Topic: Started stripping the paint today
in Forum: C3 Body
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Former Member
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Yelm, WA - USA
Joined: 7/12/2007
Posts: 356
Vette(s): 1979 L82 4 speed Scat 383 crank 190 cc Procomp Aluminum Heads 202 160 stainless valves GM Powder metal rods Speedpro H860CP Hypereutectic pistons 280 cam hydralic HEI Pro comp 1.6 roller rockers Mighty Demon 750 Sanderson CC1AP Hedders.
I have no idea what I'm doing. Heat gun and razor blade. I kept digging into the primer at first and like I said I don't know what I am doing. Trying not to gouge the primer as much as possible, but it's tough not too. I started getting good (technique?) after a bit. I started on the door just in case I do make a horrible mistake.
I can see in a couple small spots of what I think is the surface of the composite. It's really dark-green looking and smooth, looks good and I don't see and loose glass....yet. I'm not sure if I saw the original paint or not, supposedly silver, could be an older layer of white with primer on it.
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Jason, I don't envy you a bit! That's a tedious job. Just keep your eye on the prize!
Barry
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Not likely to see any fiberglass strands, unless you're really diggin deep...in which case, you'd be doing more harm than good.
The later cars used what is known as SMC(sheet molded compound), which is not like the older style pressed glass.
Be vewry vewy careful with the razor blade...you CAN create gouges that will require extra bodywork in the end. Also be vewy careful with the heat gun, so that you don't "melt" the panels...they will warp if they get too hot.
Otherwise, it looks like ye off to a good start!
The later cars used what is known as SMC(sheet molded compound), which is not like the older style pressed glass.Be vewry vewy careful with the razor blade...you CAN create gouges that will require extra bodywork in the end. Also be vewy careful with the heat gun, so that you don't "melt" the panels...they will warp if they get too hot.
Otherwise, it looks like ye off to a good start!
Joel Adams
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Former Member
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Yelm, WA - USA
Joined: 7/12/2007
Posts: 356
Vette(s): 1979 L82 4 speed Scat 383 crank 190 cc Procomp Aluminum Heads 202 160 stainless valves GM Powder metal rods Speedpro H860CP Hypereutectic pistons 280 cam hydralic HEI Pro comp 1.6 roller rockers Mighty Demon 750 Sanderson CC1AP Hedders.
Thanks! Good to know about the panels warping. I was watching some youtube videos last night where a guy was using a heat gun to break the panel bonds on a vette 
. I think I'll stop using the heat gun unless I absolutely need it.
. I think I'll stop using the heat gun unless I absolutely need it. Luckily for me, there seems to be a lot of primer on the car, so far any gouging has only been into the primer.
Going to see if I can pick up a better scraper tool today.
I'm just going to take my time and go really slow.
Lifetime MemberLodi, WI - USA
Joined: 9/25/2007
Posts: 340
Vette(s): 1972 Targa Blue, T-Top, Saddle leather, 350 auto,numbers match, all original except '69 factory side exhaust.
Previously owned: 1969 427, 390hp, 4sp, Riverside Gold coupe, factory side exhaust
WOW, Jason. You have more guts than I have.
Maybe you saw that I am repainting my 72 coupe. I posted a few pics a few weeks ago. The guy that is doing mine used a chemical stripper. I know you have to be very careful and use a stripper that won't damage the fiberglas and don't leave it on too long.
I admire you for tackling this job yourself. As Barry said "keep your eye on the prize"
Dean
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Jason, looking good. I didnt have the courage to try stripping mine so I paid someone else. Keep up the good work, dont get into a hurry and keep us posted on how its going. Best off luck.
Rodney
Rodney
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
[QUOTE=Jaws79]Jason, I don't envy you a bit! That's a tedious job. Just keep your eye on the prize!
[/QUOTE]
Barry
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Former Member
Send PM
Yelm, WA - USA
Joined: 7/12/2007
Posts: 356
Vette(s): 1979 L82 4 speed Scat 383 crank 190 cc Procomp Aluminum Heads 202 160 stainless valves GM Powder metal rods Speedpro H860CP Hypereutectic pistons 280 cam hydralic HEI Pro comp 1.6 roller rockers Mighty Demon 750 Sanderson CC1AP Hedders.
Little update on using the razor blade. It's actually going pretty good. Hitting it with the heat gun just enough, but not too much and the paint comes off easy.
Former Member
Send PM
Yelm, WA - USA
Joined: 7/12/2007
Posts: 356
Vette(s): 1979 L82 4 speed Scat 383 crank 190 cc Procomp Aluminum Heads 202 160 stainless valves GM Powder metal rods Speedpro H860CP Hypereutectic pistons 280 cam hydralic HEI Pro comp 1.6 roller rockers Mighty Demon 750 Sanderson CC1AP Hedders.
Garage is attached to the house and it's winter here. Scrapping it off isn't bad though.
Jason, I still don't envy you, although it looks like you're making GREAT progress! Stipping the paint is beyond my comfort zone, so the body shop will be stripping mine. Keep on Truckin'!
Barry
in Forum: C3 Body
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