lsdweb
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| posted on 22/2/10 at 06:20 PM |
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Stripping Paint
Hi All
I've just picked up my 'new' Elan and need to strip the paint off down to the gel coat.
What's the best option - sand, scrape or chemical?
Or pay somebody else.... :-)
Regards
Wyn
 
Rescued attachment elan1.jpg
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Valentinik
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| posted on 22/2/10 at 06:32 PM |
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I wouldnt use anything chemical incase it eats into the body itself.
My boss has around 6 or 7 Lotus' he is restoring (why he needs that many i dont know) and whenever he has done any paint work he has used a DA
sander.
Mike
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BenB
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| posted on 22/2/10 at 07:09 PM |
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I also would be very wary of acidic paint strippers. They might well soak into the GRP and do all kind of nasty things to it. And that's even
before you try and paint it and it all leaches out again....
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SeaBass
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| posted on 22/2/10 at 08:12 PM |
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The best way is to get it "walnut shell" blasted by someone who knows what they are doing.
My TVR Vixen shell has been taken back by the PO using a DA sander and is uneven in places which I'll need to rectify before paint.
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Canada EH!
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| posted on 22/2/10 at 08:26 PM |
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Check your local aircraft paint shop, there are special paint removers for GRP that will not penetrate the gelcoat.
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lsdweb
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| posted on 23/2/10 at 07:30 AM |
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Thanks guys - I hadn't thought of walnut shell blasting. I'll start asking around if there's anywhere local doing it.
There are loads of people who have chemically stripped fibreglass cars without problems provided it's done properly
Practical Classiscs and Car Restorer PDF Link
Wyn
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welderman
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| posted on 23/2/10 at 07:50 AM |
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Wyn, you can always grind it away like mine. 
[Edited on 23/2/10 by welderman]
 
Rescued attachment gelcoat grinding.jpg
Thank's, Joe 
I don't stalk people
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/23/viewthread.php?tid=172301
Back on with the Fisher Fury R1
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lsdweb
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| posted on 23/2/10 at 01:53 PM |
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OMG Joe - I really don't want to go there! Although they do say that the only way to find your limit is to go over it........
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TimC
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| posted on 23/2/10 at 02:02 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by welderman
Wyn, you can always grind it away like mine.
[Edited on 23/2/10 by welderman]
Good God Joe! I thought you said your Mate had a bodyshop! Is this payback for stealing his first girlfriend or place in the First XI? Who needs
enemies? 
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