Headlight Accuator

[Chester]

headlight accuator chester how can i get the paint off the accuator without taking off the factory plating

[Joe L.]

Re: Headlight Accuator

re headlight accuator joe lucia unfortunately i don't think that it is going to be easy the headlight actuators are zinc plated and bright dipped the bright dip is what imparts the gold color to the part and is usually a chrome based product the zinc substrate plating is very tenacious but the bright dip is easily damaged or degraded it is also very thin what i might try is a non agressive solvent like acetone see if it will soften dissolve the type of paint you have also it would be best if you could find a way to apply the solvent without rubbing and let it stay on a while then gently remove it without rubbing if acetone doesn't work you could try some others like mek or possibly tca tce i wouldn't use caustic paint remover with methylene chloride like jasco i feel that this would almost certainly damage the bright dip

[Gene M.]

Re: Headlight Accuator

re headlight accuator gene manno strip ease paint strip works good and it's water soluble but remove canisters from car first it is nasty on the body

[Jack H.]

Re: Headlight Accuator

re headlight accuator jack humphrey agree with advice posted already i reinforce the directive to remove vacuum motor before working on it and also point out the chassis service manual calls for taking off the hood before attempting r r this is due to clearance on removal you might get it out without removing the hood but odds are reasonable you'll scratch the paint and or accidentally let the hood close on your arm s next i'd first try a mild solvent and elbow grease taking your time with plain fine steel wool and having a garden hose nearby to wash the motor case down as you go several suggestions have been provided but a spray can of simple brake cleaner does wonders at removing most paints

[Jerry]

Re: Headlight Accuator

re headlight accuator jerry my actuators were blacked also i used a automotive grade lacquer thinner dampened a soft cloth with it and worked slowly obviously if it has been painted with an enamel based paint this wont touch it but mine cleaned up well and din't harm the gold i believe the bright dip is irridite however the gold was somewhat less shinny than reproduction new i coated mine with clearcoat with a flattening agent added they appear as new