What's the best way to uncover old paint?

[drdezmo]

The metal parts on my '77 Jota have been repainted.  I'm looking for suggestions on a good way to remove the top coat.  Then I can color match to the original silver.

Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

[chrisk]

I'd be in contact with someone like this: http://www.xpressstripping.com/new-page-1/

 

[Davo]

I used a guy that does chemical stripping in a vat. Tank came out clean as, inside and out. May not suit you as all the paint came off not just a layer. However, all the colour codes are available on Laverdamania and it is far easier to start with a clean slate on all parts rather than colour matching bits and pieces.

 

[Dellortoman]

Maybe the simplest solution is the best. Scrape a bit of paint off to reveal the colour underneath. Once you have a colour match from that, you can then strip it back to the metal and start again.

 

[chrisk]

: I didn't read the part where he just wanted the top coat off ............... just use some wet and dry and sand down to the silver, you'll only need a few square cm.

 

[Tippie]

Commercial paint stripper from the local hardware is so environmentally friendly now (see UK thread re OHS) that in my experience you are doing well if you can get one layer off at each application. You could try a amall area to test it.

 

[Cosi]

Crash it was my first thought, Like Davo said just use the code , I bet if you give the same guy the same code one month apart you'll get 10 different variations , is silver, you like ? then is good

 

[Grant]

Argent m?tallis? - Metallic Silver

350, 500, 750 SF, 1000, Jota 1976 

Ral 9006 Weisaluminium Lechler 

 

[laverdas]

i presume you are putting it back to standard if so don't paint the front mud guard it should be polished, or you could paint it.
andy

 

[drdezmo]

Thanks all for some great ideas.

I think I'm going to wet sand the top layer off and take a peek.
But instead of color matching, go with the code on Laverdamania.

My letter from Slater's said the bike was originally silver and was one of the bootleg Jota's sent to Lance Weil/Rickey Racer.
I'll probably restore it back to stock, but the gold 3C's of that year really call to me.

Mike