My detailer looked at it, tried a few secrets but nothing...it wont even move! I am starting to think the person who installed these moldings was having a really bad day at work and looking for some internal revenge...

 

Huh, I can honestly say this is a first for this problem that I've heard. I've heard of discolored paint below the strips before, but never not being able to remove the adhesive. I hope you can get this taken care of.

 

Agreed! I have NEVER in my 6 yrs as a Mazda owner or Moderator seen or read of anyone having this much trouble.
Best of luck to you, Alpine.

 

dang Alpine. we all send u luck for that one. I had a lil bit of stuff left on it after I washed it and noticed very little stuck. I tried the goo gone but didn't work. there's a small blue mark there and I'm wondering if it's from the paper towel I used from the designs on it lol

 

As always, thank you very much for your concern everybody.

Today was the day i decided enough was enough. I used a mixture of the brake cleaner with Q tips, toothpicks, a heat gun and a rasor.

Before you squirm with discomfort, i am happy to report that its off!!!
here are before and afters as promised...

 

The white ones especially look good w/o side molding, imo. Very C~L~E~A~N!~!~!
Do YOU like it AP6? You certainly went through a lot to get it that way. Congrats on finally conquering it.
I hope you were somehow able to neutralize the chemicals it took and clean/wax the area for further protection?

 

Thank you. i agree, it looks much cleaner. I have given it a coat of wax as well and i hsould be all good to go now!

 

OK, somewhat related question here... I just bought a rear bumper protector for my wagon and I completely spaced off the adhesive. Just wondering what would be the best adhesive to use? (I intend to just buy local, either from the dealer of off the shelves at the part store...) Also, what is the best surface preparation solvent to use; denatured alcohol or acetone or ??? Thanks for any guidance! Ralph

 

I'd recommend 3M exterior mounting tape. It's pretty much what Mazda uses to adhere the door guards. It holds nice and strong, and releases clean (albeit with a bit of work) if/when you no longer want the part on your car.

 

Cameron is right. The best and cheapest place to buy gray 3M tape that I know of is Home Depot. They have the 1" stuff in their paint dept and it cost a lot less than the 3/4" at your local parts store or SmallMinded-Mart.

edit: I just re-read your post. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT use acetone!! 50-70% alcohol is your best bet. That and some clean paper towels... lots of them. Do not cheap out here. (Actually, 2 or 3 paper towels will do the complete job as long as you turn them to a new, clean surface frequently.)