Paint Removal

[Ben Molstad]

Hello,
I own a 62 and a 67 corvette that I would like to strip all of the paint off. I was wondering what the safest and most reliable way to do this is? The 67 has enamel paint on it and the 62 is all laquer. I have seen the article of the 60 corvette that I beleive Chip miller is using paint stripper on and wondered if there is a safe stripper to use or media blast? If there is a safe stripper and technique, I would appreciate any information on the how to,Brand names and location to purchase the materials. I live in Los angeles Ca. I also wondered if any or all methods of stripping the paint would remove the gel-coat? If so should it be re gel-coated? If anyone is very knowledgeable in this procedure I would appreciate it.
Thanks
Ben Molstad

[Jim T.]

Re: Paint Removal

I stripped the original paint from my 68 and 70 with a paint remover years ago. The original factory primer was not removed with the application of the paint remover, the remover I used only removed the paint down to the primer coat. I then sanded off the factory primer by hand. Using paint remover allows you to do sections of the car at your own pace. Areas can be stripped when you have only a couple of hours to work a day, or you can spend the whole day stripping. Even the the wife helped some, not a lot, but some. It is messy and you want to protect the garage floor from droppings to keep from staining the floor.

[Dennis A.]

Re: Paint Removal

Ben...

There is a number of strippers that may be used, the one I liked is "Spra-Strip" which may be purchased from any of the top vette parts suppliers. This product comes with a spray bottle that makes the job a little easier. Work small sections at a time and be sure to always rinse with water or acetone* so that the stripper will not damage the fiberglass. Fine steel wool, a spatula and a large plastic sheet to protect the floor will be neede. If you are near a media blaster that has experience with vette bodies and the cash, I recommend this over chemical stripping.
* acetone requires fresh air, but stops the stripping fast and helps with removing some of the primer without sanding damage in tight areas.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Paint Removal

You will probably see almost as many opinions as you see responses, as everyone has his favorite method. I have done it several ways and my current favorite is to strip carefully with a DA sander. I find there is far less chance of damaging the fiberglass. Some areas have to be done by hand, but I still find it less invasive and less messy.

[Dennis C.]

Re: Paint Removal

Ben... Here's my thoughts. Go to NAPA, buy their paint stripper by the gallon. Its water soluble; you can kill its action with water or thinner. As suggested, do a small section at a time. Don't put it on and then go to lunch. It will tell you when its time to scrape the paint off. Use a plastic scraper, into a coffee can and then either re-apply more stripper or kill the action as described. Be cautious in areas of repair. Your car has no gelcoat so don't worry about that issue. The stripper,as mentioned, will not usually remove the factory primer, which is good. Actually, steel wool and lacquer thinner or sandpaper work just fine. The lacquer painted car should strip so fast you'll be kept busy. The '67 could be a different story - you just have to read the signs. With all due respect, a DA and a Corvette should never try to develope any kind of relationship.

[Dennis C.]

Re: Paint Removal

Ben... Sorry, didn't address media blasting. I'd say you can do the body and save money over paying someone. I don't feel there is any big advantage to plastic media approach. However, if you have to deal with the trunk and/or convertible top storage areas, the media has some advantages. Mostly because of the rough irregular surfaces. The one downside is trying to get rid of all the little plastic media balls. They just do not want to go away very easily. And, of course, they want to re-surface during color application. That gives a rather interesting finish to those areas. Good luck, Dennis

[Bill W.]

Re: Paint Removal

I agree with Dennis. If you strip it be SURE you wash it down with very hot soapy water when your done every day. when you think you have it clean do it 2 more times.when you are done stripping wash it with the hottest soapy (dawn or tide )water you can stand and let sit in the hot sun a few days to wick all the solvents out of the fiberglass. Unless a blaster uses cornstarch size media he will do alot of damage.

[Dan Tewell]

Re: Paint Removal

With all due respect Dennis, I've been stripping Corvettes for the past 15 years with a DA. You just have to know how to use them. Besides, chemical stripping leaves you with an EPA classified "hazardous waste" to dispose of. I've always had seam shrinkback when I used strippers. I've never had that problem since using a DA.

[Steve Lischynsky]

Re: Paint Removal-DA?

What is DA?

Steve L
73 coupe since new

[Mike H.]

Dual Action sander. *NM*

[Dennis C.]

Re: Paint Removal

Dan T. I guess to each his own. I had a bad experience trying to fix a Corvette body that someone "DA'd". I wish you had gotten to that car first. On the other hand, I strip paint with chemicals and wet sand because I can't stand the airborne sanding dust created. I haven't had the seam problems you mention, but then again, I'm about half blind. Best, Dennis

[Mike M.]

Re: Paint Removal

tHE VETS I'VE SEEN THAT YOU PREPED FOR PAINT LEFT ME WITH THE IMPRESSION YOU SANDED WITH A 7000 RPM BODY GRINDER AND 20 GRIT DISC THEN BLOCK SANDED WITH A HAND-FIRED BRICK(ONE SWIPE PER PANEL) wASH BOARDS , ANYONE?
cOURSE I DON'T EVEN SQND BETWEEN HANGING A PANEL AND APPLYING MY FAVORITE PRIMER OUT OF A SPRAY CAN. WHITEWALLS AND SHINEY FINISHES ARE FOR SISSYS.

[Dennis C.]

Re: Paint Removal

And to think, I continue to pay $30 bucks a year to be associated with this fine gentleman who, in his spare time, teaches advanced typing at his local community college.

[Joseph S.]

Re: Paint Removal

Dennis,
I've been stripping Corvettes for 20 years with razor blades and DA's. Now, You should see the looks I get when my bodyman friends see me pass a DA over the car after I have blocked out a couple coats of finish primer. (WOW) By the way I grew up thinking a DA was a hair style my father wore when he was in high school!!!

[Dennis C.]

Re: Paint Removal

Joseph... Thanks for your input. Too bad I know what a ducks ass (sorry) looks like. The DA'd car I dealt with was a '58. I can tell you, the reconstruction of the hood (louvers) is something to be remembered. Best, DC