travelrover if i can get them of in ok condition, you can have them no worries. Ill let you know.

[VladTepes]

How'd you get on?
You sure it's silicone because if it's a structural panel adhesive you're going to be out of luck !

[200defenda]

Yea not so good i cant get them off there stuck on there pretty well.its hard to say whats holding them on, from what i can tell it looks like silicone but could be something else considering how well there on.

[VladTepes]

Can you get under it at all on the sides/edges, or is it stuck firmly together?

[lebanon]

If it is structural glue, your best chance is to use wire saw. A putty knife will be handful to work on the checker plate edges,.

In both cases care should be taken to insure the paint work is not scratched by the cutting action.

[Dorian]

its hard to say whats holding them on, from what i can tell it looks like silicone but could be something else considering how well there on.

It may well be a polyurethane sealant / adhesive, they will resist the fishing line trick a lot more than silicone.
Urethane generally softens above 80 Celsius, you could try pouring plenty of hot water on it to soften it, the hot water shouldn't damage your paint work.

Cheers Glen