Bow Numbers

[llPa1nll]

While winterizing and covering my Boat up this past year I noticed that my Bow Numbers were in real tough shape. Peeling off and faded. My question for you guys is this. Is there any product (other than a good Rubbing Compound) to use to get the rest of the numbers off and their adhesive. I was also going to attempt to remove the "Mound"of Registration Stickers. Any pointers and or tips would be greatly appreciated.

I was planning on replacing them with something on the idea of these here, in Red and Black. Any comments on these Bow Letters would be helpful as well.

[-badhabit-]

Getting the old off is a pain........

I just removed mine and used a rag with the 91% alcohol (from CVS or Walgreens). The 70% that you normally find hardly touched the glue.

I got new numbers made just about as cheap as buying a package of stick-ons.

This guy here makes several styles that look great. Also the quality is 110%:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=200010459846

[Long Mike]

Use a razor blade to pry up the corner of one of the numbers, then start daubing GOOF-OFF (available at most hard-ware stores) on the adhesive with a Q-Tip.  The number should peel right off.

[NBR]

Heat the old numbers with a hair dryer. I use my wife's after written permission. This softens the glue, then I use one of those plastic scrappers used to scrape teflon coated pans. The first time I used my thumbnails and it took a while to get the stuff out from under them. I use GooGone to clean up any residue. I would not use anything abrasive on the gel coat. Before I came onto the hair dryer thing (from a marina) I hated the job but with the hairdryer it's not more than a half hour task.

The last time I replaced my numbers my local boat shop ordered me a set of numbers in one sheet. Now my numbers are evenly spaced. Pricey but handy! I think you can get different fonts to suit your taste.

[cart7t]

I've used a blow dryer on low heat to soften them up and then start peelin from one side. Don't hold the dryer in anyplace to long or too close or on high heat. Works great. Once it's off some of that goo gone works or also plain old WD40. Clean off the area and apply new stickers.

[samurai361]

All the suggestions you have gotten are good.  Mine fell off by themselves.  If you make sure the surface is clean and smooth, you can have lettering made at most any shop that makes signs or truck lettering for about $25 or so.  The main thing is once you have the old ones off, you clean where the new ones will go on.

I had my set made in a white reflective, since my boat is dark blue and they are required to contrast.  In the dark, you can hit my decals with the slightest bit of light and they glow.  I'm planning to do this to my saltwater boat later.  

[Redlinerobert]

You should have the numbers painted on the boat - You can get them done in colors to match.  

[Papa_Tom]

I can't offer any better suggestions for removal of old letters/numbers.  For new, I got mine from a local sign shop that computer generated them.  Look great.  One strip, perfectly aligned. However, they were close to $50.  I can second the recommendation of Cart7 as to the quality of Kelly's work as a friend ordered his there.  And it is reasonably priced.