Mopar Muscle Association UK

This is the interior header on my convertible - its a metal stamping with a grain to resemble the plastic parts. I stripped it decades ago at the sandblaster at work cos it's too big for mine, and painted it. Now it has some rust spots from being stored in the roof of my garage

Obviously sanding doesn't get into the grain. Any thoughts on an easy way to strip it and get the paint out of the grain, without removing metal. I tested a strip disc, scotchbrite wheel, fine brass wire brush (works but VERY slow). I also stripped the main surface paint just using thinners (I had it to hand).
Paint stripper is one obvious possibility - what do you think (and if so, are there any that actually work these days?)

Can you not get it sand blasted again.

No, I really need something I can do at home, easily.....bound to be something but thought I'd see if anyone had any genius ideas before I order some random paint stripper......

Removing the paint is ok, but if its rusty and you dont remove it all ? It will come back.

Do you know what paint you painted it in? As if you soak it in standard thinners for a day or so it will soften the paint enough to easily get of. If its cellulose or enamel/ synthetic paint.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/223720122743 ... gItrfD_BwE

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/P0QAAOSw ... -l1600.jpg[/img]

Once the paints off try these

Forget Nitromors and all the other DIY Paint strippers, they are so weak these days they hardly do anything. Car Spares have proper professional paint stripper that will deal with that no problem.

Thanks yes I have plenty of cellulose thinners and it does remove the paint but not so well on the primer (I probably sprayed BondaRust). I also have plenty of the wire brushes you posted, forgot to mention that I used them but they are pretty course and may lose the grain.
Yes I would eradicate all rust.

That sounds like a plan Blue, I thought I'd heard the consumer ones were all rubbish these days! Is this the one you were thinking of (only one on their website) or is it something behind the paint counter (aah the Care Spares paint counter...it's been a while...)
https://www.carspares.co.uk/product/495 ... 500ml.html

Its called pro strip I think Gavin, you have to ask for it at the paint counter as It's not really for sale to the general public..

There are a number of 'professional' paint strippers on ebay - but only look for ones that say 'Danger' and have a skull and crossbones on the tin.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Paint-Stripp ... SwxL5cM20e

If you get brass or plastic wire wheels they shouldn't damage the surface.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silverline-2 ... SwMu5eZnU4

StarChem works well, about 13 Quid a gallon, EuroParts coating wing LKQ sell it through EuroParts,

Thanks all, Since I couldn't get out I ordered some online the other day, gets good reports and is the 'professional' stuff like your suggestions (with proper DCM)...https://www.maxolen.co.uk/power-strip-s ... ltr-25-ltr
Will see how it performs!

if it doesn't work
you could always try spirits of salts

or hydrochloric acid as its is more generally known

will eat gunk and softened paint first
then the metal

do not get it on you or anything else.... it hurts, like you just nail gunned your hand

the fizzing is alarming some of the smells are atrocious

you will need to post wash the parts in bicarbonate of soda or anything alkali
then tap water
then mild phosphoric acid cola or pine door stripper (not so mild, can make your fingers yellow)

to stop flash rust which will come back within an hour


there is danger here

but occasionally needs must

don't use on load bearing stuff it makes the surface brittle which promotes cracks that run

on second thoughts...etc keep the idea for cleaning rusty fuel tanks or removing blood stains from concrete


Dave

Dave999 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 05, 21 3:55 pm on second thoughts...etc keep the idea for cleaning rusty fuel tanks or removing blood stains from concrete

Bit old fashioned but once the paint is off can you use Jenolite rust convertor rather than get too heavy with abrasive. Once repainted and fitted to the car it should not rust again.

Probably too late now but I've found a quick pass over with a blow torch followed with a wire brush and the paint flies off.

Obviously you need to be careful the heat doesn't cause any distortion!