I picked up an 82 z28 with 56000 miles on it. Perfect condition, but it has nasty painted pinstripes everywhere. They gotta go!

I scoured the web for solutions and here is what I've tried with zero success.
- oven cleaner - let soak for 1, then 2, then 10mins - did nothing.
- lacquer thinner - same story

The stripes are definitely on top of the clear coat. But they seem invincible. Anyone heard of this? Is sanding really my only option at this point?

 

This will do it and wont damage the paint
http://www.googleadservices.com/page...el.php&cad=rja

 

Just to double check - this works on painted stripes correct?

 

No, it won't. Solvent or sand and buff are about the only option. Dangerous if you don't know what the substrate is.

 

You can't really "remove" painted pinstripes. Well, of course you can always sand and start over, but you can't simply remove them. That eraser wheel is for removing vinyl graphics.

 

Let's see photos. Maybe we'll think they don't look bad.

 

I would try removing them with like 1500/ 2000 grit sandpaper very carefully. I'm no expert but that's probably your best bet. Use too stron of a chemical on it and you destroy the paint under it too. Which would be bad

 

Can you post some photos......
Hopefully you will be able to sand them off without hitting the actual car. Then trying to blend that area in with a DA Sander and polish of some kind.


Try it in a inconspicuous area and you will know if its feasible or not.
If not then in the end you might have to prep the entire car for paint. That means being able to sand them off if its not possible the other way.


Unfortunately most only have two options when it comes to paint.
A Maaco or a shop costing thousands.......

 

I'm going to give some very cautious wet sanding a try today with 1000 grit. Pray for me haha

 

Not an inconspicuous area is there.
Nice looking car though.

 

If they were painted over the factory clear coat, and not clear coated themselves, then you should be able to sand them off with 1500+ sand paper and buff the factory clear coat.

 

You are correct.The pin stripe are butt ugly.But your Camaro looks super nice.Your best solution is to have a professional paint shop remove them.

 

Mask off the surrounding area. Set up running water over the area. Get the best paper available. Go slow. Squeegee and dry the area, viewing it under good light.

If it was done over a healthy, thick, clearcoat, what you want to do is possible but time consuming.

Cheap wet/dry paper will waste your time. If you take it to a shop, they will probably be far more interested in a full repaint than you. Good luck.

 

If they are just decals I took mine off with a hair dryer, and water/rag.

 

I'd try lacquer thinner first. Test a spot in an inconspicuous area that's related to the area your working (fender=fender, door=door). If color comes off then don't use it. If it's clean then use it sparingly and carefully.

 

I really didn't notice them at first and then I thought "man, what's that weird reflection of?.....OH!"

 

There is no factory clear coat if this is the original paint. Clear coat started in 1986. With the lower body stripes missing, the car may have been repainted. The striping may be under the clear if the car had a base coat/clear coat repaint.

 

Sorry if these uploaded out of order, but it looks a lot better now!!! Wet sanded with 1500 grit, then buffed with Meg's ultimate compound. Not perfect, but it's a million times better imo

 

That's a pretty good job,Looks good.

 

Looks good! Glad it worked out for you

 

Wow, nice job!

 

If you removed them with 1500, you may need to smooth it out more with 2000 before using compound. The entire panel should be compounded for an even look.

 

Good job sir

 

Very nice.

 

My Step mom has worked in a Kenworth dealership since 1982 and I've seen a hundred trucks come in with pinstripes over the years and watched the body guys just sand them away lol!

I second the sanding with a higher grit to get the best quality.

 

Nicely done!