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Paint Removal...How's Best?

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AGEN

12-05-2000 09:05:10




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I am about to clean, strip and repaint the Farmall A that I am restoring. I don't have a sandblaster right now but would like to get started cleaning the paint off the tractor (typical faded, maroonish paint). How is best to get the paint off, especially around the block, with all its nooks and crannies, without sandblasting. What about the hood? Is sandpaper the best to use there to prevent etching on the sheetmetal? How did you guys get your clean? Anybody's input and ideas appreciated. Have a good one.

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John C.

12-05-2000 14:48:19




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 Re: Paint Removal...How's Best? in reply to AGEN, 12-05-2000 09:05:10  
What do you more experienced restorers think of the rust converter products? Supposedly they can convert small areas of rust into a stable compound that can be painted. Thanks for your thoughts..... .....



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Hilltopper

12-05-2000 16:34:07




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 Re: Re: Paint Removal...How's Best? in reply to John C., 12-05-2000 14:48:19  
I use the Rust-Mort (phosphoric acid) on easily painted areas. The rust converter in the spray can is used where you cannot sand or brush. I have "dumped" old paint into these areas after using converter and before the final overall coat.Pour out the excess so it will dry and not dam up creating a water trap. (Used a lot of this on 70's model trucks. You could sit and watch them rust.)



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John C.

12-05-2000 17:24:30




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 Re: Re: Re: Paint Removal...How's Best? in reply to Hilltopper, 12-05-2000 16:34:07  
Thanks for your comments. Happy Holidays..... ..



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Hilltopper

12-05-2000 14:06:48




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 Re: Paint Removal...How's Best? in reply to AGEN, 12-05-2000 09:05:10  
They are right about the oven cleaner. Paint stripper is to fast unless you cover it with thin plastic. Either way the oven cleaner is best and cheapest. Spray on and cover with plastic bags, etc. over night. Wash off the muck. You should light sand all rust and then apply phosphoric acid(Rust-Mort Brand) (weak solution). A little rust left on does not hurt as the acid "converts" it. For places where you cannot paint,(fender folds etc.) spray rust converter. (available at NAPA) The parts will darken overnight and you can leave the parts unpainted for quite a while if kept inside. A good primer sealer compatible with your paint can be applied immediately and the slightly glossy finish will show up all those little dings that seem to appear AFTER you paint. The bondo will stick tightly to the primer sealer. If you have a big hole, Corvette body panel adhesive(a super tough bondo) will take care of it. I help restore old cars and this is what we do when sandblasting is not an option. The Corvette adhesive works well in old rusty car trunks. Don't let anyone touch your parts, if they have any grease at all on their fingers it will come back to haunt you. I learned the hard way! Good luck.

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Jon

12-05-2000 14:03:11




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 Re: Paint Removal...How's Best? in reply to AGEN, 12-05-2000 09:05:10  
On my 400 I soaked it down in kerosene good, then took a pressure washer to it and it took most all the grease and gunk off. Then, I took a wire wheel on an angle grinder to EVERYTHING(took a long time) and got everything down to a smooth metal surface. Then primered and painted and I think it came out well. I've also heard of useing a steam jenny to take grease, dirt and paint off all at once.

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H MN

12-05-2000 12:11:12




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 Re: Paint Removal...How's Best? in reply to AGEN, 12-05-2000 09:05:10  
Agen: Be sure to check out the past posts over to the left side of this screen under Research & Info. Click open both 'Search this site' and Article Archives....use search words related to painting....tons of info. harvey



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sammy the RED

12-05-2000 10:01:10




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 Re: Paint Removal...How's Best? in reply to AGEN, 12-05-2000 09:05:10  
1] Scrape off old junk build up.
2] Spray with lemon scented, no fume oven cleaner.
3] Power wash.
4] Wire brush. Power or hand.
5] Use paint stripper, putty knife and screw driver where needed.
6] Sand with 80 or 100 grit.
7] Sand with 150 or 200 grit.
8] Sand with 280 or 325 grit.
9] Repair nicks and dents.
10] Bottom coat.
11] Top coat.
12] Good luck.



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AGEN

12-05-2000 11:14:17




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 Re: Re: Paint Removal...How's Best? in reply to sammy the RED, 12-05-2000 10:01:10  
Thanks. The sanding grits will help. I know "flash" rust can be a problem very quickly after paint removal. Will a day or two of sitting unpainted create a rust problem (this is in central Texas...not too humid, but still). Thanks. All opinions wanted and appreciated.



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MikeH-Tx

12-05-2000 14:53:05




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 Re: Re: Re: Paint Removal...How's Best? in reply to AGEN, 12-05-2000 11:14:17  
AGEN, where in Central Texas is it not too humid??? Must be a different CT than Austin. Only place worse is Houston.

:-)

btw, I have used EZoff oven cleaner on two tractors now. Works great, but takes about $20 worth to do the whole thing. Shortens the wirebrushing, but doesn't eliminate it.



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AGEN

12-05-2000 15:09:04




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Paint Removal...How's Best? in reply to MikeH-Tx, 12-05-2000 14:53:05  
Well, I guess you got a point there MikeH. I'm in Carmine, about an hour to your East on 290. I just meant that right now it isn't too humid, compared to what is in in the summer anyway. Think I'll try the oven cleaner bit, sounds popular and successful. Thanks



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Red Dave

12-05-2000 09:55:57




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 Re: Paint Removal...How's Best? in reply to AGEN, 12-05-2000 09:05:10  
There are several opinions on this, but it depends a lot on the condition of the tractor to start with. If the tractor is not too rusty, paint removers are ok, if there is rust then that has to be removed too, and sand blasting may be the way to go. Be careful with sand blasting because the sand will get everywhere. If you are not careful, it will push through seals and gaskets into places you don't want it. I have a body shop sand blast my sheet metal because if you get too aggressive with it, you can distort thin metal parts. Sandblasting is one of those things that is not hard to do, but, it is also not hard to ruin things if you are not careful with it. I use a wire wheel on a grinder and a pneumatic needle gun on the castings, and yes it takes a while. The thing is, you may have to use more than one method based on the condition of the tractor. Be sure to get the rust underneath the old paint. Whatever method you choose, remember that most of the old paint (and some of the new) contains lead. I recommend that you wear a respirator with a HEPA or P100 filter and disposable coveralls. Leave them outside so you don't bring the lead dust inside to loved ones.

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Denny

12-05-2000 09:25:05




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 Re: Paint Removal...How's Best? in reply to AGEN, 12-05-2000 09:05:10  
I used to work with a guy who used Oven Cleaner to clean & de-grease engine blocks. Never tried it myself. He said it took oil, grease AND Paint down to bare iron. Left it a nice reddish brown too. RUST!



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