Safe paint removal from engine pad stamp?

[Rob Edwards]

Subject says it all- While I can read the stamped numbers just fine,the pad has orange overspray all over it (from the PO's recent rebuild) and I want to make it bare metal, gently. I was thinking Q-tips and paint thinner. Any other suggestions? I don't want to do anything that would even hint at messing with the numbers, so perhaps just leave it?

-Rob.

[Kevin M.]

Re: Safe paint removal from engine pad stamp?

If your having your car judged you have to remove the paint. If not leave it alone, if so a clean cotton cloth and thiner, just wipe it off try to leave paint in the lettering if possible.

Kevin

[John H.]

Re: Safe paint removal from engine pad stamp?

Use lacquer thinner to get the paint off, then oil it lightly so it won't rust.

[William V.]

Re: Safe paint removal from engine pad stamp?

Clear nail polish is another method of keeping the rust away.

[Nicholas L.]

Re: Safe paint removal from engine pad stamp?

What would be the best way to remove surface rust?

[Jack H.]

Lacquer thinner has drawbacks....

IF the engine has been fired and any appreciable time at elevated temp has elapsed, the Chevy orange (enamel not lacquer) will probably be 'cooked' on pretty hard. Lacquer thinner and general paint thinner CAN get the job done, but you'll be rubbing for a LONG time and on some engines, there are surrounding obstructions (fuel lines, A/C, Etc.) that make full access to the stamp pad difficult.

This method works FAST and easy! Cut some tape and mask around the pad as well as behind the pad back to the valve cover. Now, take a SMALL paint brush and spritz some spray-on paint remover into a glass. Daub the paint brush with paint remover and gently cover the top surface of the stamp pad with paint remover.

Wait 10-minutes for the paint remover to work and watch the Chevy orange bubble up. Use the paint brush to 'stir' the paint remover on the pad as it dissolves the paint. Once it appears to you the entire painted surface of the pad is tacky/loose, flush thoroughly with running water. Repeat if necessary.

This way you let chemistry do the work instead of elbow grease and perhaps an abrassive against the pad's surface. Figure you're done in 15-20 minutes without elbow grease, sweat and the threat of introducing stray scratches....

[Dennis C.]

Would agree with Jack H.... *NM*