Removing permanent marker autographs from glove box

[Boingonut]

Hi! So the former owner of my DeLorean had some guys named Christopher Lloyd and Bob Gale sign the outside of the glove box (never heard of these guys myself, I guess they made some movie with a time traveling DeLorean in it ;). While it is kind of cool having these signatures, both are addressed to the former owner so its kind of weird having them. I also don't like having writing on the car. At first I was just going to get a new lid, but they seem to be kinda hard to come by, I also don't want to spend money if I don't have to. So I was wondering if anyone had any tips for getting black permeant marker off. Thanks!

[dn010]

What color lid? Someone might be interested in swapping with you.


Hi! So the former owner of my DeLorean had some guys named Christopher Lloyd and Bob Gale sign the outside of the glove box (never heard of these guys myself, I guess they made some movie with a time traveling DeLorean in it ;). While it is kind of cool having these signatures, both are addressed to the former owner so its kind of weird having them. I also don't like having writing on the car. At first I was just going to get a new lid, but they seem to be kinda hard to come by, I also don't want to spend money if I don't have to. So I was wondering if anyone had any tips for getting black permeant marker off. Thanks!

[Boingonut]

What color lid? Someone might be interested in swapping with you.

Its a grey lid and the signatures are in black marker

[papanoel]

Its a grey lid and the signatures are in black marker

Whats the name of the guy its made out to?

[Boingonut]

I guess I should add that there are other signatures from other BTTF people on the inside of the lid that are just signatures and are not made out to the former owner like the ones from Christopher Lloyd and Bob Gale on top. These I would like to keep, so I will most likely not be selling or trading the lid even if I get a new one. I just want to get the marker off of the top. Thanks!

[David T]

You can start with alcohol and if that doesn't work move on to Goo Gone and 3M cleaner and finally Acetone. Be careful not to start melting the vinyl. Do not leave the stuff on for long, wipe it right off and rinse. You may lighten it so much it will look different than the dash. Probably best to either leave it alone or get a nice dash cover.

[Nicholas R]

Can you just remove the personalization? My BTTF Pinball machine is signed by most of the cast of BTTF too and they all personalized it. I just assumed that if I ever sold it, I would remove the part that says "to nick" with rubbing alcohol, and leave the signatures.

[Dangermouse]

or the future owner could change his/her name to Nick. :smashfreak:. Might be easier

[eight8toy]

Post a pic of the lid! I am in San Diego and would consider trading you for mine which is in great condition if you were interested.

[DMC-81]

I've found that carberator cleaner removes permanent marker. However I don't know if it will damage/discolor the lid.

[FABombjoy]

You already have a dozen suggestions, so what's one more?

Bestine (heptane) is a product used in conservation and known for removing sharpie ink, adhesives, etc., and typically without affecting the underlying material.

I've used it to to remove ancient adhesives from offset-printed cardboard without removing any of the original ink. You can find it at art stores, hobby lobby, etc.

[Boingonut]

Thanks everyone! Great suggestions! What I might do is start with just removing the old owners name and keeping the autographs. I wish there was a way to test the different chemicals on it before I commit to one solution or combination of things to avoid discoloration.

[DaraSue]

Thanks everyone! Great suggestions! What I might do is start with just removing the old owners name and keeping the autographs. I wish there was a way to test the different chemicals on it before I commit to one solution or combination of things to avoid discoloration.

You could try putting a little of it on the outside edge first, then it wouldn't be too visible when the lid is closed if it didn't work out.

[Mario]

Rubbing alcohol is the right one to start with. It won't damage the lid, and it takes Sharpie off most surfaces pretty easily. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol or better.

Edit: Is it silver sharpie or black sharpie? Black sharpie comes off easily with isopropyl, but I've found that silver sharpie tends to smear around more. But, you'll likely get that problem no matter what solvent you use.