Auto body repair & detailing: auto detailing, lacquer thinner, oven cleaner

Question
how would you remove painted lettering off of a van.

Answer
If it's not tough paint, lacquer thinner will take it off.  Most of the time it's pretty thick, and Easy Off Oven Cleaner will do the trick.  Wet down the area where it will drip, to avoid streaks.  Spray it on one little area and let it sit, reapply, etc.  Once you've got the formula, work one letter at a time.  You'll need to polish/wax the area when you're done, and most likely the fade of the paint will be affected by being covered with the letters and there'll be a shadow.  If you're really intent on it looking even, pay someone to wet sand and buff it out.
Best of luck,
Notto Jensen
AllExperts.com Auto Detailing Expert