[LKLusza]

On my GTO, the PO applied the fender decals within the reference area the manual calls for, but crooked. It always bugged me but not enough to try doing anything until I had time to research decal removal and application enough to not risk damaging the paint.

It seems the Pontiac assembly manual only gives reference measurements for the placement. The problem I see is that the vertical measurement, being from the fender crease coming down, is a poor method for location in that direction due to there being a subtle arch to the crease. If the decal were applied without the benefit of a fixture or jig, the "level-ness" of the decal is at the mercy of the line worker's eye. The horizontal reference coming from the door opening edge was not a problem.

My solution was to use a laser level like that used to install kitchen cabinets to apply the decals on a line parallel to the lower rocker panels. I mounted the laser to a tripod and set it level to the rockers. Then it was just a case of cranking the mount up so the laser line was level to where the original decals had been and then placing painter's tape guides for the new decal. Once that was done, I could remove the old decal and clean the area prior to installing the new decal.

The important part was to use a human hair dryer instead of a heat gun. I also monitored the surface temps of the fender with a thermal heat gun I have. When the surface got just over 100 degrees, the vinyl decals could be started with a fingernail. When enough was lifted, I held tension only on the decal with long-nose needle nose pliers, while concentrating the heat on the glued area of the decal that was releasing from the fender. With tension only, you can feel the glue letting go as the heat hits it. It's that release of the glue that determines the speed of removal - you have no say in the matter.

Once removed, the area was cleaned with Goo Gone and then an alcohol wipe, followed by a buff dry with a clean terry cloth towel. The decals applied easily and the result is just what I was looking for.