Stripping Walls Advice (while on or off)

[vhariable]

I am working through a shell on restore of our '67 Sovereign and am at the point of needing to remove the inner skin. I would like to strip the walls and will be repainting some areas and polishing other areas. My question is this: should I strip the walls while they are still attached or individually once I have them removed?

[tvanwave]

Originally Posted by vhariable

I am working through a shell on restore of our '67 Sovereign and am at the point of needing to remove the inner skin. I would like to strip the walls and will be repainting some areas and polishing other areas. My question is this: should I strip the walls while they are still attached or individually once I have them removed?

Never done it my self but it seems the job would be easier if you did as much work on the panels as possible while they are attached. Do the small hidden areas once removed. Having the panels in place will elimiate the problem of holding them steady on a work bench and minimize the chance you might bend them during the rigors of stripping, polishing. Just my opinion.

[vhariable]

That was my thought also, but also was thinking that if they could be stripped individually outside in the open air that the process might not be as smelly.

[tvanwave]

Originally Posted by vhariable

That was my thought also, but also was thinking that if they could be stripped individually outside in the open air that the process might not be as smelly.

Many on the forum recommend Citrix stripper. I have used it my self for a re do of kitchen cabinets and the smell was not bad. Plenty of ventilation would be good - windows open and fan on far end drawing air out.

[vhariable]

Where can Citrix be found? Thank you for the information.

[goransons]

If you don't mind some neck aches, you can do it on, but keep in mind its messy, very very messy. tarping things is somewhat effective but the strippers that do a good job on the paint will also eat many plastics that tarps are made of.

[nick6930]

I dont know what is the best way. I used removall 220, similar to Citrix (I think). I got it from vintagetrailersupply.com It has no fumes, it is enviromentally safe and it does not burn your skin. However, it did only a so so job on taking off the zolatone. I painted it on while the panels were up and then powerwashed off the stripper. A hugh mess!!! I took the panels off and plan on finishing the cleaning out on the grass with other strippers.

Good luck

[MDSilverado]

I stripped the inside of my 77 Sovereign...now I know it is vinyl not Zolatone, but I highly suggest you strip the panels in place. I stripped some on the the garage floor and found it much more difficult than stripping in place!

[tvanwave]

Originally Posted by vhariable

Where can Citrix be found? Thank you for the information.

Purchased mine at home depot - but other big box stores may have it too

[vhariable]

I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences! I think I will go for trying to get as much off as possible while the panels are still in place and then finishing them up once they are removed. Will go get some Citrix tomorrow and give it a try.

[SilverHoot]

Originally Posted by vhariable

I am working through a shell on restore of our '67 Sovereign and am at the point of needing to remove the inner skin. I would like to strip the walls and will be repainting some areas and polishing other areas. My question is this: should I strip the walls while they are still attached or individually once I have them removed?

If your 67 is like mine it has vinyl clad aluminum walls. Is this what you are talking about stripping? I have read here on the forum that stripping that vinyl is one heck of a job. I'm probably going to paint some and replace some with new aluminum.

[MDSilverado]

Originally Posted by SilverHoot

If your 67 is like mine it has vinyl clad aluminum walls. Is this what you are talking about stripping? I have read here on the forum that stripping that vinyl is one heck of a job. I'm probably going to paint some and replace some with new aluminum.

If you are stripping vinyl I dont reccomend Citrix. It's just not strong enough. You will need to use the bad stuff (cant remember the name but have a can at home in the garage) and get yourself a organic respirator, gloves, goggles, and old clothes.

[vhariable]

I tried out a small test area today and removing this vinyl is VERY easy! I used Jasco Premium Paint and Epoxy Remover and placed some plastic wrap over the test area for 20 minutes. I then used a plastic scraper to poke a hole into the vinyl and then pulled it away with my hands in one big piece. The Jasco stripper had very little smell in a well ventilated area. What you see in the pictures is just that and I haven't even used any mineral spirits yet as it looks to have removed most of the adhesive as well.

I found the Jasco and plastic wrap recommendations on this thread which turned out to be invaluable. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f39/...alls-2625.html

[vhariable]

UPDATE: I have tried many variations of applying the stripper including making sure there is direct heat, cover with plastic wrap, etc. The real key for me has been just simply making sure there are two really good coats of the stripper. When it is working and I apply the second coat a gummy layer starts to appear as I am brushing on the second coat. I typically brush on a coat and then come right back when I am done with the first coat and apply a second coat. This works each time and even in 50 degree ambient temperatures.

[PINKBIKE]

There is also a product called "peel away"remover which may be over kill for one or two coats of paint,as this is a serious stripper, you putty knife it on,smooth out a bit,cover with the paper that comes with the stripper,let it sit for 24 hours and peel away,what a great concept eh ?

[vhariable]

Now that sounds like work! This process I described above works just perfect to remove the vinyl. I've also found that I can let it sit for as little as 15 minutes after applying the two coats. Then I just poke a hole in it with a plastic scraper and then can usually pull it away in huge sheets...except for the areas that I didn't apply enough of the stripper to. I guess adding some dye to the stripper would be helpful, but sounds like it might be a different type of mess.

[Cambium29]

Adding to this older post but some might find this useful: I'm currently stripping our interior panels in place with Savogran's SuperStrip product. Works pretty good. It only dissolves the adhesive behind the vinyl, not the actual covering so you can pull the vinyl off in one big sheet.

I paint it on, wait 15 minutes, then paint it on again in any areas that haven't "lifted" or bubbled. Get a plastic scraper behind the vinyl and work if off the panel. There is still a bit of residue left behind on the aluminum but that should scrub off.

Wear heavy nitrile gloves--this stuff is nasty and burns skin on contact. Savogran is available at Lowe's, about $30 for a gallon container.