72 TA : New Project

[mockingbird812]

As the great John "Hannibal" Smith said, Don't you love it when a plan comes together?!

[njsteve]

Well, here we are home during the Nor-Easter and wondering what I can do while the water rises. I have been trying to figure out a way to remove all the black spraybomb overspray that is on the orginal honeycomb grills for the T/A. So I ended up doing a little websurfing of the term "plastic paint stripping" and wound up finding a model car website where they compared a variety of different techniques for removing paint from plastic models. We have all heard of the old "Easy Off" oven cleaner being used for paint stripping but the fumes are noxious and the results are very slow and require scrubbing which damages the plastic. Their new favorite plastic paint stripping technique now employs the super-degreaser formerly known as "Castrol Super Clean". I guess they sold the formula off because it's now just called "Super Clean." Well, anyway here is the before photo of one of the grills all covered in black spray paint:

Here's the top:



and the bottom:

[njsteve]

I bought two 2-1/2 gallon jugs of the stuff from my local autoparts store. -cost about $50. I initially tested it in a three gallon pail for half an hour and here is the result:

[njsteve]

This stuff is safe on the plastic and only attacks the paint's ability to stick to the underlying layer. According to the modelers it can be used on clear plastic model car windshields with no damage to the clear plastic. So I guess it would be fine for gauges and other similar clear automotive plastics. Make sure you use rubber gloves when using this stuff as it will remove all the oils from your skin (or else your hands will wind up looking like Abe Simpson's).

Here is a photo after about three hours of soaking, once I got a bigger tub and fully submerged the grill. The paint just seems to break up and flake away with just a little persuading from a soft plastic bristle brush. (Do not use metal bristles as they will scratch the plastic!)

[njsteve]

Here is the link to the model car website that tested the various methods of plastic paint stripping including brake fluid(!), Easy Off Oven Cleaner, specialized model car paint strippers and Super Clean:

http://www.bonediggers.com/1-3/strip/strip.html

Once all the stripping is done make sure you flush the entire object in cold water till it is squeaky clean. This stuff tends to leave a slimy feeling if there is still any residue left on the part.

***By the way, the modeler guys also use this stuff to strip chrome from plastic so I wouldnt use it on any plastic part with chrome accents like a dash bezel.

[kwhizz]

Steve........That Cleaner is Awsum on Seat Belts also.....

Ken

[njsteve]

Here is the progress after 24 hours of soaking and gentle brushing with a plastic bristle scrub brush. For the honeycombed areas I have been using a .45 caliber plastic bore brush, though a shotgun bore brush might be a better fit if I could find one. The Super Clean is even progressing well on the the thick argent paint material on the inside of the grill. There has been no effect on the plastic so far. It is still hard, no softening of the outer surface whatsoever.

[ANDY M]

Steve, would a pressure washer do a better job on the tight places?

[VintageMusclecar]

Steve;

Are you running that SuperClean diluted or at 100% strength?

Eric

[njsteve]

Running at about 90%. I added some water just to get it at a high enough level to cover the grill. I may try the pressure washer soon on the honeycomb area.