Chassis clean-up

[Michael J.]

I am about to start the long and tough job of cleaning up the chassis of my '67. When it was restored, the person who did it painted most everything low-gloss "chassis" black, including driveshaft, half shafts, shocks, etc. I have the correct shocks now, but I need to get that black spray paint off the parts that should be "natural" or cast gray. Any tips on how to get the paint off? Mineral spirits? Acetone? Paint stripper? Any tips appreciated, thanks.

[Edward J.]

Re: Chassis clean-up

Mike, get yourself a good pair of rubber gloves, and fine steel wool. and start with lacquer thinner.If you come to areas that maybe in tight quarters try a little paint remover in the spray can. Just be warned that if it gets on you exterior it will remove the paint in short order. sometimes I find it easier to use newspaper and tape, To keep the solvents off the areas that may be a problem.

[Hector G.]

Re: Chassis clean-up

If you use Paint stripper or even mineral spirits, be careful not to get it on the fiberglass underbody. If you do get some on, remove it as soon as possible. I've used acetone but it doesn't work as well as lacquer thinner, but again, make sure not to leave any on the fiberglass. Good luck.

[Michael J.]

Re: Chassis clean-up

Thanks guys, I will be careful since most of the undercarriage is OK, I don't want to have to repaint or repair anything I don't have to.

[Paul Y.]

Re: Chassis clean-up

Thanks guys, I will be careful since most of the undercarriage is OK, I don't want to have to repaint or repair anything I don't have to.

Work in a wll vented area and don't breath the laquer thinner fumes.

[Mike E.]

Re: Chassis clean-up

Work in a wll vented area and don't breath the laquer thinner fumes.

Don't get any on your lift also...Unless it already needs a paint job.

Mike

[Michael J.]

Re: Chassis clean-up

Thanks guys, I will keep all the windows and doors open in the garage, and work small areas and short periods at a time. One thought, I once spilled some brake fluid (DOT 3) on a painted part of my lift (the drip pans underneath), and it really did well at removing paint. Could this work?

[Paul J.]

Re: Chassis clean-up

Take everything off that you can. It's the only way that you're going to be able to access all sides and get all of the paint off. It will also be much easier on your back.

Paul