Hood underside stripping, 66 small block

[Jeffrey B.]

I would like to remove the old paint from the underside of my hood and apply a new finish. What would be a good way to remove the old, blistered paint without risking damage to the surface of the hood? My concern is that some paint strippers may leach through the fiberglass and damage the paint on the outer surface of the hood. I have read that you should never use sandpaper on fiberglass. I would also like to know what paint is recommended to refinish the underside of the hood?

Thank You

[Alan S.]

Re: Hood underside stripping, 66 small block

Hi Jeff,
I would use one of the citrus based strippers very sparingly. It shouldn't take very much if the underside hasn't been painted too often. Look at the directions on the stripper for info on 'neutralizing' when you've got the paint off.
You can use sand paper on fiberglass. Use the finest grade that will accomplish what you're trying to do.
I used the infamous Krylon #1613 semi-flat and like the look. Maybe a little too nice. Maybe a lot too nice.
Regards,
Alan

[Joe C.]

Re: Hood underside stripping, 66 small block

I would like to remove the old paint from the underside of my hood and apply a new finish. What would be a good way to remove the old, blistered paint without risking damage to the surface of the hood? My concern is that some paint strippers may leach through the fiberglass and damage the paint on the outer surface of the hood. I have read that you should never use sandpaper on fiberglass. I would also like to know what paint is recommended to refinish the underside of the hood?

Thank You

Strip with lacquer thinner, using one of them there "Scotch Brite" pads, or whatever hell the genetic name of it is. You can submerge fiberglass composite panels in lacquer thinner for exactly eight hours before doing any damage. As long as it dries thoroughly, I have found that it's the best way to positively remove contaminants. Why, hell, you can even bathe in the stuff to get the grease out from under your fingernails! It DOES cause irrevocable brain damage, though.
Ask ask me ask me ask me howwwwwwww, eye eye eye no?

Finish with a GASOLINE RESISTANT "semiblat" flack, like Eastwood's "UnderHood Black".
I'm fairly sure that the Krylon stuff will come off with gasoline, as sure as the Pope's Austrian.

Joe

[Jeffrey B.]

Re: Hood underside stripping, 66 small block

Guys,

Appreciate the feedback. I wonder if the lacquer thinner will leave a ring around the bath tub. Oh Well; I'll let my wife worry about that.

Jeff

[Alan S.]

Re: Hood underside stripping, 66 small block

Joe,
When I was a kid it was 'dope' in the basement for the silk on control-line model airplanes.
Now it's acrylic lacquer and lacquer thinner in the garage.
I'm now the 'dope'... with too many lost brain cells.
Regards,
Alan

[Joe C.]

Re: Hood underside stripping, 66 small block

I would like to remove the old paint from the underside of my hood and apply a new finish. What would be a good way to remove the old, blistered paint without risking damage to the surface of the hood? My concern is that some paint strippers may leach through the fiberglass and damage the paint on the outer surface of the hood. I have read that you should never use sandpaper on fiberglass. I would also like to know what paint is recommended to refinish the underside of the hood?

Thank You

Jeffrey,

I just reread your original post, and see that you are not removing the paint from the sunny side of the hood. What is it painted with? Lacquer? Enamel? Doesn't matter very much, as either one will be damaged easily by stray solvents/strippers. I now understand why you want to use a gel type substance, like a stripper, because it will be easier to prevent runs and drips from damaging the sunny side paint. But........you still have to wash that stripper off with a solvent like lacquer thinner...........so, the conundrum.
I suggest that you protect your paint by fully covering with 2" wide masking tape, double layer, before placing on a well padded work surface. Hand sand all loose/blistered underhood paint with 400 grit wet/dry paper. Prime with high build primer to fill any blistered /rough areas. sand with 400-1000-1500 wet/dry and paint with a robust, gasoline resistant semiflat black.
The (better, albeit more risky) alternative, is to strip carefully with Captain Lee's stripper, wipe with lacquer thinner, and wash with Prep-Sol (which won't damage your paint).
If you need to re-bond the hood stiffener to the outer skin, then DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT use polyester or acrylic bonding adhesive. Use a flexible substance, like black Urethane/Polyurethane roofing adhesive, which is available at the big orange home store. This stuff is paintable, and will not mirror the bond, up through your nice painted "sunny side".

Joe

[Jeffrey B.]

Re: Hood underside stripping, 66 small block

Joe,

Thanks for the follow-up reply. You are correct, my main concern is to avoid damaging the finished paint on the "sunny side" of the hood as you stated. I like the way you put it as that side of the hood is actually Sunfire Yellow.

Jeff

[Tom O.]

Re: Hood underside stripping, 66 small block

I'd like to say thanks for all of the great tips. I need to redo the underside of my '67 and now know how to do it.