Stripping dash paint off a '54

[Randy G.]

Cerified Bubba painted the dash with .050 thick paint on our '54 (yea, it's that thick). I want to safely remove the paint without blasting it off because the car is together (except for the dash) and I'd like to keep the mess to a minimum.

Are there any chemical recommendations that will remove the paint without harming the resin in the fiberglass? I have no idea what kind of paint they used, but it pops off in certain areas like finger nail polish (LOL).

[Chuck S.]

Re: Stripping dash paint off a '54

Cerified Bubba painted the dash with .050 thick paint on our '54 (yea, it's that thick). I want to safely remove the paint without blasting it off because the car is together (except for the dash) and I'd like to keep the mess to a minimum.

Are there any chemical recommendations that will remove the paint without harming the resin in the fiberglass? I have no idea what kind of paint they used, but it pops off in certain areas like finger nail polish (LOL).

I would chemically strip it off...if stripper will work on it. You don't say if the interior is still in the car; better mask thoroughly and watch not to get stripper on any paint you want to keep. Stripper will not hurt the fiberglass if it isn't left on a long time; the more serious problem is the stripper being absorbed into the fiberglass and causing havoc with any future coatings.

Chemical strippers are all pretty much the same as far as I know...methylene chloride is the primary constituient, plus some other things, in a carrier. If the stripper seems to stop working at a bottom layer, that may be the factory primer, and that's where you want to stop...it's the key to success with stripper.

Clean off the residue and wipe the stripped area down well with lacquer thinner, then move to the next working area. Once you've stripped it all down to the factory primer, clean it well with soapy water, and wet sand off the primer with about 220-240 grit paper. It's going to be a messy process.

Sand, clean, and refinish as desired.

[Dennis A.]

Re: Stripping dash paint off a '54

Spra-Strip is a very good stripper...

[Dennis H.]

Re: Stripping dash paint off a '54

Spra-Strip is a very good stripper...

I agree with Dennis. If you have interior installed I would remove it as no mater how carefull your are if stripper gets on your seats, carpet or door panels there done.

[Randy G.]

Re: Stripping dash paint off a '54

Seats are easy to remove as is the carpet, which is being replaced anyway. The door panels are in and I suppose I could wrap them along with taping off the painted areas (door jambs, etc.).

I appreciate the advice. Would "Spra Strip" be available at automotive paint stores only?

Randy

[Dennis A.]

Re: Stripping dash paint off a '54

Eckler's, Corvette Central...ETC have it.

[Sam K.]

Re: Stripping dash paint off a '54

I used Captain Lee's stripper on my '55 when it was completely stripped for paint. Use water to wash/flush excess when paint is trowled off, then fine sanding afterward. Yes it is a very messy process but it works. I used a lot of newspapers under the area to soak-up the drippings and water. Do a small area at a time and you will gain a comfort level in doing the process. Slow but it works well. Good ventilation or outdoors is ideal.
Good Luck...