Re: [VAC] half inch sag and paint removal

[Alexander Kensington <swords@xxxxxxxx>]

Hello Journeyman Jay 

I am just begining to get into my "new" 1966 Safari, and I am reading
your reports with lots of interest. I seem to be free of floor problems,
but noted your term "Elephant Ears" which is new to me. What are these? 

As far as stripping is concerned I can tell you that some compounds
which are labled semi-paste are great for verticle surfaces, but if you
horse those panels out, try a non semipaste (Bix is very good, water
clean up; Cheaper, and seems to go farther as it's thinner) since you
can lay your panels out flat -- well, sort of. Who knows what's in
commercial dipping vats? I'd stay home!

In any event really be sure to get ALL traces of stripper off the
aluminum after your through, especially in the area of rivet holes.
Stripper on alumimum kinda scares me in principle-- sure would hate to
bite, pit or discolor the metal.

BUT to get a little more *oomph* out of stripper, lay it on and cover it
up with wax paper or food film (extra wide saran wrap you get at the
restraurant supply stores) to keep evaporation down to a minimum
(tolulene need to be in the paint you're removing;Not the air you're
breathing), and just let it bite the paint. BEEE Careful not to eat up
the surfaces you're trying to strip. 

Zolatone might yeild to straight lacquer thinner with lots of brushing.
This would be much more gentle on the metal than stripper, but nasty to
work with. Use it outside or you'll be stoned quite quickly! That
Zolatone is weird stuff-- closest thing to checkerd paint ever made! 

Well, My Safari just got dropped off last night (yes I'm shopping for a
tow vehicle!), and I will be going into it today for the first time with
restorative intent. I sure found a peach-- may the gods keep me from
breaking it!!

Good luck -

Alex 
66 safari