Paint removal to match old finish

[JoeM 7,871]

I recently acquired a C160A and the PO repainted over the factory finish on the hood. The rest of the machine looks to be pretty much original and I like the used look.

My question, has anyone taking off a coat of paint to machine the old finish?

Tips welcome.

Joe

+

[AMC RULES 37,130]

 Believe it, or not...

I've have great results just using carb cleaner...applied generously to a clean cotton t-shirt. 

Trick is to not get it too hot(long exposure)...use quick wipes, and moderate pressure...

turn the rag after each pass to a clean area, reapply carb cleaner...make another wipe.  

Best to try a small test.. first, in an inconspicuous area, before moving onto the entire hood surface. 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,524]

56 minutes ago, AMC RULES said:

 Believe it, or not...

I've have great results just using carb cleaner...applied generously to a clean cotton t-shirt. 

Trick is to not get it too hot(long exposure)...use quick wipes, and moderate pressure...

turn the rag after each pass to a clean area, reapply carb cleaner...make another wipe.  

Best to try a small test.. first, in an inconspicuous area, before moving onto the entire hood surface. 

I have not tried this on a WH but have used it numerous times to get overspray off of stuff that I was not intending to spray...

[oliver2-44 9,725]

Lacquer thinner works similar to carb cleaner at a lower cost

[rmaynard 15,434]

The previous owner painted the hood for some reason, most likely because the original finish was either faded, damaged, or rusted. You might find that taking off the top coat may reveal a finish worse than what you are starting with. Having said that, I have used citrus based stripper on a rag, doing small patches at a time and neutralizing with clean water as the top coat comes off. Doesn't work with all paints, but most cheap spray can finishes are pretty easy to cut.

[JoeM 7,871]

thanks,

I'm going to give that thinner a try. I will post some results in a few days.

 

[JoeM 7,871]

Tried Carb cleaner, didn't touch it. I was out of lacquer thinner. I took my sander with 180 grit and started to work on it. It seem like they primed over the original paint. I am going for old patina, I may just sand and clear over unless I come up with a matching hood.