What is the best exterior stripper?

[ckandck]

Help! I am new to this and to AS ownership. I have a 1965 Caravel that I just acquired. My grandfather owned it for years (was actually the 2nd owner). My parents have had it the last several years and it just sits there. I researched a little and decided I would polish the exterior. My mom said "it shouldn't be a problem, it doesn't have a clearcoat on it". Well 17 hours into polishing through clearcoat I decided maybe mom is mistaken on this one. Now I have tried a few different strippers from the hardware store which do not touch the clearcoat. Has me wondering is this clearcoat or is this oxidation. I can't really find any pictures to tell me. So, I researched more and am understanding that aircraft remover is what should be used. I have seen the have rust-o-leum brand aircraft remover at Auto Zone. Is this the right stuff? Is there something better that can or should be used. Am I doing something wrong? Please help me with this. The picture posted is after about 4 hours of polishing.

[Silvertwinkie]

Her name is Chantrell.

Sorry too good to pass up. I am sure someone has a far more real and better answer.

[Lance M]

It looks like clear coat to me. I have also tried nearly every brand of "remover" AKA stripper. What works best for me is the Jasco brand stripper. I think it is named Bubbles? Just kidding.

[InsideOut]

To determine if you do still have clear coat:

• wash a small test area with warm soapy water
• let it dry
• take a tiny dab of toothpaste and gently rub it on the clean skin with your finger
• if it turns black > no clearcoat
• if it doesn't turn black > there is still intact clearcoat

Shari

[AIR-Quarius]

Get some zip strip remover to get the clear coat off.

[toastie]

The best RemovAll 220

[mimiandrews]

Rustoleum's Aircraft Stripper from AutoZone worked fine for our clear coat.

Parts of our trailer had the clear coat intact and in need of stripping, and part had the clear coat completely gone from years in the sun. The oxidation was the same color as the "dead" clear coat nearby. We could tell the difference once we applied the stripper--no bubbles, no clear coat. Do the toothpaste test in several places before you spend money on stripper.

[cuyeda]

I tried Citristrip, I have tried Jasco. Both these will bubble the paint, but it in the end, it did not penetrate enough, even after several applications. What worked for me was this:



Please note my trailer was painted, and had zinc primer that was tough to penetrate. It was a tougher job than removing just a clear coat.

[REDSLED88]

Have you done it yet cuyeda?
I saw that trailer, didn't want to drive 10 hours to get it.
I ended up with this one:
(Still took me 8 there, 8 back)
Plus mine has some major rust from living on the Northern Ca coast for 35 years! But the prices was right, and I like that size/year.
TIMK

[cuyeda]

Originally Posted by REDSLED88

Have you done it yet cuyeda?
I saw that trailer, didn't want to drive 10 hours to get it.
I ended up with this one:
(Still took me 8 there, 8 back)
Plus mine has some major rust from living on the Northern Ca coast for 35 years! But the prices was right, and I like that size/year.
TIMK

Yes, all stripped, and no hidden bondo! Torsion axle being installed. Although it was an effort to strip the paint, the aluminum is in great condition.

[REDSLED88]

Yeah, I don't think I'll be so lucky. My '58 is stripped, but some of the panels were oxidized through.

Send some pics of the '58! How about the interior, are you stripping that also?

Why a torsion axle? You don't like the leaf springs/straight dexter setup?

Thanks in advance,

TIMK

[slowmover]

Wonder what happened to the OP. Think maybe Shane (The Pill) got him to try the frozen C02/propane torch "dent removal" trick?

[jleric]

I am wondering about the truck stop acidized wash. Truckers appear happy with results to the aluminum trailer. I know theirs is without clearcoat.I have damage to the clearcoat and would like to try this method and then seal it with a good waxing.Has anyone tried this with their AS?