Spare Tire Carrier Cover - How to Remove these Spots

[Clark D.]

I've been trying to remove the paint from the cover of my spare tire carrier and I have gotten to the point where these dark spots aren't budging. I've been using laquer thinner and even some 0000 steel wool and nothing... I haven't tried wet sanding because I'm afraid that I will end up with lighter areas where the dark spots were and will have to end up wet sanding the whole thing. (Spots in the lower middle of the picture are just from water when I wiped the top off)

Any thoughts?

[Bill W.]

Re: Spare Tire Carrier Cover - How to Remove these Spots

I would lay a lacquer thinner soaked rag on it for a while then use a white scotch bright pad . It will take some time .

[Gary B.]

Re: Spare Tire Carrier Cover - How to Remove these Spots

Clark,

Are you sure it's paint and not grease or oil that has impregnated the fiberglass?

Gary

[Gene M.]

Re: Spare Tire Carrier Cover - How to Remove these Spots

I would lay a lacquer thinner soaked rag on it for a while then use a white scotch bright pad . It will take some time .

Yes, rubbing with lacquer thinner should do it. Alot of rubbing real wet.......

[Clark D.]

Re: Spare Tire Carrier Cover - How to Remove these Spots

Clark,

Are you sure it's paint and not grease or oil that has impregnated the fiberglass?

Gary

Gary,

No, I'm not sure. It does seem to be something that's impregnated in the fiberglass because when I wipe it with laquer thinner now the towels come up clean - no black residue. This isn't a show car and I've had the car for about a year but I do want to gradually get it to be 'correct' as time and projects allow.

Clark

[Brian M.]

Re: Spare Tire Carrier Cover - How to Remove these Spots

Berkebile B101 Gum Cutter. Cleans anything off and leaves beautiful glass behind.

[Monte M.]

Re: Spare Tire Carrier Cover - How to Remove these Spots

Clark,

EDIT:
Sorry, I have to edit this because I did not see the smaller spots on the bottom of the picture. I am assuming those are the spots you are talking about.
The guys have given some good suggestions, but if all else fails, try brake cleaner. I evaporates off fast so it makes it easy to wipe up if in deed it will break it down.
Apply the brake cleaner a number of times to keep it moist fora bit.
Best of luck.