Bicycle Mechanics - Removing decal without damaging clearcoat?

I know this isn't a mechanical problem but I'm not sure where else to put it. I just picked up this little rebuild project yesterday and would like to get these old faded decals off. They seem to be painted (definitely not adhesive) over the clearcoat. Any suggestions? Thanks!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v346/hunter111/4c09b3fa.jpg

ignore the nasty tire.

-Hunter

By the looks of the foggy edge around them I'd say that they are either under the clear coat or they are water slide transfers. If they are on top then an aggresive fingernail would remove them. Or maybe a sharp plastic edge of a scraper. If they are under a clear coat then no way.

If you drag your fingernail over the edge of them what does it feel like? Also a lot of older bikes didn't use a clear coat of any sort. A 560 designation on a Trek sort of says to me that it's that old.

Ah well the glossy black is smooth while the decal itself is raised and ..not as smooth :) I'll try the fingernail tomorrow. Thanks for the quick response

Try warming the area up with a hair dryer set on high. Once it's warm to the touch when you move the dryer away keep the heat on it and try picking up an edge with your fingernail. If it's a sticker it'll come up easier with the heat. If it lifts to where you can pinch it just keep some firm but light pressure on it and keep warming the area with the hair dryer. As long as it's slowly lifting just be patient and it'll come off in a couple of minutes per sticker.

I don't know what made me think it would be a water transfer decal earlier. If it was it wouldn't last long in the rain or on more than a few muddy rides....:o