Just getting started on my project and need some advice on how best to: 1. remove the red primer off the body.
2. remove paint and what looks like undercoating off the engine comp.
3. remove glue etc. from interior floors.
Look like a previous owner used a chemical stripper of some sort to do most of the body. Not sure if there's an easier way. Some have suggested aircraft stripper. I've looked in to soda blasting with its pros/cons. Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

Ken--

For my '73, I used chem strippers (combo of citristrip and Aircraft Fiberglass Stripper) to remove the paint... Actually, wife and mother-in-law did the stripping... Some areas took a couple of applications, and when we got to the factory primer, they used lacquer thinner/scotchbrites to get all the primer off down to bare glass... Very tedious, but they seemed to enjoy helping me ;-) Very lucky!!!

Same process was used in the engine compartment, interior, and complete undercarriage... Went through probably 5-6 gallons of stripper and a 5 gallon pail of thinner...

Some folks sand the primer off and some use the thinner method... Not really seen a soda blasted car... I wouldn't hesitate to do the engine compartment or underneath with the blaster, but would not do the exterior body panels until I heard from Dub or another pro on the site saying it would not hurt the glass...

Rogman

 

Thanks,
I've been using razors to remove the last of the top coat (blue). That works.
For the red primer, I'm using aircraft stripper. The first application takes about 70% of it off. The second about 1/2 the remaining 30%. I'll try the lacquer thinner/scotchbrites next as this is getting time consuming.
Haven't even tackled the engine compartment yet. Ugh.

After talking with a few soda blasting companies in my area (north Jersey) I've concluded you can use soda blasting to remove exterior paint from corvettes if:
1. the operator has experience soda blasting corvettes
2. the operator has quality equipment (a $750 gun that has a silver dollar size pattern is a whole lot better than a $75 gun with a pea size pattern.)
3. use low pressure, 15-20 psi.
4. The operator takes his time and uses multiple passes to remove the paint if needed
5. Not necessary, but SuperK soda is PH balanced and safer for Fiberglass
6. The surface is thoroughly washed with soap and water to remove soda residue.
7. Use Holdtight 102 to wash metal surfaces after soda blasting to reduce flash rusting.

Two companies estimated $1650 - 1800 to soda blast the exterior of a corvette.

Next car, I'm writing a check.....

 

Brown Scotchbrite & lacquer thinner to get the last primer off. Propane torch and razor blade to get the undercoating.

Wash everything thoroughly with water and dawn before doing any body work.

 

Thanks Zwede. I tried it today. The lacquer thinner and brown scotchbrites work great. That makes the last step before washing easy.
Ken

 

Be sure to let the panels sit and outgass for a few days before putting any filler or primer on it. You want to be sure there are no chemicals left to come and haunt you later.

I know what you're saying with "next time I'll write a check"!!!