C1 & C2 Corvettes General C1 Corvette & C2 Corvette Discussion, Technical Info, Performance Upgrades, Project Builds, Restorations

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Old Dec 8, 2021 | 12:55 PM
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Hello I am new to the Forum and I just bought a tired 1961 Corvette and wanted to know how is the best way to strip the original paint without damaging the fiberglass? It's basically a 10 footer now but I want to do a full restoration on it.

THX,
Steve
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Old Dec 8, 2021 | 01:06 PM
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Welcome to the Forum, Steve, and congratulations on you C1!
I would recommend asking your paint related question in either the C1/C2 section at https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-1953-1967-21/ and you may also want to post your question in the Paint/Body section at https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/paint-body-138/
Best wishes with your project!
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Old Dec 8, 2021 | 03:35 PM
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Welcome to the forums
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Old Dec 8, 2021 | 03:44 PM
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Thanks!
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Old Dec 8, 2021 | 06:30 PM
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Moved to C1/C2 Corvettes.
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Old Dec 8, 2021 | 07:22 PM
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You can chemically strip, sand or blast it off. Any of these can easily damage fiberglass if you aren’t careful or experienced on how to do it. I prefer chemical for the large flat areas and sanding corners/edges…..I would find some junk panels and practice first….or watch somebody first.
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Old Dec 8, 2021 | 07:37 PM
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If it’s truly lacquer all you need is some new razor blades and time. Start scrapping away
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Old Dec 8, 2021 | 07:43 PM
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Welcome
your going to get a variety of answers
For me - I blast all my customers bodies.
I can have a whole body done, doors, hood, top lid and trunk lid - inside, outside, and underside for 3000 to 3500
It comes back baby butt smooth and I can go right to body work.
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Old Dec 8, 2021 | 08:01 PM
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Just finished mine this year. Bought a 100 pack of razor blades and a scraper. Most areas came completely clean. It left the primer intact so I removed it with lacquer thinner. Some of the sharp curves need to be hand sanded
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Old Dec 8, 2021 | 08:14 PM
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Welcome, you've definitely come to the right place.
I've had Vettes media blasted in the past and it worked out very well and of course it's a ton less work than using razor blades.
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 06:30 AM
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I use a local guy that specializes (even manufacturers the equipment) in soda blasting along with other media. Additionally he's very familiar with corvettes (c1+).
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 07:20 AM
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Originally Posted by 1restoman1
Just finished mine this year. Bought a 100 pack of razor blades and a scraper. Most areas came completely clean. It left the primer intact so I removed it with lacquer thinner. Some of the sharp curves need to be hand sanded
That was my procedure also, but that was several years back. Worked quite well, time consuming, but a retired guy needs something to do anyhow. Not to mention that it will save you likely in the neighborhood of several thousands of dollars . . . . .
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 08:52 AM
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Thanks everyone for the information! I'm sure I'll have some more questions later on!
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 11:34 AM
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Thanks for joining our Forum! Sure hope your restoration gets along in fine order. Many,many good people here to help you, so don't hesitate to ASK. Also, a MUST is PICTURES!! Please post before,during and after ASAP.
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 11:57 AM
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Welcome and whatever you do, don't burry yourself and do something you can't complete.
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 12:02 PM
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Will do on the pictures!
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 01:01 PM
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Razor blades will work well, but make sure you round the corners off with a grinder first.
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