Eyebrow and tail trim panel restoration/stripping

[rjbsj]

Finally, getting around to starting restoration on some trim pieces for my 69 Coronet. Originally a 440 package, but I will be doing a Super Bee clone. I need to strip the black paint off, clean and repaint in the correct design for the super bee.

First question, what would be the best way (easiest if possible) to strip the black paint off of the aluminum pieces. I tried acetone and it won’t really touch it. I did place a soaked rag of acetone over one section of the eyebrow and it did remove the paint but discolored the aluminum pretty bad (see close up). I guess I can repolish or probably repaint the aluminum prior to doing the black color in the new design but didn’t know if there was a better way. The paint on the eyebrows almost seem like a gel/thick plastic paint and is very difficult to get off. Tried to use a razor blade, but it seems like that would scar up the aluminum pretty bad.

Second question, once paint is stripped and aluminum polished, if it doesn’t polish up clean, can I repaint the aluminum? I’ve seen people recommend an “Argent” that matches the aluminum pretty well.

Finally, once everything is painted and finished, should I seal it in any type of way to protect the paint?

Thank you in advance
Ryan

 

[dadsbee]

Fully covered in my Bee restoration thread... all 68 hours of work.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

IF you can find it, a paint stripper with methylene chloride (aka dichloromethane) work best (causes cancer too). My 2nd choice would be a 1:1 mix of toluene or xylene with MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)

 

[rjbsj]

Fully covered in my Bee restoration thread... all 68 hours of work.

Oh, believe me, I’ve seen that restoration thread. I’m very impressed and intimidated at the same time lol. If mine were an original super bee that’s definitely the route I would take, but was hoping I could find something a little simpler, maybe not. Main reason I went with a clone was because I wanted the look of a super bee, but with more creature comforts, different engine, etc. Definitely wouldn’t want to mess up an original to make it the way I wanted. I respect these cars too much to do that.