Couple of questions

[Dan D.]

1. Should the steering box on my 57 be painted chassis blackout, or should it be raw cast iron?
2. Does anyone have a source or brand name for the paint stripper that doesn't attack fiberglass?

Thanks in advance -Dan-

[Mike M.]

Re: Couple of questions

1) i've painted both my 57's and they duntov'd without deducts on this issue. 2) i've used Captain Lee's for years. apply and don't let sit any longer than it takes to soften the paint, remove with putty knife(round the edges of putty knife and don't be too aggressive with the knife), then re-apply capt lee and remove last coat with 3-m scotchguard pads. then wipe bare glass down with lacquer thinner. then let nude body out in the sun for couple weeks then don't paint for 3 or 4 months. this has worked for me. mike

[Dan D.]

Re: Couple of questions

Thanks Mike. I found some on CCs web site and will purchase. Tell me though, what happens if I don't wait 3 months to paint it? Right now all I am looking to paint is the gas tank cover. Also, what do you use for primer on fiberglass? Thanks. -Dan-

[Gary C.]

Re: Couple of questions

Dan, like Mike I've only used Captain Lee's stripper. It's best to wash each area as you strip it very very thoroughly. Then let the body air out and re-wash multiple times to get all the chemicals out. A month or two airing out will be good. Then gel-coat it before painting. Good luck, Gary....

[Dan D.]

Re: Couple of questions

Hi Gary,
I'm going with yours and Mike's recommendation and I have some on order from CC. Scientific name is "Spra-Strip". I'm only doing the gas tank cover at this time. Actually I am doing the lower dash and steering column, so thought this would be a good time to do the cover as long as I have paint in the gun. I am not stripping the dash. It is in good shape -only faded a little, so all I have done is wet sand it. The cover needs to be stripped as it apparently has several paint coats and does not look very good.
But did not know I need to gel coat it also. The plot thickens. Still need to indentify what primer to use as well.
I have been around cars all my life, but don't do much body work and no fiberglass. So this is a learning experience. Its amazing sometimes how little one has learned in 69 years. Thanks for your help and advice.
-Dan-

[Gary C.]

Re: Couple of questions

Dan, on our ole 57's experience has shown - no gelcoat can lead to spider paint crack problems on the body. Gary....

[Keith R.]

Re: Couple of questions

A buddy in our local NCRS chapter tells me that there is some kind of a primer - epoxy perhaps, that works well instead of a gelcoat.