63 safari stripping question #2

[63safari cdn]

i bought some airplane stripper, stuff works great unfortunately i've got 3 coats of paint on the interoir skin, is this normal? The colours are as follows beige, matte white, then beige again. I'm assuming the last layer of paint is a primer. Its difficult to get the primer off and see the aluminiums mirror finish. Should i be sanding the primer off? If so what grit would you suggest. Eventually i want to end up with the mirror finish. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. i should add that the primer is the only coat left.

thanks tyler

I'm a recent 63 safari purchaser, its in terrible shape, but me and my partner are going to get it up and running. i'll post photos when i get them.

[surferstyler]

Before you decide to strip the inside walls down to the aluminum, with hopes of a shiny finish, check this thread. It may change your mind. http://www.airforums.com/forum...ery-21813.html

Also, take a look at my thread on restoring our 72 Overlander. I replaced the aluminum skin on the ceiling in our A/S and it came out great.

Good luck,
Ron

[InsideOut]

In a '63, the 1st coat (directly on the aluminum) is Zolatone - not vinyl like in a 70's model. Zolatone is (was) a speckled epoxy like paint that is very durable. It is still available today, although the forumations & colors are slightly different...they now have a water-based forumla too. Use the search tool to find out more.

Don't sand it off...unless you like a brushed aluminum textured finish...it will be very difficult to get the scratches out if you do. If you will be re-painting the interior, consider Zolatone as an option. One of the benefits is it is slightly textured when applied and will hide any imperfections, unlike normal solid color latex paint. If you want a shiny aluminum interior, keep at ti with the Aircraft Stripper, eventually after several coats, you will get down to the bare aluminum.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

Shari

[cameront120]

I have no advice, my interior is that beautiful 70's vinyl!
Just wanted to say welcome to the forum from North Vancouver. Where did you find your trailer? Do you plan on any trips up Island once your finished restoring it? I'm hoping to be able to bring mine over for a bit of a tour about the island.

Cheers!