jotto

Hi all,
The trim around my T tops, the windshield and also the rear screen for that matter was painted at some time and is now in a poor state. Under the paint, the metal looks good with no major dents or marks.

What is the best way to remove the paint and polish up the metal? I was thinking of a very fine wet and dry paper ( perhaps 1500/2000 ).

Can the trim be removed easily from the T tops? Would make cleaning and painting alot easier.

TIA.

corvetteload

You ask "easily", Im sure you know nothing is easy on these beasts!!!! Honestly, if that trim, stainless and/or chrome was painted, that paint was probably not done properly, so its adhesion to the trim should be minimal. In other words, I'm surprised it hasn't flaked off by know. If it has started to flake, maybe you could use a plastic scraper and chip it off...just a suggestion, since removal might lead to a full teardown and restoration (trying to save you heartaches and money)

Easy Mike

Try lacquer thinner and a rag.

Lon Wayne

I would use a natural Orange paint remover ,smells good and then just polish with mothers metal polish. I tape off the paint And the windshield and just leave the trim piece showing. I use the blue tape, trim the chrome piece like you were getting ready to paint it . it keeps your T-Top paint un scratched.
Trying to remove the metal might make it so it could not be put back on and look good . it might tweek it to say.I would do all the work right on the car.
I would not use and sand paper if they are as clean as you say.

427basketcase

Like mentioned erlier, the part was probably not prepped real well if it is flaking.
If it was my car, here is what I would do.. carfully run a sharp razor blade around the trim, in other words make sure the paint on the t-top is seperated from the trim, and cutting it will do just that. Then when you're sure it is cut, take the stickiest duct tape you can find and stick it to just the trim, then remove the tape and see just how much paint pulled off, repeat this a few times and work it from there.
I had onother car that the jambs were poorly prepped and painted and I discovered by accident how much can be removed with tape, I ended up removing 95% of the old paint with masking tape.

mikejpss

Tape off the areas NOT effected. Use paint thinner (sparingly) with scoth brite . I would NOT use sandpaper, unless it was 2000 grit and only as a last resort.

Ralphbf

000 Steel Wool.

If it's too hard Lacquer thinner and a rag. Then polish with the steel wool.

Ralph

7T1vette

If all the bright metal trim is painted, you might be better off removing it and stripping with a chemical stripper. Then, you can do any re-sealing of the framework that needs to be done prior to re-installation. A car with that much age needs a re-seal anyway.

CQRT

Just did it and used a little painters blue tape to protect the paint- no chemicals needed.

Ralphbf

So the steel wool did the trick?