I have a 73 convertable and I need to paint strip it. what is the best meathod. I have been told that sanding is best, then soda blasting, and chemical stripping is least desirable, what about media blasting like walnuts and plastic.
cal
cal
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Re: stripping
Cal:
I think that it depends on how many layers of paint are on it, what type of paint(s) it (they) is(are), your energy level, and your bank account. A couple things to consider:
1. Chemical stripper (Captain Lee's worked best for me) should not cause any subsequent problems as long as you wash it carefully with copious amuonts of lacquer thinner. It did not cause me any problems.
2. Media blasting will probably damage the composite, which will probably require more T&M for body surfacing.
3. If your car has multiple layers of paint then a good trick (which worked well for me), is to get a razor blade holder (the same kind that the Motor Vehicle Department uses to remove your old registration sticker from your windshield) and use this tool, with good, sharp blades to remove the outer layers of paint. Hard to explain the technique, but once you get the knack, the you can really zip right along. Once you get close to the composite, then use Scotch Brite pads saturated in lacquer thinner or acetone to remove any remnants of primer.
Good luck.
Joe -
Re: stripping
I have stripped only two Corvettes; the first my 66 using fiberglass safe stripper purchased at an auto paint store along with one gallon of Cap'n Lee's for the vertical areas and the second was a 73. We were literally standing around the 73, talking about sttipping it, and my friend had a box of safety razor blades. On a whim, I picked one up and in about 10 minutes had a 2X2 foot area stripped of paint down to the primer. I wouldn't have believed it! It is great for the flat areas but I don't like the razor blade idea for the curves at all.
Gary
ps, we finished up the curves with chemical stripperComment
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Re: stripping
All methods are good. Soda or media blasting do properly do real well. I have had 6 cars stripped this was. Downside is the residue that you have to vacuum and blow out of the car before you paint it. Chemical stripper will also bite you if you happen to miss any residue in hidden cracks. Keeps right on working after you paint the car.
If you do have it blasted ask the stripper for a list of customers Corvettes that he has stripped. Call as many as you can. Not all shops are proficient.Dick WhittingtonComment
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