Removing paint from what I think are fiberglass interior panels

[jtfx6552]

I'm restoring a 65 Mustang Fastback.

I'd like to strip the interior panels which are some sort of plastic or fiberglass and repaint them. Some have "grain" some do not.

Most of the searches on Mustang specific sites say to use Easy -Off oven cleaner with lye.

I'm of the opinion that internet lore loves to use things meant for one thing as a different thing as if it's some sort of secret magic solution to a problem. Personally I think there's a better chance that actual paint stripper will work better than oven cleaner.

Any suggestions? I really want to preserve the grain and don't want anything that needs an abrasive to work the stripper.

 

[64avanti]

Are you sure you want to strip them? There are special paints that stick extremely well to that type of plastic, without filling in the grain. I suggest some internet search is in order.

If you do decide to strip, be careful. Whatever you use, test it on the back in an inconspicuous spot. Methylene chloride stripper will melt most plastics; oven cleaner may or may not.

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

Dont think its fiberglass. That is plastic and it's not painted, it dyed plastic. You will have issues maintaining the grain and trying to repair any scratches or divots etc.
If you do anything you are filling the grain some.

Best thing and safest would be to soda blast it if it is painted (which I doubt) or give it a thorough detergent wash, test a piece to see if it needs ad-pro then ad-pro if necessary and use an interior paint like PPG DBI.

 

[jtfx6552]

Are you sure you want to strip them? There are special paints that stick extremely well to that type of plastic, without filling in the grain. I suggest some internet search is in order.

If you do decide to strip, be careful. Whatever you use, test it on the back in an inconspicuous spot. Methylene chloride stripper will melt most plastics; oven cleaner may or may not.

The paint that's on there is from a rattle can, done by me in the late 70s, lol. I'm 99% sure it will wrinkle with any modern material.

I was wondering if a quick wipe with lacquer thinner would wipe that off leaving the factory stuff from the 60s. MaybeI should try that.

 

[20mercury]

Just did this job on some 72 Corvette interior parts. Need to do some more interior parts from a 68 Corvette.

Even though yours is a 65 Mustang, I would bet all from this vintage autos used similar materials.

I first did a multible Dawn dishwashing liquid wash, then after through dry, a vinyl plasticizer to facilitate adhesion. And finally an interior paint (or some might call it a dye). Photos below. On some pieces that I know had likely been rattle can sprayed before, the vinyl prep plasticizer wipe took the old stuff right off.

Comes out great and seems to be a durable finish.

No way would I wipe with a solvent or oven cleaner or lye as I would be afraid that would deteriorate the vintage plastic. If you have a need for a vinyl patch, you can buy a vinyl repair kit and they come with textured paper to simulate a textured interior plastic.

My 2 cents. Hope this might help.

 

[MJM]

If it is indeed plastic, not much can be done with the exceptions of what Chris or 20mercury suggested without wrecking the factory tecture. If it was mine, I would lightly sand it with some 180 or 220. Then I would wrap it with some gator grain ( either real leather, or stretchable vinyl)

There was a thread on here from a member who's name escapes me at the moment ( I believe he was restoring a Rivera (sp) ) but, he wrapped his interior in leather. It came out awesome.

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

The paint that's on there is from a rattle can, done by me in the late 70s, lol. I'm 99% sure it will wrinkle with any modern material.

I was wondering if a quick wipe with lacquer thinner would wipe that off leaving the factory stuff from the 60s. MaybeI should try that.

I was just going by how they are factory. I would be scared wiping it with any sort of strong solvent if it is plastic. Especially old plastic. Might try testing in an inconspicuous place first. I would try a grey scotchbrite pad and sanding paste as well. If you have rattlecan paint on their it might be all that's needed to take it off. If you know of a place near you that can soda blast it, that would be ideal. Then use Ad-Pro and an interior paint like PPG DBI. SEM like Mercury posted may work well too.

 

[64avanti]

Lacquer thinner will probably remove it, but it may melt the plastic. Try it on the back side. You'll know right away if it is safe to use.

If it works, I wouldn't flood the surface, just wipe it quickly.

Keep us posted.

 

[jtfx6552]

I took some picture of the back. The color is definitely not molded in. I tried some lacquer thinner on the front in a spot that ends up behind the seat, takes the paint off, but slowly. Doesn't seem to affect the substrate.

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

Looks like fiberglass. Surprising. Good luck with it. Hope it turns out well for you.

 

[64avanti]

It does look like fiberglass. Try flooding a hidden spot with thinner.