Removing overspray from plastic and rubber

DDS · 05-03-2001, 06:00 AM

I've got every single part off the the car, and am in the process of stripping and detailing the little trim bits and mouldings as the body shop welds in the new sail panels and gets the car ready for paint.

How do I get the PO's overspray off the little plastic parts - ie those circular range-burner like plugs in the door post, the plastic cups in the rear trunk for the top latches, etc, etc, etc, etc.... and etc. TIA.

Dave

SteveStromberg · 05-03-2001, 06:29 AM

Use Acetone and clean soft rags.Steve

jabb · 05-03-2001, 06:33 AM

If you use Acetone.... Use rubber gloves
and a Resperator.

------------------

Joe A.
84 911 Targa
75 914/6 3.0

bowlsby · 05-03-2001, 09:06 AM

Acetone is harsh stuff...especially on some plastics, which might disintegrate in it...try other chemicals/solvents first.

Paint thinner
Simple green
Gasoline
Rubbing alcohol
Bleach

I hear bleach works well on the plastic cups in the rear trunk for the top latch recesses, but I haven't tried it yet.

Soak them for awhile if you need to.

DDS · 05-03-2001, 07:01 PM

Thanks! Acetone is the stuff to hit the paint. It works fast and didn't attack those pockets from the trunk or those little vent things in the door post. It did slightly soften the round plugs for the front trunk, but it zapped the paint so fast it wasn't a problem.
I've tried some of the other suggestions before and may try the bleach on the cups from the trunk to see if it will whiten them. Why not?
thanks again for the help.

Dave

campbellcj · 05-03-2001, 08:46 PM

I usually utilize single-edged razor blades for this type of detailing instead of/in addition to chemicals. Powerful solvents will get the overspray off, but will also remove paint in "undesired" areas if you have any little "accidents" (drips), and can discolor trim pieces too.

I simply spray painted the little white/translucent cups in the rear trunk; hokey, I know, but they look better than they did before.

derwhite · 05-04-2001, 07:46 PM

Try brake fluid on rubber. In addition to
taking overspray paint and other stuff off,
it is great for leaving the rubber dark
black, soft and new looking. Wipe in on,
let it set for 15 or so min. and wipe off.
Use longer and vary time to see how it works.
I used brake fluid on the front and rear rubber bumper covers on my 76 914 2.0, worked great, made the bumpers look new and
very black.

Charlie White
Scottdale, Arizona