Paint stripping chemical

[Flat 6]

Hey all,

The long slow resto of my '73T continues and I want to do some selective chemical stripping of paintwork. What is the proper chemical to use to take paint off panels and typically where might I buy some? Does it remove or even soften stonechip?

I have had the removable panels soda blasted on the edges where they're stronger but don't want to blast the whole panels just in case. And didn't want to dip due to horror stories of residue in hidden places, seams etc. Once I finish my bolt on trolley uprights I'll be taking the whole car to the soda blasters for the same treatment, edges only.

Also, would you think that same chemical would damage the anodising on a Fuchs if I used it to remove the black paint prior to repainting?

Many thanks,

Al.

[Gary71]

Stonechip needs heat/scraper

Paint needs this:
https://www.spraygunsdirect.co.uk/index ... 1eGbd.dpbs

[911hillclimber]

That paint stripper is the only stuff that works today.
Potent stuff, sends me a touch cross-eyed using it, but gets the job done or does most of the real hard work.

[Flat 6]

Thanks Gents, bought that.

Any thoughts on whether it might attack anodising? For clarity, I want to remove paint so my local anodizer can then remove the existing anodising prior to some minor repairs and then reanodising. He can't put paint in whatever bath he uses to remove anodising.

I suppose I could try the back of a wheel...I suppose I should be as concerned about the alloy underneath as the actual anodising? I have other Fuchs to be restored that just need paint removed hence concern about damage to anodising.

Al.

[Gary71]

If your wheels guy is removing the anodising anyway does it matter?

The stripper shouldn’t damage the alloy itself, but as you say best to check on the back.

[coomo]

As per Garys post.Starchem or this one.However, they are not like Nitromors used to be back in the day.I think it was Europe who decided to remove the active ingredient for us.Be prepared for 4/5 spreads and scrapes.Soda will only remove dirt,it wont remove rust.

[911hillclimber]

Nitromors of the 70s used to sting your skin, nothing else does now.
I think there is a stripper for aeroplane paint that is very active?

I have tried the trick of covering the stripper straight after application with cling film which seemed to help, but quite a mess when you peel it off.

[Flat 6]

Soda will only remove dirt,it wont remove rust.

OK, must ask them what they used then - it was mostly paint they were removing but definitely some rust spots on the front wing flange where it meets the body and they did say they had removed that rust. I gave them some electrox to spray on after blasting so didn't actually see the bare metal.

One of the reasons I like DIY is that I know exactly what has been done...I have access to a blasting cabinet where I can do suspension arms etc but not big enough for panels. Didn't actually see them blasting my stuff but I guess it's done is some sort of walk-in setup rather than a cabinet per se?

Thanks to all,

Al.

[Flat 6]

If your wheels guy is removing the anodising anyway does it matter?

The stripper shouldn’t damage the alloy itself, but as you say best to check on the back.

I have some wheels where I won't need to reanodise but will need to paint. I would like to remove all old paint before repainting and I don't like the idea of going in there with even fine sandpaper!

[SeanP]

If your wheels guy is removing the anodising anyway does it matter?

The stripper shouldn’t damage the alloy itself, but as you say best to check on the back.

I have some wheels where I won't need to reanodise but will need to paint. I would like to remove all old paint before repainting and I don't like the idea of going in there with even fine sandpaper!

Have you tried cellulose thinners? Seems to remove everything except cured epoxy

[Flat 6]

Don’t think I have actually, sounds an obvious idea now you mention it!

Will report back.

A.