Old Car Exterior Parts
Restoring Your Classic Car - Stripping and Metal Repair
By Dave Kite
If you are keeping up with my restoration series of articles then you know it is time to talk about stripping the paint and metal repair. You should start with the doors, hood, and deck (trunk) lid since these should already be off the car. I will describe to you the way I have been doing the stripping process but just be aware that there are many different ways to get the same results.
I am writing these articles as a hands on guide so I will tell you how to do it by hand. There are many other options out there like soda blasting and dipping which all have their pros and cons. Stay away from sand blasting because there is a chance that enough heat will build up to warp the panels.
Ok lets get started, you will need a body stand, some horses, or something to put the parts on. You will also need the stripper (Mar-Hyde Tal-strip II aircraft coating remover), some chip brushes, rubber gloves, lacquer thinner, a razor blade scraper, masking tape, a tarp, Mar-hyde One Step Rust Converter Primer Sealer, and a throw away container to put the stripper in.
Lay down the tarp under your stands and place the part you are stripping securely on the stands. There are many strippers out there some are "green" some are not. I use Mar-Hyde Tal-strip II aircraft coating remover, it is not a "green" product but I have yet to find something that works better. Follow the directions on the container and you will be fine.
So your hood (or other part) is ready to go, pour some stripper into a throw away container and start brushing it on the panel in one direction only. Do not go back over your brush stroke in the opposite direction. Go in one direction, I usually go left to right.
Don't be afraid to load your brush up and lay it down thick. Once the panel is coated you will see the paint start to bubble, you have to start scraping as it bubbles, if you wait too long it will dry up. Once your paint starts to bubble get your scraper and go to work. Be careful not to gouge the panel with the razor blade, if you start scraping while the panel is still wet the remover will act as a lubricant for the scraper. Spots like the window openings at the tops of the doors are a good place to mask with tape so the stripper does not run down into the door.
