What's the best way to remove old clearcoat?

[uncledj]

I have an 87 Venture Standard that needs the aluminum engine covers polished, but I have to get the old, flaking, yellowed clearcoat off first. Once I get it off, I'll shine it up as best I can, then re-cover it with clearcoat. (spray can)

Any suggestions?

[MasterGuns]

I just used standard paint remover when I restored the engine cases on my 88. Once I polished them out, I used clear high heat engine paint. Turned out really nice.

[cecdoo]

NAPA gasket remover takes it rite off, mask anything you dont want stripped with tape and alum foil. Craig

[petekadish]

I purchased an old Royal which was caught in a garage fire years ago. The heat kinda baked the clear-coat on the front end of the bike and gave it sort of a brass look.

 

To remove the old clear-coat I used a combination of three things. 3M Scotchbrite Pads, Carb or brake cleaner and some Flitz metal polish. Oh yea ..., lots of elbow grease, rags, a long winter and patience

 

Be aware that carb & brake cleaner is pretty caustic stuff. It's hard on skin and will mess-up a lot of things you wished that it didn't get on.

 

I did all the work by hand without removing the parts from the bike,and it was a pretty tedious process. I'm sure that if the parts were removed, someone who had the proper equipment could do it much quicker and easier.

 

Attached are a few pictures of what I had to work with.

 

Good luck!

Pete.

[uncledj]

Looks like the paint or gasket remover is the ticket. I was concerned that it may affect the aluminum, but since y'all have had good luck with it, my fears have subsided.

Thanks.

[Monty]

I hear a lot of people say they use aircraft stripper. Wal-Mart carries it. Comes highly recommended for this application.

[petekadish]

I believe that President Clinton had an Aircraft Stripper on Air-force One, but President Bush decided that she wasn't appropriate. I know that my wife wouldn't approve. So, you might want to just listen to the radio while you work on it to be safe.

 

Pete.

[CrazyHorse]

Aircraft Stripper at auto part stores melts it right off be careful with getting it on your s hands. The store clear coat wont last they use a higher level coating. I powedered coated my covers black.

Edited May 4, 2009 by CrazyHorse